Deadline in Less Than 7 Hours – An Important Bribe (Plus: Happiness Research for Economic Crashes) 167 Comments

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167 Comments

• 

  Ben Young — October 13th, 2008, 2:02 pm

  Tim, thanks for sharing this. I have retweeted to raise some awareness amongst my us networks. Quality education needs to be an assumption not a want.

  Reply
• 

  Jet Set Life — October 13th, 2008, 2:02 pm

  Hey Tim,
  Jet Set Life has got you covered. Updating my Facebook status as we speak and encouraging all our Jet Setters to do the same! Good luck and we’re all proud of you and the work your doing!

  Best,
  Rob and Kim

  Reply
• 

  Dean Power — October 13th, 2008, 2:17 pm

  Hi Tim, great cause, great initiative well executed as usual.

  I would have to acknowledge you as a great teacher and the lesson I believe most is to set unreasonable goals but plan small. Working hard to get that one right.

  However I don’t think that is what you are after.

  My greatest teacher was Mrs Newborn.

  Mrs Newborn taught us English and Drama, but she taught us all a lot about life.

  She taught us to step out and be vulnerable, no knocking, to cheer for others because it feels great when that happens for you. She taught us to honour creativity, that diversity was important, but above she taught us that life was a wonderful gift and how much you enjoyed depended on how much you lived it.

  No AMEX card but I did tweet your donor message.

  All the best, Dean.

  Reply
• 

  Robert Dyson — October 13th, 2008, 2:20 pm

  hi tim, great cause! i’ve spread the word via http://ping.fm to my twitter, facebook, etc: http://twitter.com/rdyson

  most inspiring teacher: mrs gonzalez in 7th and 8th grade. she was so passionate about teaching that every one of her students was into the material. as US-born cuban she wanted to make sure we understood the ramifications of communism and dictatorships.

  Reply
• 

  Inspirology — October 13th, 2008, 2:24 pm

  Hey Tim,
  I’m doing a Friendfeed now to update a multitude of Web 2.0 listings. Thanks for your Great work.

  With Passion and Purpose!
  -Joseph

  Reply
• 

  Ryon Day — October 13th, 2008, 2:25 pm

  Hey there Tim! Another aspiring Four Hour-er here! The more I read your book the more I get amped up for the possibilities of finding my own muse and achieving my dreams! So, thanks a lot for your hard work and willingness to show others the way!

  I have retweeted on my own network, and attempted to have my sister Felicia Day (of The Guild internet series fame) raise awareness on her own blog and twitter feeds (no guarantees though!), which get much more visibility than my own! This is such a good charity. As I worked all the way through school, I know how hard it is to get a decent education when you don’t come from the most affluent roots.

  Although my degree itself was in Computer Science (UT Austin), I initially entered as a history major, completing my Senior Thesis on the Mongol Military system, before falling into the “You can’t make money with that crap” trap, and stumbling into an all-to-comfortable tech job.

  My Senior Thesis advisor, Dr. Lamphear, was and is an incredible man, and his guidance on my thesis was invaluable in showing me how to tap my inner creativity, work against deadlines, and from personal example, how to live a good life (as an Africanist, he was involved in many peace talks and political movements across Africa). Although he’s now retired from teaching, I do try and keep in touch with him from time to time.

  Cheers!

  Ryon D.

  Reply
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  Chris Morin — October 13th, 2008, 2:28 pm

  I Buzzed & Dugg & Pounced & Tweeted and Facebooked it. Great cause! Thanks Tim.

  Reply
• 

  Aidan Nulman — October 13th, 2008, 2:29 pm

  Hey Tim!

  Decided that this was too good an offer (to help and be helped) to pass up. My Facebook status has been updated (visible to over 1900 individuals) and I tweeted about it (visible to much less). There’s also a Facebook note in the works…

  As for the teacher that most impacted my life, I’ve got far too many to mention (my life’s gone down a number of different paths already, and I’m only 20). The one who most influenced the path I’m on now, though, is Charlie Keil, my first-year Cinema Studies professor. I joined the class on the recommendation of a friend, hoping to add “watching movies, especially film noir” to my otherwise more typical-Psychology-student life at U of T. But this prof was incredible — energetic, passionate, motivated (and motivating) — he led me to see films in a different light. He’s the only professor I’ve actually cared to reach out to during my three years at U of T, and I’m deeply thankful for how he opened my eyes to a “brand new” art form (which, ironically, has been a part of my life since before my earliest memories).

  Good luck, Donors Choose!

  Reply
• 

  Scott — October 13th, 2008, 2:35 pm

  Done. Tweeted to all my friends.
  Educations biggest impact on my life: College.
  It didn’t necessarily change my thinking academically or instill me with life changing knowledge. But the environment of free thinking and socializing with people that were interested in learning fundamentally changed me.

  Questions were answered and answers were questioned.

  It was beautiful to see the flow of information not be bottlenecked by closed mindedness. Everyone should have the opportunity to learn in that kind of environment.
  Everyone should be able to ask the question: Why?
  Everyone should have access to the world’s knowledge.

  Reply
• 

  David Baker — October 13th, 2008, 2:38 pm

  Tim,
  I have been a strong believer in Donorschoose and while i am not a cardmember because I am a poor starving student who has stayed debt free, I do have several friends who read my blog and should GOTV for donorschoose. I also updated my facebook status with the Karma line and have had two friends already comment and vote on it.

  Sincerely,
  David Baker

  Reply
• 

  Bendik — October 13th, 2008, 2:42 pm

  Hi Tim!
  This is a good initiative, I didn`t see it before now!!!
  We don`t have American Express cards here in Norway.
  Still, I will do EVERYTHING I can in making a viral impact on this, it seems very likely to be meeting these goals by doing an Effort!
  I will push this forward to all the people i met at FoWA past week as well as social medias, hope it makes a difference!

  By the way, the “Future of web apps” event hosted by Carsonified in London the past Week was Amazing! and heavy on startups. But still i thought it Lacked your presence / T4HWW mentality presented on stage with an important message to all the startups. Don`t get me wrong, the speakers were excellent as well as the event…just missing some elements.

  We`ll see you there next time right?

  Best wishes.
  Bendik L.

  Reply
• 

  John Bergquist — October 13th, 2008, 2:43 pm

  Tim, I am amazed in the differences in quality of public edu. available even in the small town where I live. I sure hope this word gets out. I updated my twitter status (which updates my facebook status) Great. Idea!

  One teacher, Mrs Geary, in my High School changed my life through her encouragement and belief in my talents as an artist. I would not be who I am today without her impact on my life.

  John

  twitter account http://www.twitter.com/johnflurry

  Reply
• 

  Patryk Januszewski — October 13th, 2008, 2:46 pm

  Hi Tim,
  I took a minute and posted on twitter and facebook. Hopefully it’ll pull in a couple more votes. Every little bit helps, right?
  Cheers,
  Patryk

  Reply
• 

  Jordan — October 13th, 2008, 2:46 pm

  Hi Tim,
  I had already voted in the American Express Member Project, and this post persuaded me to change my vote (I previously agonized over which of the final 5 would provide the greatest and longest lasting benefit). I agree with you that education may be the best way to permanently change the course of the future for the better, and I have passed the word on to all of my friends.

  The single greatest impact that education has had in my own life has been the guitar lessons that my grandmother paid for when I was young. It could have very easily been a passing fancy for me, but she always believed in my ability. To this day, it continues to be a source of spiritual strength, creative exchange, and an instrument of social change for me.

  Reply
• 

  Andrew Kessler — October 13th, 2008, 2:48 pm

  I have added the link to both my business and personal Twitter account, as well as my Facebook and Myspace profiles.

  I would have to say the teacher that has impacted me the most was a college professor of Media Philosophy at RIT named John A. Ciampa. Quite often, the lecture would take place with the 10 or so students (very low enrollment for the class) walking through the woods, or over a beer or two at a local bar. The class would begin with a question, and John would allow the students to debate back and forth what the best resolution would be. Answers were generally never wrong, because the best answer may come from two or three off the wall ideas. John would only chime in when he thought the discussion was moving too far from the central theme. At the end of class, he would neatly sum up what we discussed, and then give his opinion on what he thought the best answer to the question would be.

