T.A. Barron's Blog, page 2

My Life As A Story (Still Being Written)

Life is the greatest story of all — a tale we each have the privilege to write. In this reflective piece, originally published in the Rhodes Scholar Bulletin, I share how my own story has unfolded, from early adventures and unexpected detours to the lifelong pursuit of writing and purpose. Along the way, I’ve found that the best chapters are often the ones we never could have planned.

My Life as a Story (Still Being Written)

Reflections for Rhodes Scholars bulletin
February 2022

Maybe it’s the result of many years as a full-time writer… but I tend to see life as a story. A story that each one of us gets to write. We are given a certain amount of material, some dramatic moments, a few major surprises, one or two great mysteries, some memorable punch lines, and (let’s hope) a bit of guiding light from enduring values. Put all that together and we have a story that’s uniquely our own.

What sort of story will we write? Will it be tragic and sorrowful, darkly humorous, or meaningful and inspiring? Anything is possible.

Back when we were together at Oxford in the 1970s, I had no clue about my story. What it would be about was impossible to imagine. All I could do was focus on the current chapter, which had elements of a failed romance, a musical comedy, and a fantasy adventure. There was no point in trying to outline the next few chapters — I was in my 20s and everything seemed in flux. All I knew was how much more there was to learn about life. And also that my best teachers were friendships, gratitude, curiosity, sense of wonder, and my longing to travel to wild places around the globe.

Several more chapters came in rapid succession — amazing adventures in Asia and Africa, a huge stack of rejection letters from the publishers who saw my first novel, time studying law and business, a decade in the realm of private equity and venture capital (a realm more bizarre than the plot of my rejected fantasy novel). Oh yes, and there were more romances — some painful, some surprising, and one that was wonderfully uplifting (with the woman who has been my wife now for 36 years). Then came a whole new chapter: As president of the firm, I surprised folks by resigning, hoping to give another try to my dream of becoming a writer. That was three decades ago — and more than 30 books ago. (Plus many international editions and a movie project that has had more lives than a magical cat.)

But the best chapters were still to come. I’ve loved being a dad (and now a granddad), serving many NGOs in conservation and education, encouraging aspiring writers, founding a few programs for outstanding young people, learning to play marimba, and doing what I can to help our troubled world.

And yet… I’m still very aware of how much more there is to learn about life. And still not quite sure how to describe the story I’m writing. Maybe the next few chapters will tell.

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Musings on Mortality

Today, I’d like to share with you all a passage from my journals from 2021 — a musing that was actually written deep in the middle of the pandemic when there was a lot of suffering and a lot of darkness and hardship for people everywhere, which lead me to think more about mortality and how precious and vulnerable life really is.

Musings on Mortality

Let’s always remember the brevity of life. Sure, that awareness is enough to make us sad… but it also reminds us of the gift, the wonder, the miracle of it all.

The question is not “why is life so short?” but rather “what am I going to do with my one, brief, beautiful life?”

Long ago, I realized that the fact of mortality gives us all a choice: We can live our lives in fear of death, or in denial of death. Or, whatever happens in our lives, whatever the world throws at us — we can choose to see our finite lives as a lovely, magical gift — our one-time opportunity to be all that we can be. To explore and discover. To smell apple blossoms in springtime. To love fully and freely. To do whatever good we can for the world. To tell our own unique story.

With every passing day, I feel increasingly grateful for the gift of life. It has inspired me to grow in surprising ways. It has brought enduring meaning, great challenges, fresh baked bread, and true love. And it has led me to find sources of hope and renewal that still inspire me every day.

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The Magic of Storytelling: Why I Write Fantasy

Every time I sit down to write, I’m reminded of the profound gift storytelling offers us. Through stories, we connect with each other, explore universal truths, and, most importantly, expand our imaginations. Fantasy, in particular, opens doors to limitless possibilities, allowing us to step into worlds filled with wonder, mystery, and meaning.

Why Fantasy?

With all the magic of the natural world around me, why do I create new worlds when I pick up my pen? Some of the reasons I write fantasy are probably the same reasons why so many people read it. What’s more exhilarating than traveling to an enchanted realm, uncovering lost civilizations, or discovering the true power of magic?

