As talk turns to hurricanes, I thought about good will toward one another, and that we Americans often rise to the occasion (or not) in times of trouble.

As Arianna pointed out recently in Yale President Rick Levin's welcome speech to the incoming class at Yale, I couldn't help but to see the connection.

"He spoke of the 'emerging burden of citizenship,' and of responsibilities beyond 'self-gratification and personal advancement.' He urged the next generation to 'raise the level of public discourse.'

He's right.

My first visit to a soup kitchen came when I was 46-years-old. Hard to believe I waited that long. I harbored a lifelong desire to work in a soup kitchen and give back to those in need. Yet, for one reason or
another, it never materialized. I just needed that little push to help
make that goal a reality. I think we all need that moment when you stop
thinking about it and just do it.

It was my first visit to the Mary Brennan Inn in Hempstead with seven teen girls in tow that I understood the true meaning of gratitude.

Three years ago, my friend and now business partner and I set out on a mission to change the lives of girls and women. We understood from our own experiences early on, that females tend to focus too much on
what they think they are lacking, rather then being grateful for the
unique beauty, gifts and inner strength they possess. We wanted to
teach girls to redirect this negative inner dialog in positive action
because when you do something to help others, you feel good about
yourself. We launched PROUDgirls on the MOVE,
a contemporary relevant leadership and community service program that
does just that -- teaches girls to feel beautiful and powerful while
doing good things for others.

As we drove to the soup kitchen that warm summer morning, I listened to the girls laughing and gossiping, sipping their fancy iced coffee drinks with their music blaring in the background. They had no idea
what they were about to experience. They too would know the feeling of
gratitude first hand. We were greeted by a wonderful crew of people and
put to work immediately in the kitchen. As lunchtime approached we
could see the lines of men, women and children wrap around the building
awaiting their one hot meal for the day. There was an abundance of
food, and clearly I thought there would be enough to feed the 500 or so
guests who come to eat here on a daily basis. As the hours went by,
food began to disappear, yet the guests continued to enter the kitchen.
Thankfully we managed to feed everyone that day. I observed as our team
of PROUDgirls served each guest, that there was mutual respect and a
genuine feeling of hope in the room.

These teens were not thinking of themselves that day. They were caring for others and experiencing a feeling that transcends a day shopping at the mall or worrying too much about how bad their hair
looked that day. On our drive home that afternoon, the car was quiet --
a much different energy than that morning. I know that each one of the
girls quietly reflected on the many people they had helped that day and
understood how blessed they were.

What a life changing experience. One that everyone should know, even if it takes 46 years to get there.

"I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver."
--Maya Angelou

Please inspire us and share your first experience making an impact on those in need.