  I believe John impacted me most by showing that answers are never concrete. What may have worked in the past may not work at this point in time, or in the future. Fluidity must be accepted in thought and decision at all times. A very hard lesson to teach, and one I have to constantly remind myself of.

  Reply
• 

  Doc Kane — October 13th, 2008, 2:48 pm

  Hi Tim,

  Done, done, and done. Glad to help out! I voted on the Amex site as well as updated my LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter profiles, that’s notice to somewhere around 900 or so people. . .yeah!

  Biggest educational impact of my life? Well, there are two actually. . .and since you didn’t specifically say which “single” experience, and neither were my teachers, I’m gonna run with it. . .both play into one another, though as you’ll see. . .

  The first impactful event took place when I was a freshman at Southern Illinois University. For whatever reason, a number of us freshman were crammed in the basement of our dining hall to hear a few folks give us the low-down on what life was going to be like in our new home of Carbondale, Illinois. Several people spoke that day. . .but I remember only one.

  He was a tall, and powerful lookin’ guy. . .someone you knew you wouldn’t want to mess with. . .and someone who looked even more menacing from my seated position on the floor, kinking my neck to get a good look at this man that was well over 6 feet tall. He was also wearing a suit — when we were all mostly clad in shorts due to the August heat in Carbondale — he was definitely a “presence”.

  I don’t recall his whole talk, but one aspect of a story he relayed to us changed my life forever. He mentioned that when he was a student himself some decades earlier, he got a bit sidetracked at one point, had a bit too much fun, and found himself on the opposing end of the university’s Registrar. In other words, he was asked to leave school for awhile to sort things out. . .

  . . .and yet while this disappointment was embarrassing, and no doubt, a blow to his ego, it gave him the greater resolve to come back and finish his education. And he did just that. He finished. AND, he finished with Dean’s list honors on top of it.

  However, despite this achievement, that’s not really the highlight. Nope. The highlight is that this towering gentleman many years my senior, decked out to the hills, and noticeable successful, was now an administrator at the same school that asked him to leave many years earlier. Wow, talk about a turn of events.

  Now, I can’t remember exactly his position, but my fuzzy memory has always put him near the top. . .a board member. . .or someone in the President’s office. . .something like that. I can’t recall exactly, but he was. . .SOMEONE. . .and he was telling us to never give up. To never surrender our dreams, and to never let anyone else tell us we cannot accomplish something we set out to accomplish.

  It was one of the most amazing lessons I ever learned, and I really wish I knew the name of this gentleman so I could thank him for influencing my life in the way he did.

  The irony, and second part of this story, is that when I too faced this same problem, not too many years after that little lecture in the basement of our dining hall, I remembered his words, and they stuck with me. So when I met with my adviser on my way out the proverbial door of the university, she turned to me at one point and said directly: “I don’t think you’ll be back”. I have never forgotten those words, and I THANK her every day of my life for saying them to me.

  I’m not sure whether she really thought I wouldn’t be back, or whether she was trying to light a fire under my rear, but I saw it as a spark and it ignited in me the wake-up call I needed to turn things around.

  So when I did get that chance to redeem myself not long after that fateful meeting, I too performed much better, graduated, and later went on to get a second degree (go figure) from the University of Minnesota where I scored a number of Dean’s list recognitions of my own and. . .GET THIS. . .even went on to become an academic adviser, sharing with panicked students also in the last weeks of their tenure as official students and soon-to-be “probationers” my story about what really matters: dusting yourself off and getting back on the horse.

  I loved sharing that lesson in humility with students, and now (gulp!) many more, and it made me as their adviser much more human as a result.

  Even the great Michael Jordan has acknowledged that without failing he could never succeed in the way he does. What a great lesson.

  Good luck with the attention-getting fund drive!

  Cheers,
  Doc

  Reply
• 

  Janis Krums — October 13th, 2008, 2:53 pm

  Hey Tim!

  Updated my Facebook and Twitter accounts. This is a great project, I hope it wins!

  Mr. Malone was the one teacher that stands above the rest. He was my first teacher in America at Jupiter Elementary School. He helped me with my english and overall confidence. I will always be thankful for the great job that he did.

  Best,

  Janis

  P.S. After reading your book, I was inspired to start Elementz Nutrition, I look forward to sending you some product! We’re launching in January.

  Reply
• 

  KB Carpenter — October 13th, 2008, 2:54 pm

  First, this is an awesome project! My mother is a completely creative public school teacher and she has spent so much of her income to make learning interesting. Can you believe the only supplies she was given one year was 1000 sheets of copy paper!

  I posted this on my facebook status, because word of mouth from a person you trust is always the best way to get people to take something seriously. I live in the south where this still works:)

  I have had a number of amazing learning experiences but one of the best was in the class of Robert Gallagher. He changed the way I thought about how a class could be taught. I think he had ADD and he had to sustain his interest which sustained ours. First. he never lectured for more that 10 minutes and he let you know exactly how long he would so we could concentrate on his efficient lecturing style. Second. He made us apply everything we learned in the lecture immediately through group work. It could be a discussion, it could be artistic, dramatic, pretty much any way to make us meditate on the ideas. Third. He put every worksheet or reading we were going to need for the entire class in one book. What a fantastic idea because he and we always had everything we would ever need for any activity with us–super efficient. Third. We were always rewarded with a party. Even if it is 10 minutes in 50 you will work really hard for 50 minutes for 10 minutes of fun!

  Reply
• 

  Jimflip — October 13th, 2008, 2:55 pm

  I clicked, I contacted my colleagues (who all carry firm sponsored AMEX cards) and asked them to spread the word. Even a small % take-up of a 60,000+ firm should make a difference.

  Reply
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  Gina — October 13th, 2008, 3:06 pm

  Hi Tim!

  Thanks for posting that – I updated my facebook status, tweeted all my friends and sent an email round, all of us Sydney-siders are just waking up : )

  Hmm the teacher who influenced my life the most is not a college professor nor was she probably a certified teacher, but she made such a massive impact I will never forget it.

  My family and I ran away from Russia during the fall of the soviet union in 1991, I was about 5 and did not speak a word of English when we landed in NYC. The first school I went to was a tiny brick mess of a school in Brooklyn, there an elderly teacher/aid took me under her wing.

  While all of my designated teachers where mean and frustrated by me smiling and nodding at everything they said, she would sit with me in an empty classroom for hours teaching me English and comforting me. She also sparked an intense love of reading and writing in me that has never left to this day! Though I left the school after 3 years I will never ever forget her.

  Everybody deserves to have a teachers like her – somebody who believes and supports you no matter what, and no matter the resources or the frustration doesn’t give up on you.

  I hope this project wins, no child should ever be denied knowledge and resources.

  G

  Reply
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  Jim Bergman — October 13th, 2008, 3:10 pm

  Thanks for spreading the word about this Tim. What a great cause. For my part, I tweeted and encouraged people to vote. If you pick me to win the $150, please donate it to a underprivileged private school near you, so they can share some of the benefit too. Thanks!

  Reply
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  Dean Power — October 13th, 2008, 3:19 pm

  Hey Tim, would need to acknowledge you as a great teacher. The best lesson would be to choose unreasonable goals and plan small.

  Mrs Newborn was my best teacher.

  She taught us English and Drama, but she also taught us to step out and be vulnerable, to value the contribution of others (no knocking), to cheer for others because it lifted people up. But above all she taught us that life was a gift and enjoying it required declaring yourself in and going for it.

  Don’t have an AMEX card but did tweet yr request @eco2oh

  Great cause, great initiative and as usual excellent execution.

  Dean

  Reply
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  Steve Shapiro — October 13th, 2008, 3:20 pm

  I’m an AMEX Member so I voted right away. I’m sure you’ll get enough votes with how many people read your blog.

  Reply
• 

  Ilan Bouchard — October 13th, 2008, 3:22 pm

  Tim,

  Great post today. This is my first time commenting on your blog, but I’ve been reading your blog (and book) for about a year or so.

  Is there any way for me to read the entirety of the article you quote in part 2 of your post today?

  Reply
• 

  Cindy — October 13th, 2008, 3:38 pm

  Hi Tim.

  Thanks for putting out the call to action! What a great way to really get the word out for a very necessary cause. I have updated my Facebook status, wrote a note and put it on Twitter. Then I asked everyone to pass it on.

