Recently I have been introduced to a media movement called Rachel’s Challenge. Rachel has moved people particularly students from middle school to high school. Rachel was a high school student at Columbine High School. She was having lunch outside drawing when she was shot dead. Rachel Joy Scott was the first person to die during the Columbine massacre. She has brought change throughout the United States with her journals and positive message from the grave. When she was 13 years old she drew her hand in the journal and wrote these special words “These hands belong to Rachel Joy Scott and will someday touch millions of people’s hearts.” Her family mentions that she knew her life would come to an end way too soon. In her lifetime she was a voice for change in the way people see other people. She recognized those situations when other students needed a friend, a smile, or just a good morning. This movement is a change for those students that are bullied or treated wrongly because of their looks, color, or special needs. In this movement there are 5 challenges that are requested from those in this movement.
1. Look for the best in others.
2. Dream big.
3. Choose positive influences.
4. Speak with kindness.
5. Start your own chain reaction.
These five challenges have spread through videos, instagram, twitter, and facebook. Beyond the grave she is challenging middle and high school students to be the change of injustice. Recently, this movement has come to the school I teach in Ranum Middle School. These students are starting to use social media as a way of complimenting students who may not get a positive word throughout their day. This Instagram account is being used as a platform for change.
Social change does not always have to be on a global scale. Young adults have a voice and have the means to promote change in their small piece of the word. By using social media they are creating a chain reaction of love and kindness to all. They believe that the killing needs to stop and change for kindness needs to start now.