But fantasy is about more than escape — it is a way to better understand ourselves and our place in the world. By bending reality, we shine light on truths that might be harder to recognize in our everyday lives. When Merlin struggles to harness his magic, when Promi wrestles with his fate in Atlantis, when Tamwyn searches for his purpose, these journeys reflect our own quests for identity, meaning, and belonging.

The Art of Worldbuilding

To make fantasy feel real, a writer must create a world that is both magical and believable. Every detail matters — the geography, the creatures, the cultures, even the way magic itself functions. The best fantasy worlds feel as though they’ve always existed, just waiting for us to explore them.

For me, worldbuilding is a joyful challenge. I’ve spent years imagining places like Fincayra, Avalon, and Atlantis, weaving together landscapes, histories, and mythologies. But the key is not just in the grandeur of these worlds — it’s in their small, intimate details. The scent of salt air on a coastal breeze, the hum of an ancient oak tree, the glimmer of light on a wizard’s staff — these are the elements that make a fantasy world come alive.

Characters That Feel Real

A world, no matter how dazzling, is only as compelling as the characters who inhabit it. Fantasy works best when its characters are fully realized — flawed, courageous, struggling, growing. They must face challenges that test their beliefs and force them to evolve.

Merlin’s journey, for instance, is not just about discovering magic — it’s about understanding himself. He makes mistakes. He questions his path. He feels fear, grief, and doubt. But through those struggles, he becomes the legend we know.

This is what makes fantasy resonate so deeply. Even in the most extraordinary settings, characters experience emotions and dilemmas that feel real. Their journeys mirror our own, reminding us that growth, transformation, and even a little magic are possible.

The Power of Imagination

One of the greatest gifts of fantasy is that it nurtures imagination. It encourages us to dream beyond what we know, to ask “what if,” to see the world with fresh eyes. Imagination is not just for children — it is essential for all of us, at any age. It fuels creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.

I believe that when we engage with fantasy, we are exercising a vital part of our minds — the ability to envision something new, to explore the unknown, to embrace wonder. And in a world that sometimes feels too rigid, too constrained by what is practical or expected, imagination is an act of courage.

Your Own Story Awaits

Every reader brings their own imagination to a story, making it uniquely theirs. That is the true magic of storytelling. A book is more than ink and paper — it is a doorway. And when we step through, we embark on our own journey of discovery.

So whether you are venturing into the forests of Avalon, standing on the shores of Atlantis, or simply dreaming of lands yet unknown, I hope you find inspiration in the boundless possibilities of fantasy. After all, the greatest adventures often begin with the turn of a page.

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Merlin’s Advice to Newlyweds

In 2018, I had the joy of writing a letter for a couple just beginning their journey together — a letter filled with hopes, magic, and heartfelt wishes.Today, I’m delighted to share those same words with you.

Love, much like magic, is a powerful force. It has the ability to transform, to heal, and to inspire. It grows when nurtured and deepens with time, much like two trees whose roots intertwine beneath the soil.

Though this letter was written for newlyweds, its message goes beyond any single moment. Whether you are stepping hand-in-hand into a new chapter or have already traveled many seasons together, may these words remind you of the wonder in the world around you and the strength you find in each other.

May love — and all its quiet, magical moments — guide your story forward.

Below, you’ll find the original letter, inspired by the wisdom of Merlin, the courage of Rhia, and the ever-enthusiastic spirit of their friend Shim. 

Merlin’s Advice to Newlyweds

Dear Newlywed Couple,

In the spirit of Merlin and Rhia, I am wishing you the very best in all the ways that matter most!

May you have many wondrous, indeed magical, times together. And may you grow closer and closer with the years, so that your hearts entwine as the branches of two trees that are equally strong and beautiful.

What advice for a good life would Merlin have for you? My guess is that he would say this:

Reach out to hold the hand of someone you love. Feel the peace of a summer night when the wind whispers its secrets. Whether in your days or your dreams, run with the grace of a deer. Plant a new and wondrous seed. Honor the sacredness that surrounds us… and the mystery beneath it all.

I am sending you my warmest wishes in your life together. And I’m also wishing you the magic of Merlin in everything you do. As Rhia and Merlin’s dear friend Shim would say, “Certainly, definitely, absolutely!”

Yours Sincerely,

T. A. Barron

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Musings on Resilience

How to convey the meaning of resilience? Stories. For stories are the very best way to communicate resilience – as well as other core values such as courage, compassion, perseverance, honesty, generosity, humility, and hope.