  I really believe in education and wish that more people would make it a priority because funding America’s education today means a better future for EVERYONE!

  I had an amazing teacher who started me out right in 1st and 2nd grade – Mrs. S. When people comment on something as simple as my handwriting, I give her all of the credit. She taught me that I could do anything and I still believe that today.

  I later had a phenomenal experience in high school that stays with me to this day. It was a high school volunteer trip to Mexico that enabled us to go and build 2 homes for 2 families there. What a huge honor it was to provide homes for these families. That experience really just expanded my heart on a global scale.

  And finally, I just recently started volunteering once a week in a underprivileged neighborhood school to help those children who struggle to meet grade level of children their same age. I have been able to arrange my time and schedule to allow me to take time to do something to make a difference for someone else.

  So I’ve had amazing teachers and experiences in schools, now it’s my turn to give back to them.

  THANKS AGAIN TIM!

  Reply
• 

  Charles Best — October 13th, 2008, 3:38 pm

  Charles here from DonorsChoose.org, just wanting to thank each of you for taking a moment to vote for “Help 100,000 Children Thrive in the Classroom.” As soon as Tim published this post and you accepted his call to action, we moved a lot closer to grabbing a huge chunk of AmEx funding. 100% of those funds will go to classroom requests in low-income communities, requests that have been posted by our most dedicated public school teachers–the kind profiled by you!

  Thank you again for coming to the aid of students in need!
  -Charles Best
  Founder & CEO
  DonorsChoose.org

  Reply
• 

  Cindy — October 13th, 2008, 3:42 pm

  Hi Tim.

  Thanks for putting out the call to action! What a great way to really get the word out for

  a very necessary cause. I have updated my Facebook status, wrote a note and put it on

  Twitter. Then I asked everyone to pass it on.

  I really believe in education and wish that more people would make it a priority because

  funding America’s education today means a better future for EVERYONE!

  I had an amazing teacher who started me out right in 1st and 2nd grade – Mrs. S. When

  people comment on something as simple as my handwriting, I give her all of the credit. She

  taught me that I could do anything and I still believe that today.

  I later had a phenomenal experience in high school that stays with me to this day. It was a

  high school volunteer trip to Mexico that enabled us to go and build 2 homes for 2 families

  there. What a huge honor it was to provide homes for these families. That experience

  really just expanded my heart on a global scale.

  And finally, I just recently started volunteering once a week in a underprivileged

  neighborhood school to help those children who struggle to meet grade level of children

  their same age. I have been able to arrange my time and schedule to allow me to take time

  to do something to make a difference for someone else.

  So I’ve had amazing teachers and experiences in schools, now it’s my turn to give back to

  them.

  THANKS AGAIN TIM!

  Reply
• 

  Ben — October 13th, 2008, 3:43 pm

  Hey Tim,

  Ok, so I posted the note and URL in my Facebook update, tweeted about it, put it in a forum post on MocoSpace (a mobile social network), put it in my status on Gmail so anyone in my network who is logged in will see it, and I did an old-fashioned email blast to my friends who tolerate that sort of thing.

  As far as my most influential teachers, I’d have to say my parents and I mean that literally. Before retiring both my parents were educators and at one time I had both of them as teachers in elementary school. Both gave me a love of learning that has served me very well over the years. My mother is a product of the 60′s so I also learned from her to care about what’s going on in the world at large and to resist the nonsense that’s going on here.

  Cheers,
  Ben

  Reply
• 

  Keet — October 13th, 2008, 3:49 pm

  Voted!

  Updated Facebook and Twitter!

  I had a number of incredible teachers growing up. Surprising considering I grew up in a town of 4k. The most influential and amazing of my teachers turned out to be my high school music teacher and choir director (due to the size of the school system, she taught music to both Jr. High and High School, and even grade school for awhile), Roz Strange (pronounced “Strang”). She could make the most rigorous of vocal exercises interesting or fun. She taught us the “why” behind the methods we use to create the sounds we did (good and bad). She wasn’t afraid to make mistakes, and assured us the same was ok of us as well.

  She took what kids she could (there were no try-outs) and transformed us into something amazing conquering Handel’s “Messiah” (Hallelujah Chorus).

  “Everyone can sing”, she’d say.

  I still think of her when I sing these days, even when it’s just to sing my little girl to sleep.

  Reply
• 

  Erin — October 13th, 2008, 3:56 pm

  Hello Tim,

  Thanks for the reminder…. I saw it a couple weeks ago from a teacher friend of mine in Queens, NY and just posted it to my facebook.

  Also, my dad is a site supervisor on construction projects. He just had open-heart surgery on Thursday and won’t be working for a while. I sent him your book. He’ll have time to read it, and hopefully he’ll be able to create a healthy, enjoyable life.

  Hugs

  Erin

  Reply
• 

  Rachel — October 13th, 2008, 4:10 pm

  I tweeted, voted with my AmEx card, Dugg it, posted about it on a popular forum, emailed it, and signed up for Stutter and Stutter’d it.

  I absolutely love causes that have to do with education. Just like Tim said, education is the answer to every other problem.

  Interestingly, I don’t have a favorite teacher/class/school project – and that’s one reason I’m so passionate about this cause. I always did well in school, but I did well because I’m naturally competitive – not because I was ever motivated by a teacher.

  One of my good friends and I got to talking and somehow the subject of science came up. I told him I never cared much for science, and he said if I’d learned it “the right way” I’d love it. I asked him what he meant, and he told me about a friend he has who runs her own charter school.

  His friend hired an expert to come in one day and give an exciting day-long science lesson on many scientific fundamentals. The expert did it in a fun way, and people could leave the course answering questions such as “What methodology do scientists use to answer questions?” or “How can I prove theories and equations that up until now I’ve only memorized?”

  The class was set up to be FUN. It was set to make students understand – deeply and profoundly- what goes on underneath those formulas and equations that other students have to memorize and spit out.

  Even though the course was given to 6th and 7th graders, Chad told me I should get a copy of the DVDs that this particular man sells because I’d be able to get just as much out of them as he did (and he’s a very intelligent 31 year old).

  Now, Chad and I are not necessarily typical people – we’re constantly reading and trying to learn more. But what about the “average” adult? (I’ve read statistics saying that over 40% of adults don’t pick up another book once they leave college – I know how statistical validity goes, so I’m also basing this on my own personal experience – it seems to be accurate.)

  THIS is why I’m so passionate about education. I mean, think about it. These 6th and 7th graders were given ONE COURSE that forever changed the way they see the world. They look at television screens and understand how images come up. They really understand what happened when an apple fell on Newton’s head. You learn things like that and you can’t possibly see the world the same as you did before. This one day… one course… altered the lives of this woman’s students forever. It’s HUGE!

  I was going through DonorsChoose and looking at some of the projects, and I was blown away by how plain awesome the teachers were. One particular one that I had to donate to was one in which the teacher wanted to buy visual flash cards for her students because she discovered how well they retained information by using them. I just read a book on superlearning which confirmed that our subconscious filters everything via visuals, and I thought it was SO GREAT that this teacher made that realization and felt it important to bring it to her students.

  That’s the kind of stuff I’m talking about – it’s teachers like that who alter people’s lives permanently. This post has gotten so long that I won’t start to get into the benefits of how phenomenal education is for less privileged people – but MAN… this is just such a freaking awesome cause, I love it!

  Reply
• 

  Rachel — October 13th, 2008, 4:13 pm

  I tweeted (and got friends to tweet), voted with my AmEx card, Dugg it, posted about it on a popular forum, emailed it, and signed up for Stutter and Stutter’d it.

  I absolutely love causes that have to do with education. Just like Tim said, education is the answer to every other problem.

  Interestingly, I don’t have a favorite teacher/class/school project – and that’s one reason I’m so passionate about this cause. I always did well in school, but I did well because I’m naturally competitive – not because I was ever motivated by a teacher.

  One of my good friends and I got to talking and somehow the subject of science came up. I told him I never cared much for science, and he said if I’d learned it “the right way” I’d love it. I asked him what he meant, and he told me about a friend he has who runs her own charter school.

  His friend hired an expert to come in one day and give an exciting day-long science lesson on many scientific fundamentals. The expert did it in a fun way, and people could leave the course answering questions such as “What methodology do scientists use to answer questions?” or “How can I prove theories and equations that up until now I’ve only memorized?”

