Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Slice of Life: the Spirit of Giving


Each week the Slice of Life is hosted by the writers and teachers of Twowritingteachers.wordpress.com. Many bloggers write slices each week that you can read by following the links from the comments, or feel free to join in on the slicing!

On Sunday morning, I had more time than I usually do to mull over the New York Times, and I am so glad that I did. While my mother usually puts Tom Friedman and David Brooks under my nose, I don't think that I have ever read a column by Nicholas Kristof until Sunday.  I have now read several, as I dug into the Nicholas Kristof archives.  My mother teased me that she didn't think he would be my type--I have to think about that?!?!--but anyone who writes a column encouraging gifts of donations that support world hunger, education for Afghanistan girls, scholarships for Haitian high schoolers, and programs to eliminate teen pregnancy is going to get high approval ratings from me. In case you missed it, I highly recommend reading his column in yesterday's New York Times which I am linking here.

I also love that Kristof runs an annual contest for college students in the United States and takes the winner with him on a reporting trip over the summer. How cool is that?!?! I got on the phone on Sunday night to tell some of my friends about it who have college students interested in journalism. You can listen to his announcement and description of the contest here. The winner will travel to a developing country, blog for the New York Times, and be featured in videos about the trip. I believe that he has taken teachers on some of his trips in past years--hmmm...

I look forward to Sunday nights because all of my daughters are usually home and we sit at the dinner table together and talk. This past Sunday night, I read them the column. Initially, they rolled their eyes, but the first sentence made them smile. (Read it, and you will know exactly what I mean.) By the end of the column, they were on board and they even googled some of the references. I'm hoping that I have a couple donations under the tree or at least a scarf from the third world.

Enjoy the week,


6 comments:

  1. I love this idea of supporting others with our gifts. I've given similar gifts to my father-in-law to support causes he cares about. Now it looks like I have another writer to check out.

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  2. I see what you mean by the opening line, very effective. I hope more will read and be inspired. I know I was.

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  3. I love Kristof, and will take him any day over Brooks and Freidman. I saw this column, too, and sent it along to ex-student now in college. I also follow him on Facebook - so interesting to read about the things he is involved in and gives voice to.

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  4. Great reminder to stay focused on gift giving that has meaning! I had forgotten about his column, than k you for a second reminder!

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  5. Except for the littlest ones, we are giving more to others, or trying to buy smart so that those who need it will benefit. Thanks for the column, Melanie.

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