Why? Our brains are, quite simply, inclined to take in our most important ideas and moral principles through the context of stories. The more authentic and genuinely moving those stories are, the deeper those ideas will affect our lives and worldviews. When we inhabit the minds of characters and experience their challenges – even though those characters and challenges may be utterly imaginary – we learn about the power of those characters’ choices, the anguish of their moral dilemmas, the limits of mortality, and the qualities we share with people who might at first seem very different from ourselves.

It’s no accident that diverse people and cultures around the world have long embedded their most cherished values and ways of understanding the world within stories. That has been true throughout history and it remains true today. How those stories are ultimately shared doesn’t matter, whether that happens around a crackling fire or in a theater or on a computer screen or in an epic poem or through a book. We are all fluent in the language of story.

Paradoxically, while we humans are dangerously proficient in sowing division and antagonism among ourselves, we are equally proficient in telling stories that can truly bind us together. For stories have the magical ability to leap across all the boundaries of language, culture, religion, geography, and time – to connect people of any era, any place, and any description. And that’s not all: Stories that are richly imagined and vividly told can also connect us to the other, nonhuman creatures and elements that inhabit the same world as we do, our companions on the Earth’s continuing journey around the sun.

The nexus of that connection is deeply mysterious. After decades of laboring to write books, I still don’t comprehend the wondrous links between story and self, shared reality and imagination, fleeting dreams and enduring ideas. What I have learned, though, is that stories carry a great power – the power to remind us all of our highest ideals as well as our common experiences. In a world that’s too often painful, distracted, and divided, that power can give us unending wonder, context, healing, understanding, and inspiration. 

And yes, resilience.

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A Letter, a Dream, and Two Decades of Writing

Among the best parts of being a bard is the opportunity to encourage aspiring writers. It always lifts my heart to meet these genuinely open-hearted, passionate, thoughtful people who have their own unique stories to tell. 

Writing is incredibly hard work — but it can also be deeply meaningful, truly satisfying work. So I do my very best to encourage these writers, to put wind in their sails. For the boats attached to those sails could voyage to many wonderful places, landing in the hearts and minds of people everywhere.

This week I got a totally unexpected message from one of those aspiring writers, a young man named Alex Rosenthal. It seems that 20 years ago, when he was just 8 years old, he’d written a story and handed it to me at a book event. After that book tour ended and I returned home, I read his story. And I wrote him a letter to encourage him to keep writing. 

Well, to his enormous credit, he’s done exactly that — and now, 20 years later, he sent me the complete manuscript of his own epic fantasy novel. I’m so very proud of him for staying true to his dream — and for finding that magical mixture of passion and perseverance that it takes to write a book!

Along with the manuscript, he sent me a photo of the letter I’d sent him so long ago. He has kept it for two decades, just to remind himself of the importance of following his passion. 

Here’s the best part. Alex has done more than just write a story. He’s taken his life seriously. He’s filled his days with meaning and purpose. He’s stayed true to his soul. 

So I wrote him another letter — this time, a letter of heartfelt celebration. I praised his writing, which was marvelous. But more importantly, I praised his courage, integrity, and perseverance. And with great pleasure, I concluded it with these words:

Congratulations from your fellow writer,

T. A. Barron

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Returning to My Childhood Library

The librarians at the Harvard Public Library invited me to come and speak to anyone who might be interested. They told me that my talk would be held in the old section of the building, which was actually the original Bromfield School. The excitement in advance of this event surprised me — after all, it had been over 40 years since I’d been a kid at Bromfield Elementary School. I got many letters from folks I hadn’t heard from in ages. There was even a story in the Boston Globe about my return visit to Harvard.

Well, I knew I was in trouble when I got to the library — and there were so many people who’d arrived early that the stairs were overflowing with folks. By the time I made it through the crowded stairs and up to the auditorium, at least 10 people had called me “Tommy”… which was 10 more times than I’d been called that name in over 40 years!

Then I realized that the auditorium was, in fact, the old art room from my elementary school days. No doubt, somewhere on that floor, were the charred marks from when I accidentally set the pottery kiln on fire! I could almost feel the presence of our art teacher, Mrs. Ostertag, right there in that very room, shaking her head at me in despair.