  The class was set up to be FUN. It was set to make students understand – deeply and profoundly- what goes on underneath those formulas and equations that other students have to memorize and spit out.

  Even though the course was given to 6th and 7th graders, Chad told me I should get a copy of the DVDs that this particular man sells because I’d be able to get just as much out of them as he did (and he’s a very intelligent 31 year old).

  Now, Chad and I are not necessarily typical people – we’re constantly reading and trying to learn more. But what about the “average” adult? (I’ve read statistics saying that over 40% of adults don’t pick up another book once they leave college – I know how statistical validity goes, so I’m also basing this on my own personal experience – it seems to be accurate.)

  THIS is why I’m so passionate about education. I mean, think about it. These 6th and 7th graders were given ONE COURSE that forever changed the way they see the world. They look at television screens and understand how images come up. They really understand what happened when an apple fell on Newton’s head. You learn things like that and you can’t possibly see the world the same as you did before. This one day… one course… altered the lives of this woman’s students forever. It’s HUGE!

  I was going through DonorsChoose and looking at some of the projects, and I was blown away by how plain awesome the teachers were. One particular one that I had to donate to was one in which the teacher wanted to buy visual flash cards for her students because she discovered how well they retained information by using them. I just read a book on superlearning which confirmed that our subconscious filters everything via visuals, and I thought it was SO GREAT that this teacher made that realization and felt it important to bring it to her students.

  That’s the kind of stuff I’m talking about – it’s teachers like that who alter people’s lives permanently. This post has gotten so long that I won’t start to get into the benefits of how phenomenal education is for less privileged people – but MAN… this is just such a freaking awesome cause, I love it!

  Reply
• 

  Cody McKibben — October 13th, 2008, 4:17 pm

  Tim, your blog is quickly becoming a source of stuff I always want to forward to everyone I know! (Oh no I don’t want to be thought of as one of those spammers! But your stuff is always so important I just HAVE to share it!)

  Unfortunately, I’m not an AMEX owner, but I Dugg and Stumbled this, added your recommended message to my Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace status messages, and even wrote a personal email to about a dozen family and biz colleagues.

  The teacher who has been most influential on my life was my high school French professor, Alec Hodgins. I was in his classes 3 out of 4 years and became pretty close. His teaching helped give me an appreciation for a foreign culture that much of our country is afraid of for some reason. He was an early source of great world music, literature, and life philosophy, and also provided a great deal of travel inspiration for me, just as you have. I was lucky enough to have my first trip abroad on one of his class trips—spending a week with a host family in Cannes and a few days in Paris with classmates. The travel seed was sown! My interest in Thailand was first stoked when he shared about his experience taking his family there for an extended vacation. That interest was reinforced by your advice about geo-arbitrage, the positive experiences of dozens of other friends, and now I’m making it real and going to live abroad in Southeast Asia for the year ahead!

  Reply
• 

  Cody — October 13th, 2008, 4:20 pm

  Tim, your blog is quickly becoming a source of stuff I always want to forward to everyone I know! (Oh no I don’t want to be thought of as one of those spammers! But your stuff is always so important I just HAVE to share it!)

  Unfortunately, I’m not an AMEX owner, but I Dugg and Stumbled this, added your recommended message to my Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace status messages, and even wrote a personal email to about a dozen family and biz colleagues.

  The teacher who has been most influential on my life was my high school French professor, Alec Hodgins. I was in his classes 3 out of 4 years and became pretty close. His teaching helped give me an appreciation for a foreign culture that much of our country is afraid of for some reason. He was an early source of great world music, literature, and life philosophy, and also provided a great deal of travel inspiration for me, just as you have. I was lucky enough to have my first trip abroad on one of his class trips—spending a week with a host family in Cannes and a few days in Paris with classmates. The travel seed was sown! My interest in Thailand was first stoked when he shared about his experience taking his family there for an extended vacation. That interest was reinforced by your advice about geo-arbitrage, the positive experiences of dozens of other friends, and now I’m making it real and going to live abroad in Southeast Asia for the year ahead!

  Reply
• 

  Brian — October 13th, 2008, 4:20 pm

  Hi Tim,

  Done! Voted, Tweeted, and Facebooked.

  Thanks for bringing this cause to the attention of your enlightened readership.

  The class that was most inspiring for me came after college. I had the opportunity to teach English at a small rural university in the mountains of Haiti… but truth be told, I was woefully unprepared!

  Rather than give up on me… my students helped me improve my Creole, so we could better converse and learn together.

  Through a year of teaching, I had only one student absent from one class. Students were up studying by candlelight before dawn to cram for finals… just like in the US I guess, with less Dr. Pepper and pizza.

  I’m now on a “mini retirement” in Rio… look forward to comparing notes soon.

  Take care,
  Brian

  Reply
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  SteveK — October 13th, 2008, 4:23 pm

  Hey Tim, thanks for the post–I updated my Facebook status. It’s amazing how many good deeds require just a tiny bit more effort than doing nothing!

  By far, my most inspirational teacher was Mr. Whitney in 6th grade. I have to credit a good friend I met in class for introducing me to electronics and computers, but Mr. Whitney, when he learned of our interest, gave us almost free rein to follow our passion. This was the “old days”, so we learned morse code and got our amateur radio licenses at age 12, built a little single-board computer, experimented, blew out a lot of LEDs and transistors, and sealed our fate as “makers” for life.

  Mr. Whitney showed a willingness to bend the rules and ignore the small issues for the greater good. I hope there are some teachers these days who are allowed to do the same.

  Reply
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  Dan P. — October 13th, 2008, 4:27 pm

  Hi Tim,

  Long time fan of the 4HWW. I’m continually impressed by how effectively you use your high profile on the web to impact important causes. Let’s get this done.

  I signed up on AMEX as a guest, and blasted facebook and twitter to try to get the vote out.

  Here’s my thoughts on my education:

  Sure, it’s a cliche, but education truly is a lifelong journey. The lessons that I learned from high school teachers almost ten years ago are increasingly clear (and applicable!) as I encounter new experiences and obstacles. I can’t remember a single thing about biology, but my 10th grade science teacher taught me a ton about the right way to conduct myself in the world.

  A teacher’s impact isn’t in the material that he or she presents; instead, they act as an incubator for ideas, morals, etc. Aside from (and in concert with) your parents, teachers are the main influence in a young person’s life. Even when you take into account how our crazy society awards risk rather than honest hard work and dedication, it’s still ridiculous that teachers make so little. Not to get into politics, but hopefully that’s something that will change in the next administration.

  Reply
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  Adam Crain — October 13th, 2008, 4:35 pm

  Timbo-
  1. got the link up on my Facebook, as well as a blog post on my blog, see the latest here:
  http://archipreneur.blogspot.com

  2. the teacher who had the most impact on me was a high school PE teacher. She was also the gymnastics teacher. I was a fat kid and she talked me into joining the team, after which I promptly lost ~40 lbs in a few months, became lean, and in return my confidence gre strong, and I’ve been able to accomplish the things I’ve wanted to, have the balls to meet and network with people, and try things I normally wouldn’t. She gave me the fuel to light my ‘life fire’, and I’ve lived MUCH better since.

  I’d also benefit greatly from a 30-60 minute phone call with you. I’ve purchased your book twice and given them both away to friends I would think it would benefit.

  Reply
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  Aaron Bennett — October 13th, 2008, 4:36 pm

  Hi Tim,
  Your challenge prodded me to take action where otherwise I wouldn’t have. So I thank you for that. I just sent an email to 35 of my biggest spheres of influence asking them to vote. I shared my passion for education and how easy it is to make a world of a difference. I posted the link on Facebook and added it to my Facebook status.

