Winner – High School
"Project Wisdom"
by Selam, 12th Grade
James High School, Texas

My neighbors aren't too surprised to see me in my front yard at midnight frantically scraping off the back window of my car. A couple of months ago, I began to write messages there, on the smooth glass. This week's is "A candle loses nothing of its light by lighting another candle." Project Wisdom inspired me to transform the back of my car into my billboard to the world.

At my high school the "Words of Wisdom" are read every day. Several of the daily readings ask the question "What are you waiting for?" As Student Council President, I am always encouraging students in my school to participate in community service projects and school pride activities, but I didn't think I could have any impact outside of school. With Project Wisdom's reassurance, I have opened my arms to the rest of the community. My favorite "Words of Wisdom" inspired me the most:

"We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to
big differences."

Besides volunteering at the city court and the hospital, I am exploring other avenues to help my fellow man. I started a school tradition that is sure to last: "Bowie Community Service Month." At work, I initiated and coordinated a community activity involving about 40 kids ages 5-10. But greater still, I have inspired. My little sister and her group of friends are now volunteering in the city. Project Wisdom has given me the confidence, by speaking directly to me, to venture into the community.

I know the words of wisdom reach other students and teachers at school as well. It is difficult to exactly measure the effectiveness of Project Wisdom, except by careful observation of the students' facial expressions while they listen to the daily "Words of Wisdom," and to attribute the general improvement in test scores, work ethic, and student relations to Project Wisdom. One thing is certain, though: Project Wisdom has definitely become a daily tradition at Bowie. As President, it is my duty to delegate the responsibility of reading the daily words of wisdom. In the past I have limited the readings to student council members, but so many students have requested a chance to read from the Project Wisdom notebook that I am considering opening it up to the entire student body.

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First Place Winner – High School
"The Difference in My Life"
by Gagan, 12th Grade
Amon Carter-Riverside High School, California

Every morning in my homeroom, my principal performs the announcements. In his announcements, he updates the school on the activities that are going on that day. After his update, he continues on the intercom system to do the "Words of Wisdom" (Project Wisdom). This has made a great difference in my life.

During the [Project Wisdom] program, my principal tells us a quote then he goes on to explain it. For example, he would say, "Danny Thomas once said, 'Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others." This quote hit me like a thunderbolt. I was constantly thinking about it. Then I saw homeless people while I was walking home from school. I thought of nothing but the quote, so as I got closer to the homeless people, I pulled out my wallet and gave them a ten dollar bill. The feeling I got when the homeless people looked at me is indescribable. After this experience, almost every time someone is in need of something, I give or at least try to give them what they need because of the self-contentment it brings me. The "Words of Wisdom" program made a difference in my life by helping me discover that it feels good to serve others.

Another example is when my principal was doing [Project Wisdom] and he said, "'The position of the earth is changed by the weight of a tiny bird resting upon it,' said the famous Leonardo da Vinci." The first thought that entered my mind was, "What was the point of that quote?" But the more I thought about it the more I began to realize what da Vinci was saying. If a little bird – a small portion of mass – can change the position of the earth, then little things can make a difference. For example, I used to always be selfish. I mean, when I opened the door to enter or exit a building I would let the door slam on the other person's face. I had a total disregard for other people. Now, I am nice. I care a lot about others. When I enter or exit a building now I hold the door open for the next person to enter or exit. There was this one woman who seemed like she was always in a bad mood. She would always give a look of anger to everyone. One day she was right behind me when I was exiting my work building, and I held the door open for her to pass through. She stood there at first and looked at me in her usual upset manner. Then she smiled and walked through the doorway. I had made a difference in her life. I was probably the only one who treated her nicely without any kind of disrespect from her. I – a person who weighs about 135 pounds – made a difference in somebody's life. The [Project Wisdom] program made a difference in my life by showing me that any little thing can help make a difference in people's lives.

In conclusion, [Project Wisdom] has made a difference in my life greatly. It has shown me how good it feels when you serve or help others, and it has shown me that any little thing can help make a difference in the world, and your life. Who knows what I will learn in the future, thanks to this great program. I personally think that this program will help me become a wise and mature person who is able to survive in the real world. I am really thankful that we have a program like this at our school.

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First Place Co-Winner – Junior High
"Belief in Oneself"
by Shara, 7th Grade
Bondy Intermediate School, Texas

If you don't believe in yourself, no one will. I've always known that, but one morning as Mr. B said his words of wisdom [Project Wisdom], I approached it from a new direction, perceiving it differently. It was no longer just a saying; it was a true story. He told of how Vilma Martinez overcame ethnic diversity to become a lawyer. She said,

"Education is very important. It prepares you. You equip yourself to help others. It gives you the tools to compete."

Her strong faith in herself, courage, determination, and wisdom not only led to her personal achievement, but set an example for others. I believe that if more people had the same attitude as Vilma Martinez, our country wouldn't have as many homeless, unemployed, or people financially aided by the government. Belief in yourself is the best quality you can have. It allows you to do anything, overcome any hardships, and win any struggle. That is why Vilma Martinez, and many others, including myself, are at the position they are now.

Whether it be educationally, financially, or just a personal goal, you can achieve anything with a belief in yourself.

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First Place Co-Winner – Junior High
"Project Wisdom"
by Jade, 8th grade
The Rice School, Texas

Project Wisdom has inspired my life in many ways. One way is that I understand why people are the way they are. Even if they are stubborn, rude, or just mean, I say to myself, "They just need a little Project Wisdom to think about."

Many of the quotes that I hear are good quotes, but my favorite is "Be kind to someone today and let them know that they are special too." That just says to me to tell someone (a loved one) that they are special and will always be to you.

I think Project Wisdom can inspire anyone's life if they just believe and try to live by the wisdom and reflect on it. It can change your whole life all the way around by passing on words that help you cope with your difficulties in life. If there was more Project Wisdom in the world I think people would get along much better because everyone would love themselves and each other more.

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Honorable Mention
"How Project Wisdom Has Made a Difference in My Life"
by Courtney, 6th grade
McAuliffe Middle School, California

I'm a sixth grader with a lot of things to do. With homework, six hours a week practice time on viola, plus lessons once a week, Orange County Junior Orchestra rehearsals, Girl Scouts, and what most people would call a "social life," my schedule is bordering hectic. So it's nice when there's something that makes me stop in the middle of life's constant flow of traffic and just simply think.

Project Wisdom is one of those things. It forces you to think. And when you finally do, your mind is suddenly clean and refreshed. For me, the difference between a clear mind and a mess of jumbled thoughts could be the difference and the decision between a good or a bad day.

It's your own thoughts that control how you see the world, and what you're going to do with your life. Just think: taking thirty seconds to read [Project Wisdom] might change your life forever. I don't know; that depends on your own thoughts. But I do know that Project Wisdom has left a tiny print in my life, and that's really all it takes.


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