What a wonderful time we had that evening — and the stories about life in Harvard were the best part. Plus it was great to see so many familiar faces. My childhood friend Mark Henry was there, along with his sister, as were many other people I hadn’t seen in ages but could never forget.

The most surprising reunion came after my talk. An elderly gentleman with bright eyes, now in his 90s, came up to me and asked, “Do you know who I am?” Sheepishly, I said, “No sir.” He lifted his cane and poked me in the ribs, then said, “I got you through the measles.” Suddenly I knew exactly who he was. “Doctor Harris!” I exclaimed, recognizing Benjamin Harris, my pediatrician from the earliest years of my life. He nodded, his eyes shining brighter than ever. “Right, lad. And since you got over the measles… you’ve done all right.”

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Why Merlin is the Greatest Wizard of All Time

Wizards abound in literature and legend, from Gandalf and Dumbledore to lesser-known spellcasters whose tales have captivated us for centuries. But among them all, one figure stands out as the ultimate wizard: Merlin.

What makes him so extraordinary? Why does he continue to resonate with audiences after more than a thousand years?

As I wrote the Merlin Saga, I found myself continually drawn to the many facets of his character — his humility, his humor, and his unshakable belief in humanity’s potential. Merlin reminds us that magic isn’t just about casting spells; it’s about finding wonder in the ordinary and inspiring greatness in others.

Merlin is not just a character; he embodies the essence of magic itself, but also something deeper — something profoundly human. His timeless legacy continues to inspire us, not just because of the spells he casts, but because of the light he brings to our world.

Seven Reasons Why Merlin is the Greatest Wizard of AllOriginal: Merlin is the original wizard, whose stories began well over 1,000 years ago in Celtic Britain. And how amazing is this — today he’s known all around the world and is more beloved than ever!Universal: Merlin stands for the universality of all people, no matter their background, culture, religion, or status. To Merlin, every person matters. A lot.All About Love: Merlin loves humanity — our weaknesses as well as our strengths. His great compassion comes from understanding his own light and dark sides, so he truly feels for us at the deepest levels. That’s why he was the ideal mentor for young King Arthur.Full of Hope: Merlin has unending hope for humanity. That’s why he encouraged King Arthur to create Camelot, a realm based on justice for all. Even though Merlin knew that Camelot would fail in Arthur’s time, it was such a powerful — and hopeful — idea that he still wanted to give it to humanity.Inspired by Nature: Merlin’s deepest wisdom and spiritual strength comes from nature. From the seasons, he learns the miracle of renewal; from the butterfly, he learns the power of transformation; and from the eagle on high, he learns how we can soar freely.Able to Live Backward in Time: Merlin grows younger every year. Do you know anyone else who can do that? Believe me, I’ve often wished that I could do it! Maybe someday he’ll teach me how it’s done.Just Plain Adorable: Merlin may be venerable, celebrated, and wise beyond words. But he is also, well… adorable. That twinkle in his eye. That amazing, luminous beard. That hearty laugh of body and soul. What’s not to love?

Merlin’s story is, at its heart, a reminder that every one of us carries a spark of magic. Whether through our compassion, creativity, or courage, we have the power to shape the world around us. And that, perhaps, is the greatest magic of all.

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The Timeless Wisdom of Nature

When I was a boy growing up in Colorado, my favorite place wasn’t inside a cozy house or even the bustling streets of town — it was outside, beneath the open sky. Whether I was climbing a rugged mountain trail, wandering through a forest of whispering aspens, or lying flat on my back in a field of wildflowers gazing up at the clouds, I felt at home. But beyond that, I felt alive.

Nature, with all its infinite variety and wonder, became my first and greatest teacher. And as I’ve grown older, written stories, and delved into the mysteries of life, I’ve come to understand that the wisdom offered by nature is timeless and universal. It speaks to all of us, no matter who we are or where we come from, if only we take the time to listen.

The Language of the Land

There is a particular kind of quiet you can only find in the wilderness. It isn’t silence exactly — it’s the rustle of leaves in the wind, the call of a bird in the distance, the bubbling of a stream over smooth stones. This “quiet” is filled with life, and it invites us to slow down, to pay attention.