  Father Malo. Yes, he was a priest. As an incoming freshman to my Catholic high school, Father Malo greeted me with a huge smile and an exuberant personality. His class soon became the favorite part of an otherwise painful freshman year. What truly separated this jovial, middle aged celibate priest apart from my other teachers occured during one 10 minute “lesson”. I remember it vividly to this day. He called on a student in the class and had him sit on a stool in the front of the room. Out of nowhere, Father Malo began to call him names, bully him, and physicall abuse him. Me and my classmates sat there while tears beginning to role down the student’s face. No one in the class knew what was going on. My love towards my teacher were being twisted…I didn’t know what to do, feel, or what the heck was happening. I looked around the class to see what others did as Father Malo called him every bad name in the book. And then my teacher spit on this classmates face. I wanted to melt in my seat out of fear…what should I do, I thought? Then Father Malo turned around to witness a group of shocked faces and told the class that this will be a common scene in high school. He explained that we need to stand up for those who cannot defend themselves. He said that we cannot let bad things happen in front of us, such as what had just occured. In that 5 minute lesson, he taught me more about honor and justice than I have ever experienced thereafter. Father Malo was an example of bravery, passion, and intensity. I still look back on that moment and admire him for his intense desire to teach us, despite breaking every rule in the book. He was a maverick and a leader. He led by example and through experience. I love him for that and will never forget him.

  Reply
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  Adam Crain — October 13th, 2008, 4:37 pm

  Timbo-
  1. got the link up on my Facebook, as well as a blog post on my blog, see the my website link.

  2. the teacher who had the most impact on me was a high school PE teacher. She was also the gymnastics teacher. I was a fat kid and she talked me into joining the team, after which I promptly lost ~40 lbs in a few months, became lean, and in return my confidence grew strong and I’ve been able to accomplish the things I’ve wanted to, have the balls to meet and network with people, and try things I normally wouldn’t. She gave me the fuel to light my ‘life fire’, and I’ve lived MUCH better since.

  I’d also benefit greatly from a 30-60 minute phone call with you. I’ve purchased your book twice and given them both away to friends I would think it would benefit.

  Reply
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  Sandro Campbell — October 13th, 2008, 4:41 pm

  Done. Tweeted, seeded all over Facebook via status and personal messages, text-messaged, emailed, and even got a friend to post a noticeable announcement on his site (www.enterandexcel.com – mine’s a work in progress at the moment). So glad to be able to help make greater opportunities available to kids!

  My best teacher was my piano teacher. When I was much younger, my parents worried that I wasn’t practicing the assigned pieces enough. When they asked her about it, she just asked, “Is he playing?” “Well, yeah – he plays all the time.” “Then it’s fine. The important thing is that he’s playing.”
  I didn’t find out about that until I was in college, but it was still one of the most profound lessons I have ever been taught – that I don’t have to follow the pack, that it’s okay to find my own way. She taught me to find what is unique to me. As a result, I have performed in such varied places as Milan, Glasgow, Mexico, Los Angeles, and New York. I thank her to this day.

  Reply
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  C A Campbell — October 13th, 2008, 4:44 pm

  Done. Tweeted, on Facebook via status and messages, sms-ed, emailed, and even got a friend to post a noticeable announcement on his site (www.enterandexcel.com – mine’s a work in progress at the moment). So glad to be able to help make greater opportunities available to kids!

  My best teacher was my piano teacher. When I was much younger, my parents worried that I wasn’t practicing the assigned pieces enough. When they asked her about it, she just asked, “Is he playing?” “Well, yeah – he plays all the time.” “Then it’s fine. The important thing is that he’s playing.”
  I didn’t find out about that until I was in college, but it was still one of the most profound lessons I have ever been taught – that I don’t have to follow the pack, that it’s okay to find my own way. She taught me to do what I love & find what is unique to me. As a result, I have performed in such varied places as Milan, Glasgow, Mexico, Los Angeles, and New York. I thank her to this day.

  Reply
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  Rob Commins — October 13th, 2008, 4:44 pm

  Tim –

  Vote complete, and I’ve posted the link to my LinkedIn profile that has these statistics:

  Your trusted friends and colleagues – 673
  Two degrees away – 109,700+
  Three degrees away – 5,161,200+

  I would like to dedicate my vote to my high school business law teacher; Gene Longinetti. He was a true NR before his time. He had made millions in real estate (and continues to do so) and became a high school teacher to fulfill a passion he had to share his experiences. I will never forget rolling past the teacher’s parking lot full of beat up Oldsmobiles and Chevrolets and one bad ass Mercedes S-Class. I knew exactly who’s car that was. He wasn’t the 50 year old with a red BMW – he was using techniques of the NR to make coin in real estate while teaching us 16 year old brats. Those were the days of Bud Fox and Gordon Gekko – Mr. Longinetti didn’t need more yachts to water ski behind – he spent his time and energy enabling a new crop of successful students – I was lucky enough to be one of them.

  He not only taught us about the law – he taught us the importance of doing what you have a passion for and not wasting time doing work for work’s sake. He ran his classroom that way – I learned the ways of the NR in the 1980′s and have benefited ever since.

  Here’s to you, Mr Longinetti – I salute you.

  Rob C.

  Reply
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  C A Campbell — October 13th, 2008, 4:47 pm

  Done. Tweeted, on Facebook via status and messages, sms-ed, emailed, recruited a Montessori teacher friend to help spread the word both in her classes & with the parents at her school, and even got a friend to post a noticeable announcement on his web site. So glad to be able to help make greater opportunities available to kids!

  My best teacher was my piano teacher. When I was much younger, my parents worried that I wasn’t practicing the assigned pieces enough. When they asked her about it, she just asked, “Is he playing?” “Well, yeah – he plays all the time.” “Then it’s fine. The important thing is that he’s playing.”
  I didn’t find out about that until I was in college, but it was still one of the most profound lessons I have ever been taught – that I don’t have to follow the pack, that it’s okay to find my own way. She taught me to do what I love & find what is unique to me. As a result, I have performed in such varied places as Milan, Glasgow, Mexico, Los Angeles, and New York. I thank her to this day.

  Reply
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  Phyllis — October 13th, 2008, 4:47 pm

  I am going to send this to all the people in my address book and posted it on my linkedin group…As well as call some people on the telephone as this is mission critical and time is short…I grew up in the projects in NYC and went to public school…if it were not for “Free” lunch I wouldn’t have eaten. If it were not for a caring Guidance Counselor who always went above and beyond many times I would not have been able to get home on public transportation. The Guidance Counselor also made sure I knew that I was talented and gifted and I had a great future ahead of me. As a result I graduated ranked #1 in my class of over 1000 students. I was also nominated for a United Federation of Teacher’s scholarship that helped fund my undergraduate college education at Dartmouth. I am eternally grateful for all the support and love and when you support this, you support other people just like me, talented and gifted whose lives will be forever changed. Thank you !

  Reply
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  C A Campbell — October 13th, 2008, 4:50 pm

  Got it on Facebook via status and messages, Tweeted, SMS’d, emailed, recruited a Montessori teacher friend to help spread the word both in her classes and with the parents at her school, and even got a friend to post a noticeable announcement on his web site. So glad to be able to help make greater opportunities available to kids!

  My best teacher was my piano teacher. When I was much younger, my parents worried that I wasn’t practicing the assigned pieces enough. When they asked her about it, she just asked, “Is he playing?” “Well, yeah – he plays all the time.” “Then it’s fine. The important thing is that he’s playing.”
  I didn’t find out about that until I was in college, but it was still one of the most profound lessons I have ever been taught – that I don’t have to follow the pack, that it’s okay to find my own way. She taught me to do what I love & find what is unique to me. As a result, I have performed in such varied places as Milan, Glasgow, Mexico, Los Angeles, and New York. I thank her to this day.

  Reply
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  Gilbert Marlowe — October 13th, 2008, 4:53 pm

  No Amex so no vote from me, but I Tweeted so a few more folks should get the message.

  My favorite teacher… that’s a tough one. I’d have to say the one I haven’t met yet because I’m not prepared enough. I’m just trying to learn this life’s lessons so I don’t have to repeat any.

  Reply
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  Chuck Lasker — October 13th, 2008, 4:53 pm

  Great post, Tim. Thanks.

  MySpace Blogged:
  http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog&Mytoken=C1F04C3B-1FAD-4525-85BE39474F85557174330033

  FaceBook Updates:
  http://profile.to/chucklasker/

  Twitter:
  http://twitter.com/chucklasker

  LinkedIn “What are you doing now” update:
  http://www.linkedin.com/in/doubleplus

  Teacher Story: My first grade teacher, Mrs. Massaro, and I did not get along. It was a miserable year. To my shock on entering my first day of second grade, Mrs. Massaro was my teacher. Before I could scream and cry, she explained that she changed grades just to be my teacher again so she could figure out how to get along better. We ended up great friends and she inspired me to see school as valuable. She passed away a few years ago, but her teachings are a part of who I am and always will be.

