To capture the good that happens in an ordinary school day, Monroe Local Schools Public Relations and Communications Coordinator Adam Marcum recently set up a microphone in the main hallway between the junior and high schools.
On the mic stand, a simple sign read: “Tell us something good that happened today.”
Marcum knew the school community in his small Ohio town would love hearing from their students. But he had no idea how much their enthusiastic messages would resonate with millions of viewers online.
Several students shared good news about their grades or a measurable achievement.
“I got 100% on my German test today.”
“I have all A’s!”
“I found out I have over 500 (football) rushing yards this season.”
“I got an A on a Physics quiz I thought I failed.”
Others wanted to share a cool experience.
“I woke up at a good time today for school, so I didn’t miss the bus.”
“We went to Pilates today!”
“I got my braces off recently.”
“One of my new passions…it’s wrestling. Go wrestling!”
“I got to drive a manual car for the first time.”
“I made the basketball team.”
But most shared something good that came from connecting with someone else.
“Someone told me that my hair looked really pretty today.”
“There was a new girl at school today and I think I made a new friend!”
“Seeing all my teachers come to school and be happy to see us and smiling.”
“I finally got a girlfriend!”
“Ms. Gates complemented my artwork!”
“I watched a movie with my mom, and it was a really good day.”
“Me and my sister are actually kind of getting along now and not arguing as much as we used to.”
“It’s my birthday and people have been really nice!”
“I’ve been having a great relationship with my mom…I’m more open with her and we talk more instead of shutting each other out.”
“Miss Stelzer said she missed me.” (with a big smile and a thumbs up!)
“I invited people to my church and tons of people showed up which is exciting.”
The teenage years are tough. Teens are often self-conscious, hesitant to stand apart in a subculture where they’re desparately trying to fit in.
But when given a simple prompt – tell us something good that happened today – their faces LIT. UP. They stood in line to speak into a microphone and share personal thoughts about their lives. Even if they were nervous, they paired up with a friend to do it together.
Teens can be moody, but they can also be joyful. Just three minutes of video (link below) showed their enthusiasm for all the good that’s happening in their lives! And people can’t get enough of it.
Sharing is contagious. We see one person sharing and it makes us want to do it, too. We start to notice what’s going on around us. We start to look for things to share and appreciate the meaningful connections we have with those around us.
If the students can do it, so can you!
Tell us something good that’s happened in your life recently.
We want to hear about it – big or small. Read stories from people just like you and find out how to share your own story with us here.
You don’t have to tell it perfectly – we can help with that – just get it out there so it help others feel good and start noticing what’s going on around them, too!
Take three minutes to watch the students on the Monroe Local Schools video.
It’ll put a smile on your face and remind you just how much what we say or do affects others. Even if we’re not always perfectly aligned, we’re so much better off together.
(Photo credit @monroe_local_schools / Instagram)
Please share this post with someone who needs to hear it today:
YOU MATTER. Your words and actions make a real difference to others and our world!