I often think back to a moment I shared with my father when I was very young. We sat by a stream on our ranch, listening to its many voices. At first, I only heard one sound — the rushing of water. But as I focused, I began to notice subtleties: the high, tinkling notes of water splashing over pebbles, the deep gurgles of a submerged current, and even the faint hum of the stream moving through its banks.

That moment taught me that nature speaks in layers, offering us more than we initially perceive. It also taught me that the land has its own language — a language of change and connection, beauty and resilience.

Lessons from the Great Tree

In my MERLIN Saga, the Great Tree of Avalon serves as a powerful symbol of interconnectedness. Its roots anchor the realms, and its branches stretch toward the stars. This isn’t just a fantasy construct; it’s a reflection of the truths I’ve seen in nature.

Every tree, no matter how solitary it may appear, is part of a vast, unseen network. Beneath the soil, roots intertwine and communicate, sharing nutrients and warnings about potential threats. Scientists call this the “wood wide web,” but to me, it feels like an echo of something profound: the idea that we are all connected.

When we look at a towering redwood or a gnarled oak, we’re not just seeing a single organism. We’re witnessing a participant in a much larger story — one that spans time and space, uniting countless lives in a complex and beautiful dance.

Nature’s Timeless Cycles

One of the greatest lessons nature teaches is the importance of cycles. The changing seasons, the phases of the moon, the migrations of animals — all these rhythms remind us that life is not a straight line but a circle.

This cyclical nature of life is something I often explore in my writing. In The Ancient One, a massive redwood tree becomes a portal through time, its rings holding the secrets of countless generations. That story was inspired by my own awe when standing inside a hollowed-out redwood in California. Touching its ancient bark, I felt the weight of centuries and the persistence of life.

Nature shows us that endings are never truly endings. A fallen tree becomes nourishment for the soil. A burned forest eventually gives rise to new growth. Even the stars above us, those symbols of eternity, are part of a cosmic cycle — burning, fading, and being reborn.

The Importance of Wonder

If there’s one thing I hope to pass on to my readers, it’s the importance of wonder. In a world increasingly dominated by screens and schedules, wonder can feel like a rare and fleeting thing. But it’s also one of the most vital forces we have.

Wonder is what drives a scientist to peer through a telescope or a microscope, seeking to understand the mysteries of the universe. It’s what leads an artist to pick up a brush or a writer to put pen to paper, striving to capture the beauty they see. And it’s what brings a child to their knees, marveling at the intricate pattern on a butterfly’s wing or the sparkle of dew on a spider’s web.

Nature is the ultimate source of wonder. It reminds us that we are part of something vast and miraculous. And it challenges us to step outside our routines, to open our eyes and hearts to the extraordinary world around us.

Protecting Our Wild Heritage

With all that nature gives us — wisdom, inspiration, connection — it’s only right that we give something back. Protecting the natural world isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a human one. The health of our planet is directly tied to our own well-being and the future of all life.

Through my work with conservation organizations and the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many people, especially young people, who are making a difference. They remind me that each of us has the power to be a steward of this Earth, whether by planting a tree, reducing waste, or simply sharing our love of nature with others.

Finding Your Own Connection

As I write this, I’m looking out at the snow-dusted peaks of the Rocky Mountains, a place that has shaped me in countless ways. But you don’t need a mountain vista or an ancient forest to connect with nature. It can be as simple as sitting beneath a tree in your backyard, watching the clouds drift by, or listening to the chirp of crickets on a summer night.

Wherever you are, I encourage you to take a moment to pause, to notice, and to wonder. Let nature be your teacher, your companion, and your inspiration. And remember, the stories we create — both on the page and in our lives — are richer when they are rooted in the timeless wisdom of the natural world.

What lessons has nature taught you? I’d love to hear your thoughts. After all, the conversation between humans and the Earth is one that should never end.

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The Hero in Every Child

All of us — and students, in particular — need our heroes, and today more than ever. They give us an idea of our own potential. They show us just how far we can go, just how high we can climb.

And heroes are all around us. Inquiet ways,people are holding theworld together by their courage, compassion, perseverance, and hope — all the qualities of a hero.

On top of that, there is a hero in every child — a force, a positive energy with the capacity to help the world in some way. Every child, regardless of gender, age, race, or background, can make a positive difference.

The trouble is kids don’t believe that. They would say that whole idea is crazy. They view themselves as powerless.