  Reply
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  Ethan — October 13th, 2008, 5:00 pm

  Hey Tim-

  Did the usual facebook, myspace, etc. Also sent a mass email out to family members seeing as they are the most affluent people I know and the ones most likely to carry an AMEX card.

  I am currently an ESL teacher in Taiwan, and this has inspired me to challenge some of my adult students to participate in this project. Although many people in Asia don’t use credit cards, I believe it will start an interesting dialogue about education in the world. Thanks for spreading the word!

  Reply
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  NewWorldOrder — October 13th, 2008, 5:01 pm

  1) I have publicized the voting via links in my twitter status & facebook status.

  2) Entrepreneurship teacher. He provided a coherent framework of what Web 2.0 was and is. He inspired me to actually start a startup–and I’m absolutely glad I did. I’ll never be the same again.

  Reply
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  Ethan — October 13th, 2008, 5:01 pm

  Hey Tim-

  Did the usual facebook, myspace, etc. Also sent a mass email out to family members seeing as they are the most affluent people I know and the ones most likely to carry an AMEX card.

  I am currently an ESL teacher in Taiwan, and this has inspired me to challenge some of my adult students to participate in this project. Although many people in Asia don’t use credit cards, I believe it will start an interesting dialogue about education in the world. I’ll be sure to post the results on my blog. Thanks for spreading the word!

  Reply
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  Jen Zeman — October 13th, 2008, 5:03 pm

  Hi Tim,

  I forwarded your blog post (via email) to everyone in my address book and requested they vote (if they have an AM EX card) and forward on.

  The teacher that had the biggest impact on my life was my high school art teacher, Mrs. Porter. I had the opportunity to work with her for several semesters over a few years. She taught me to tap into my creativity and gave me the encouragement to explore my talent like no other teacher had before. She was extremely patient and understanding at a time when the world was very confusing to me (my mother passed away when I was 14).

  I still remember one project where we were to make paper-mache masks.
  I had the vision of an awesome Nikki Sixx mask (mind you this was 1989 and Motley Crue was my lifeblood). The harder I worked on that mask, the worse it looked! When it came time to do the hair, nothing was working (the straw I decided to spraypaint black looked ridiculous)! Sensing my aggrevation, Mrs. Porter came up to me at the end of class and gently said to me, “Just go outside and throw the mask as hard as you can I will just give you a C for effort.” While it was hard to accept a C (being an A student), I couldn’t get outside fast enough! I smashed the mask into the pavement and immediately felt a wave of relief. It was a great lesson: sometimes things don’t turn out the way we hoped, but you can either give up or just try again. We had to move on to another project so I didn’t get to start again on another mask, but it’s a lesson that I have remembered since that day.

  My hope is that all students have the opportunity to have a Mrs. Porter in their life. She was the epitome of teaching excellence.

  Sincerely,
  Jen Z

  Reply
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  Banana Jim — October 13th, 2008, 5:05 pm

  Tim – I made it in with 4+ hours to spare, and forwarded to my business buds.

  The teacher who most influenced me, is the HS history teacher had by all 3 of my sons, who was also the baseball coach for 2 of them. His name is Mike Ludwig, and I am proud to call him my dear friend. I have known him almost 10 years now.

  He has helped me to raise these three young men, and instill into them, values which include: hard work ethic, sportsmanship, respect for classmates / teammates and tradition, and a strong drive to win fairly, and to always do the best that one possibly can. Do the work, it’s worth it. Play fair. And a tip of the hat to the student or team who bests you, they helped make you better.

  Wish you would take a few minutes to check out, and possibly promote, my cause….

  http://www.operationfirstresponse.com/ofr_005.htm. This story will bring tears to your eyes, guaranteed.

  Thanks, I know you are busy (as usual)

  Reply
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  Tim Letscher — October 13th, 2008, 5:08 pm

  Vote is in and counted.

  I’ve put a link with a personal message on Facebook, Pownce and Twitter so hopefully the word will spread even more. Thanks for sending this out.

  Cheers,
  Tim

  Reply
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  KB Carpenter — October 13th, 2008, 5:10 pm

  First, this is an awesome project! My mother is a completely creative public school teacher and she has spent so much of her income to make learning interesting. Can you believe the only supplies she was given one year was 1000 sheets of copy paper!

  I posted this on my facebook status, because word of mouth from a person you trust is always the best way to get people to take something seriously. I live in the south where this still works:)

  I have had a number of amazing learning experiences but one of the best was in the class of Robert Gallagher. He changed the way I thought about how a class could be taught. I think he had ADD and he had to sustain his interest which sustained ours. First. He never lectured for more that 10 minutes and he let you know exactly how long he would so we could concentrate on his efficient lecturing style. Second. He made us apply everything we learned in the lecture immediately through group work. It could be a discussion, it could be artistic, dramatic, pretty much any way to make us meditate on the ideas. He told us how much time we had and then we would have to report the results to the larger class. Third. He put every worksheet or reading we were going to need for the entire class in one book. What a fantastic idea because he and we always had everything we would ever need for any activity with us–super efficient. (I use this as a teacher) Third. We were always rewarded with a party. Even if it is 10 minutes in 50 you will work really hard for 40 minutes for 10 minutes of fun!

  Reply
• 

  Tim Ferriss is Turning Me Into a Spammer! (OR: Why AMEX Cardholders Should Sacrifice 5 Minutes of Your Time Today for 100 Thousand American Schoolkids) » Thrilling Heroics — October 13th, 2008, 5:10 pm

  [...] blog search tool. Optimize your Life, Rock your Career, and Make the World your Playground!Tim Ferriss, author of The 4-Hour Workweek, wrote today about an opportunity for American Express cardholders [...]

• 

  Liesl — October 13th, 2008, 5:15 pm

  After sharing the link and making it my status on Facebook, I decided to leave a note.

  As an educator for five years, I’ve seen the difference that quality materials can make in classrooms and for kids. When kids have nice things (this is one of the few times I’ll cave to that idea), they believe that they are worth it, and their self-confidence leads them to better performance in the classroom. I couldn’t wish for anything better for them.

  Reply
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  Sue Tjernlund — October 13th, 2008, 5:16 pm

  Hi Tim,

  It’s neat to see a project like the one you’re promoting! Education is lacking in our system and we need to work together to find solutions. Here’s ANOTHER ONE where the money’s already put up for a project–just need people to give us referrals!

  I work with a company who has a marketing director that wants to give away a million books to teens, a book that will educate, uplift and change their lives. The generous person who’s doing this is Jeff Olson, network marketing godfather and author of the book “Slight Edge” who has a new book called “Success for Teens–real teens talk about using the slight edge” and he wants to donate it to non-profits, etc, that could put these books into the hands of teens that need a hand!

  If you go to http://www.successfoundation.org for details on book and see link to apply for the books. It’s a workbook, and gets kids thinking about how to have success in their lives–very empowering!

  Sue Tjernlund
  503-227-5342

  Reply
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  Bryan Kavanagh — October 13th, 2008, 5:31 pm

  Hey Tim,

  What a great cause! I have notified my group Athletic Body Club on facebook only 6 or 7 hundred people but hey it something right!?

  I personally, do not have an American Express! (STUPID IRISH CREDIT CARD) but im sure some of the people on my facebook group have and I told them to pass it on to any that DO have AMEX cards!

  I liked the hurl in your blog picture a couple weeks ago! It looked familiar!

  I was actually on my FIRST mini retirement (ok I was binge travelling lol) when I bought your book! Got the book in LA airport on the way to Auckland after which I was 4 weeks in Aus and a week in Dubai!

  I’m a black belt in TaeKwonDo and international boxer and have competed international loads of time but money and time off work are always a factor that restricts my travelling/training time. . NOT FOR LONG! I have begun working on my muse and I am following your book to a T. Bring on the FHWW ?

  Have worked a heap of hours in the past (I’m actually a tradesman/plasterer by trade and have been slaving on a building site since I was 12) and I personal train a few people/athletes in my spare time (possibly not the best utilisation of my degree in sport science haha)

  Always wanted to learn MORE German and learn Spanish!

