My wife and I have a little boy, Ryan, who is nine months old and over the last few weeks he has started to discover his voice. At any point in time he will let out a loud shriek, to the surprise of not only himself, but to those around him. (This is really cool except for when it’s 3 AM!)

A smile will shoot across Ryan’s face and his eyes reveal a sense of wonder and excitement about this new skill he is discovering. Eventually, his sounds will turn to words and those words will give voice to his ideas, thoughts, and questions…lots of questions.

I don’t think you ever stop discovering your voice. By voice, I mean how you see things, what your talents are, what you stand for, where you want to go, what you believe in, and what you are passionate about. It’s your connection to the world. Your voice is one of a kind and it continues to expand through your relationships and experiences.

As you continue to discover your voice, it is important to help and support others in discovering theirs. That is leadership and it is how we build a strong community.

Questions to consider:

1. What are you doing on a daily basis to help you continue to discover your voice?
2. Could a change be made in a certain area or areas of your life? Could you reinvent the way you are currently doing things?
3. What new skill could you learn?
4. Who has helped you in discovering your voice?
5. Do one thing today that will help another person in discovering their voice.

J.U.M.P. Club- Jump Up Middle school Participation is a program at Wellsville Middle School in Wellsville, NY. They have an annual community service day called JUMP Day.

“I strongly believe that JUMP Club teaches responsibility, leadership, and more important acceptance for those who are less fortunate than ourselves” said Lois Miller, teacher and JUMP club advisor.

In September, Ed learned about JUMP club when he presented an assembly to kick off the Wellsville Middle School Campaign of Kindness. JUMP Club is open to all 6-8 grade students.

Students help local charities and agencies with such things as making pizza boxes for the SPCA pizza sale, making Blizzard Boxes for the Meals on Wheels program, host a senior citizen breakfast, help serve at senior citizen luncheons, visit nursing homes, ring bells for the Salvation Army, baby-sit for school functions, rake leaves or shovel sidewalks for seniors, sponsor drives for personal care products for the homeless or care packages for our troops overseas, sponsor a JUMP a thon for the American Heart Association, and the list goes on.

Congrats to the JUMP club for making a difference each day!

Question: Dear Mike, this year before school started my family relocated to another part of the country because of my dad's job. I had to leave my friends and all the activities I had done behind. I'm angry because I feel like my parents don't get how big of a deal this was to me to move. I feel lost at my new school. What should I do?

Answer: Express your anger and sadness to your parents. Sit down, talk with them and let them know how you feel this move has affected your life. If you are still angry after that find ways to express it that will not leave you feeling embarrassed, regretful or frustrated with yourself. Remember, by seeing this as an opportunity for growth in all areas of your life you may improve your communication skills and ability to express your emotions.

1. Stay connected with your old friends and community through letters and email. Also, try to set up a visitation schedule with your parents that will include your friend’s coming to stay with you over weekends or vacations.
2. Hang on to what has always been important to you and do not give up your interests. Stay involved in your favorite activities. Get to know your new town or city. Try something new.
3. Lastly, keep Ed’s message in mind. He talks about defining who you want to be as a person. Is this situation going to defeat you or define you as a person who can succeed even in difficult times? Overcome this challenge and you are going to be even better prepared for the challenges of adulthood

If you have a question for Mike or a comment to share, email info@EdGerety.com

Dean Barnes, Math Teacher and Student Council Advisor at Norwayne Middle School, Fremont, NC.

Who is your role model? Why?
My parents. They taught me right from wrong and to be nice to your neighbor.

What does it take to be a leader?
Courage, a willingness to give and take, and a whole lot of perseverance.

How do you want to be remembered?
As a caring teacher who had time for students personally as well as in the classroom.

What are your three steps to success?
1. Do the best you can do 2. Use your god given talents 3. Be kind to your fellow man

What inspires you?
Kids inspire me - when they ask the neatest questions and have a gleam in their eye.

Will the Red Sox win the World Series?
Only if the Atlanta Braves don’t!