To make matters worse, our society is horribly confused about the difference between a hero and a celebrity. And there is a world of difference! We often mistake the celebrity of someone we know from television, movies, or sports as heroism. We spend much more time talking about celebrities than heroes.

So how do we help young people discover their potential heroism? How do we help them understand they have the power to help the world in some meaningful way?

Here are three suggestions:

1) Share examples of heroic people.

There’s simply no more powerful way to convey an ethic of helping others than by sharing stories of heroic people — people who have made a genuine difference to our world. These are people whose character has enabled them to triumph over great obstacles, and to leave a lasting mark on the world. There are countless examples for students — from literature, from history, and from their own lives.

As a writer, I build each of my fictional stories around a hero or heroine — a young person who must dig deep within him or herself in order to triumph over life’s challenges. Characters like young Merlin, who goes on to become the greatest wizard of all time, or young Kate, who must save a magnificent tree — and her community — from destruction.

And, of course, there are countless examples from history — figures like Wilma Rudolph, who triumphed over childhood polio,poverty, and racism to become the fastest woman sprinter in the world. Or Abe Lincoln, who had the wisdom and grace to put the nation’s good above his own. Or Anne Frank, who showed such courage in the Holocaust that her diary has inspired millions of people.

Most compelling of all, however, are stories of contemporary young people — students from all sorts of diverse backgrounds who have made a significant, positive difference to the world. Young people who have used courage, creativity, and commitment to improve the lives of others.

These are the sorts of young people honored by the Gloria Barren Prize for Young Heroes, an award I founded with one simple goal — to turn the spotlight on amazing kids. Examples are Michaella, age 16, who organized a rodeo for disabled kids; Ryan, age 12, who helped provide clean drinking water to more than 70 African villages; and Katie, age 10, who plants massive vegetable gardens in order to help feed the hungry.

These real-life young heroes may never be famous, but they clearly make a difference to our lives. Partly because their actions directly touch other people and make the world a better place. And partly because their examples have great power to inspire. By celebrating the everyday heroes in our midst, we are celebrating our own potential to make a difference to the world.

2) Lead by example.

Our actions truly do speak louder than our words.

My mother, Gloria Barren, lived the life of a teacher who cared deeply about all children. She believed passionately in the power of one person to make a difference to the world. And she didn’t sermonize; she just lived her own life that way — and hoped that her own children and others would, as well.

Her love of children and nature combined to create a remarkable project. For over twenty years, she worked hard to create a unique nature museum at the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind — a museum where everything can be touched. Blind kids can experience the grandeur of an eagle by touching its wide wings, just as they can feel a hummingbird’s delicate nest or a polar bear’s rich, soft fur. She never sought any credit for this accomplishment, and the only reward she wanted was the satisfaction of knowing that these kids could now experience some of the wonder and beauty of the natural world.

My mother wasn’t unique in her commitment to helping others. In fact, her work was the sort of quiet heroism that countless teachers, parents, and kids demonstrate every day. And all of us have the power to make similar choices. What we do with our time, what we care about, how we treat others… all these are choices we make daily. And every choice we make says something about who we are. In this way, our choices become our footsteps on the trail of life, and our footsteps become our journey. And who knows? Maybe the trail we walk will become a hero’s trail.

3) Challenge students to identify the qualities they want to live by.

I have the pleasure of speaking with thousands of young people across the country each year. I always ask them: What choices will you make? What qualities will you try to live by?

In my non-fiction book for young adults, The Hero’s Trail, there are seven key qualities I identify with heroism: courage, perseverance, faith, adaptability, moral direction, hope, and humor.

There are others, of course, that teachers and students can add to the list. Challenge students to identify what character qualities matter most to them. Ask them who they most admire — who are their true heroes. Then ask them what kind of people they want to be, and what sort of mark they want to make on the world. Have them research people — the historical and well-known, as well as the young and unsung — who embody those qualities.

Remind students of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s wise words: “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.”

There is a hero in every child — a force for good that has the capacity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of others. And by nature of his or her humanity, every child carries within qualities of character such as courage, perseverance, and hope. Our job as teachers is to believe passionately in the potential and power of young people. We must show them — by turning the spotlight on real-life, heroic people and by encouraging young people to believe in themselves — that we all can make a difference.

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