  I have never read a book that was that inspiring and opened my mind to all the things I CAN have and WILL have.

  –
  Bryan Kavanagh

  Reply
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  David Beers — October 13th, 2008, 5:33 pm

  Tim,

  I’m actually a teacher with the program Teach For America (www.teachforamerica.org). I teach in Southwest Atlanta, Georgia at Ralph J. Bunche middle school. If you don’t know much about the program, follow the link and read up on it!

  I’ve known about donorschoose.org for sometime now. I read your post at school, and even though it was after hours, I made an announcement over the intercom so that all the teachers still in the building could hear it. I also emailed my program director at TFA your post and asked her to send it to anyone she could. I realize that a lot of posters involved more people, but after spending 12 hours at school- grading, working with children, lesson planning, and teaching- it was all I could do.

  The experience that has most changed my life since being a teacher at a Title I school has been watching a boy named Dontrez. At the beginning of the year, Dontrez told me he would kill all ‘white people’. He then made a 7 on his first social studies class. Since then, Dontrez has brought his test grades up to a 79 (almost a B!), and is actively working every day on his homework and classwork (including projects!). He even calls me personally to tell me how his homework is going. It really is a life altering experience to watch children, that through no fault of their own, have been left behind by families, schools, and society as a whole, being able to work hard and succeed. I fully expect this to change the way I view the world, and the things I’m working toward when I leave the world of teaching.

  Reply
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  Mike — October 13th, 2008, 5:41 pm

  Thanks for caring about public school education and staff, Tim. What a pleasure to read all the inspiring comments (51 at this time) from people given the opportunity to think of teacher.

  For 16 years, I was one of those public school teachers/coaches and though I’m not in the “real” classroom any longer, I still am teaching through my various websites. As for my favorite teacher, that’s easy: ANY teacher who genuinely cares about young people deserves our support and encouragement.

  Through FB, my blog & my list of 8,300 I shared your request to spread the word. Indeed, these are dark times for many parents, children & public schools. In Florida, the county where I used to teach is down 4300 students in the last two years. It’s easy to think only the inner city schools are at risk, when today almost every public school is at risk. At my 7-year-old son’s grade school, a guidance counselor sadly shared the other day just how large her list has become of parents needing help paying their rent (mortgage payment).

  Tim, especially in these darker times for many people, thank you for carrying the torch, lighting our journey and reminding us there’s much more to life than the material “stuff”.

  Just a thought,Tim, but wouldn’t it be amazing if instead of awarding 10 lucky winners to a private 30-60-minute call where you allow them to ask you anything in the world that (they) defer, asking you instead if you would do a video (or LIVE visit to a classroom (near to you or near where you’re traveling today, this week or this month , spreading your most positive message to the staff and children?

  I would love for EVERY single young person to feel your positive energy.

  Thanks to all who make your blog even more special

  Mike

  Reply
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  Sital — October 13th, 2008, 5:51 pm

  Cool – have posted on my blog and Facebook

  My most influencial teacher was Mr Osborne. Unlike other teachers, he was not interested in just following the rule book – but in stretching us and preparing us for life (I didn’t realise it at the time – but do now!)

  As a class of 9 and 10 year olds:

  - We did everything in small teams
  - We all had regular opportunities to lead others (very scary at that age)
  - He tried to create healthy competition for most activities we did
  - Encouraged us to stick our neck out, take risks and try something new
  - Rewarded us not just on results – but willingness to step outside comfort zone
  - He would regularly have rows with the head teacher to cover our backs when we not doing exactly as per the ‘rules’ when he felt the rules needed to be flexible

  It resulted in a slightly maverick class that were the most rounded class in school – were performed well academically, in drama, in sport and also led most charitable activies the school did for local community. We were the first group of students from our school to ever compete with local schools in debating competitions, public speaking competitions – all of which game us all a huge bost in self confidence

  Interestingly, even the most apathetic and deadbeat kids got excited about being in he’s class because the culture he’d created within the group made it hard to be a dead beat for very long!

  Reply
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  robin — October 13th, 2008, 5:54 pm

  I’ve twittered and facebooked my our request to vote. thank u for bringing the contest to my attention. It feels nice to participate.

  I’m lucky to have had a top-notch public school education. Oddly though, there wasn’t one individual teacher that I recall having had an impact on my study habits or my life. My strongest influence came from my parents who would sign my homework (even though the teachers or the school never required it), pay me to do current event articles on the weekend and buy me books as rewards. That said, I did like how frank my high school math teacher was – Mr. Cher who always expressed his disappointment in poor grades and pushed for us all to excel. He’d never curve an exam b/c he knew that 100% was not too much to expect.

  Reply
• 

  Josue — October 13th, 2008, 6:00 pm

  Best advice I ever got was from a a teacher named Luis Zelaya: “A degree can be obtained collectively, but one’s true achievements are gained by one’s self”. Basically a paper doesnt tell you who you are, it’s the experiences you go through and the effort you put into things that define who you are today and tomorrow.

  Additionally, your message is here:

  http://help100000children.org (registered an hour ago, hope it works!)
  http://beta2.blipea.com/perfil/josuef (latin version of twitter)

  cheers,

  -Josue

  Reply
• 

  W Johnson — October 13th, 2008, 6:04 pm

  I’m an Amex holder so I voted. Then posted the voting instructions on my Twitter site.

  My school days started in a small Catholic school in a tiny Mississippi town. In first grade, I had a teacher, Ms. Reagan, who was young, blond…..great looking. She was my science teacher and my male classmates and I sat everyday for one hour listening intently to every word. I learned more science that year than I learned in four years of college!

  Reply
• 

  Mike Ripke — October 13th, 2008, 6:07 pm

  Tim,

  1. I do not have a Facebook account or an American Express card, however my wife has both. I forwarded the email and walked her through the process of doing everything asked, including forwarding your request to all of her contacts.

  2. The most influential project in my college career involved a semester working for a children’s homeless shelter in the heart of Ann Arbor named the Ozone House. This house contained a call center for at-risk youth and parents who needed advice on how to handle their children. It was often full and housed approximately 7 children at a time. The center also provided other resources such as clothes, a food pantry, and information for other homeless people. Our project included 5 other members and our main objective was to create awareness of the organization and raise money while doing so. We generated about 300 dollars bucketing and canvassing neighborhoods asking for donations. In addition to the project our team handled inbound calls for the center and debunking the homeless stereotype. Leaving the building and class left me furious about what we saw first hand to children and forever changed the way I treated children. Their actions are a result of learning right from wrong and if they don’t know the difference the community suffers. Abusing and neglecting children is unacceptable and leaving them uneducated falls under those titles. Societies need to be responsible to carry on where someone left off, regardless of the reason. Anything that we can do to advance and educate our younger generations in a positive direction should be done.

  Reply
• 

  drew — October 13th, 2008, 6:09 pm

  Voted.

  Reply
• 

  Robert Kelen — October 13th, 2008, 6:26 pm

  Tim,

  Thanks for using your influence to make a difference (and highlighting a cause/event I otherwise wouldn’t have known about)!

  I added the following short & sweet version to my Twitter & Facebook:
  “One small click today: http://snipurl.com/3zbdi; one giant educational leap for the leaders of tomorrow…”

  My audience is smaller, but hopefully they’re listening too. Keep up the great work.

  R

  Reply
• 

  Cherie Hoeger — October 13th, 2008, 6:36 pm

  Vote is in. I don’t have a card, but immediately called my mother who does and asked for her card number while assuring her my financial situation is fine

  The most influential teacher in my life was Professor Steven Walker from Brigham Young University who brought literature to life, gave me the confidence to question, and taught me that life experience was more important than academic accomplishment. I’ll always treasure a letter he wrote to my husband and I personally congratulating us on our marriage. A truly gifted teacher who has a passion for teaching.

  Thanks for the post,

  Cherie

  Reply
• 

  Victor Atehortua — October 13th, 2008, 6:40 pm

  I have updated and pointed as many people as I can to the link. I will try to push as many people to vote.

  I Loved every day in school and quite possibly every single teacher made school better and gave me something to think about. I can remember a few of them but can always thank all of them.

  Reply
• 

  Tom — October 13th, 2008, 6:44 pm

  To Whom Is Updating Their Status On Facebook…

  You can copy the following so that it fits in the space…

  _______ “is clicking here to help give 100,000 students $1.5 million for education. No joke and no exaggeration. http://www.membersproject.com/project/view/V8EWJV”

  Be good.

  T

  Reply
• 

  Jessica Gottlieb — October 13th, 2008, 6:48 pm

  I changed my facebook status and sent an email to close friends and family reminding them that if Los Angeles doesn’t support it’s schools we can get ready for huge crimewaves.

  Then I went on to explain that I’d have to move in with them, kids in tow.

  Reply
• 

  Brian — October 13th, 2008, 6:48 pm

  Posted on facebook profile: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=693074722&ref=profile

  First, I would have to mention you as a great teacher, I wouldn’t be on the blog if I didn’t read the book… everything after reading 4HWW is owed to your writing as the catalyst.

  My greatest teacher is my mother. I had many great experiences and individuals throughout elementary, secondary and collegiate schooling, but far and away I learned the most and experienced the best from her. She was always around and always had an active interest; she couldn’t fail.

  Eventually she became a teacher herself (she actually finished her degree at Arizona State the year I was a freshman there), so she had a knack for it.

  I agree with you in your thinking that societies ills will only be solved in the long term through education.

  I also would say that the greater hope would be if we all could work less, more parents could be their child’s best teacher.

  Thanks for your work,

  Brian

  Reply
• 

  Carlos Fontecha — October 13th, 2008, 6:50 pm

  Tim I came up with a web page idea to spread the word.

  http://help100000children.org/

  Hope you enjoy!

  BONUS:
  My greatest and most influential teacher lives by the name of Ildefonso Gonzales, a Spanish teacher at my former school. His professional character and his experience on life taught some great lessons. I live my daily life through one of his quotes:

  “Si intentas y fracasas segui intentando. El verdadero fracaso es cuando dejas de intentar”

  “If you try and fail, keep trying. The only true failure is when you stop trying”

  Cheers.

  - Carlos

  Reply
• 

  Jessica Gottlieb — October 13th, 2008, 6:51 pm

  I changed my facebook status and sent an email to close friends and family reminding them that if Los Angeles doesn’t support it’s schools we can get ready for huge crimewaves.

  Then I went on to explain that I’d have to move in with them, kids in tow.

  (also had to do this using ie, you site crashed my firefox)

  Reply
• 

  Carlos Fontecha — October 13th, 2008, 6:51 pm

  Tim I came up with a web page idea to spread the word.

  http://help100000children.org/

  Hope you enjoy!

  BONUS:
  My greatest and most influential teacher lives by the name of Ildefonso Gonzales, a Spanish teacher at my former school. His professional character and his experience on life taught some great lessons. I live my daily life through one of his quotes:

  “Si intentas y fracasas segui intentando. El verdadero fracaso es cuando dejas de intentar”

  “If you try and fail, keep trying. The only true failure is when you stop trying”

  Reply
• 

  Jason — October 13th, 2008, 6:52 pm

  Dear Tim, I _really_ hope you get the necessary votes!

  I did everything I could do!
  1) Made an adwords campaign! http://cvk.ca/tmp/ad.png [Someone actually clicked on it while I was writing this post] 1) Changed Facebook Status 2) Tweeted about it 3) Told a few close friends explicitly 4) Changed Windows Messenger Status 5) Changed GTalk status 6) Changed Yahoo Messenger Status 7) I tried to looking for my floormate who has a decent sized blogged, but he’s out of town

  I think the education system has so much potential, and that we’re undervaluing the effect it has on our children and society! There’s so much research we could be applying to improve our schools. For example, studies have shown that teaching Esperanto can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to acquire secondary languages, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propaedeutic_value_of_Esperanto. I envision schools which base their curriculum off of hard data and experimentation =)

  My grade 12 French inspired me about romance, philosophy & culture. At the time, I was deeply involved in robotics, software engineering and mathematics, and I didn’t really care about his french class – I often would just ignore his lessons and settle for passing marks.

  He never took it personally though, he respected me for who I was, and started actually showing interest in my hobbies! I showed him some of the robotics that I was working on and he was completely astounded and said I was going to be very successful in life.

  However, then he started to surprise me! He had this amazing passion for french and french culture, and I couldn’t help but be dawn in to his world. One class, he brought in his guitar and played bilingual love songs and sung! Another class, he had recently watched his wife give birth, and he told us the entire story! Including how he broke out crying after delivery, it was very beautiful.

  Through his eyes, I started seeing a completely different perspective to life, a view far more romantic, passionate, and lively. I think he’s responsible for some major decisions I’ve made recently, including to do a lot of traveling and explore culture. And traveling has -completely- changed me =)

  I still go back to visit him when I came. He now has 2 kids =) I don’t think he’s ever going to be anyone ‘famous’ but he’ll always have affected his students and me.

  Good luck Tim, best wishes!!

  Reply
• 

  Carlos Fontecha — October 13th, 2008, 6:53 pm

  Tim I came up with a web page idea to spread the word.

  Hope you enjoy!

  BONUS:
  My greatest and most influential teacher lives by the name of Ildefonso Gonzales, a Spanish teacher at my former school. His professional character and his experience on life taught some great lessons. I live my daily life through one of his quotes:

  “Si intentas y fracasas segui intentando. El verdadero fracaso es cuando dejas de intentar”

  “If you try and fail, keep trying. The only true failure is when you stop trying”

  Reply
• 

  Victor Atehortua — October 13th, 2008, 6:54 pm

  I have updated and pointed as many people as I can to the link. I will try to push as many people to vote.

  I Loved every day in school and quite possibly every single teacher made school better and gave me something to think about. I can remember a few of them but can always thank all of them.

  Love the site and still reading the book.

  Reply
• 

  Trista Harris — October 13th, 2008, 6:57 pm

  I put the link on my linked in page.I have many foundation staff members in my network and I hope that bringing donor’s choose to their attention will ensure long term funding for this amazing organization.

  The teacher that has influenced me the most was Mrs. Ballard, my gym teacher and advisor for the African American student organization. She taught me that true service requires preparation. Because of her I attended college and graduate school. I am now one of the youngest foundation executive directors in the nation. I could not have done it without her support and encouragement.

  Reply
• 

  Carlos Fontecha — October 13th, 2008, 6:58 pm

  Tim I came up with a website idea to spread the word. Check it out.

  BONUS:

  The greatest teacher I have ever had lives by the name of Ildefonso Gonzales. His professional teaching and his views on life taught me lessons that a book, school, or teacher will never teach you. I live my daily life through one of his quotes:

  “Si intentas y fracasas, segui intentando. El unico fracaso es cuando dejas de intentar.”

  “If you try and fail, keep trying. The only true failure is when you stop trying.”

  Enjoy!

  -Carlos

  Reply
• 

  Scott — October 13th, 2008, 6:59 pm

  Tim,

  You are an amazing man and I am impressed with your honest efforts to make things better for others…education is one of the ways that truly brings children, adolescents or adults out of ignorance to be a better advocate for themselef then for others. I casted my vote with less than two and a half hours and encouraged my uncle to do the same.

  The most influential teacher in my life was my Psychology teacher/camus ministry counselor who encouraged me to be myself. Brother Paul was a man of conviction, courage and a true desire to help others with a gentle approach to life. He made learning fun with the use of humor and took the time to get to know his students personally. Being aware of a diificult time I had at home, he listened without judgement while encouraging me to make my own decisons with some gentle guidance. His impact on my life encouraged me to go on and become a Special Education teacher, although I stayed in the field for only three years then went on to work in the human service field. I have never lost my desire to learn and teach others.

  In that effort, family and friends started a scholarship fund in memory of my stepson who passed away unexpectedly six years ago at the age of twenty-one. You can see what a small group of committed people can do to make a difference in supporting students to continue their education after high school by awarding scholarships. http://www.rememberbrian.org

  One last note, I found out about your blog and interesting lifestye after going to the website on Total Immersion. I am training for a tri next Spring.

  Keep up your great work and hopefully our efforts will help this group.

  Thanks,

  Scott

  Reply
• 

  Robert Stanley — October 13th, 2008, 7:02 pm

  Hi Tim,

  I am glad that you are supporting a worthy cause. I have voted and posted on my facebook wall and notified all friends. I have passed this information on to my wife and she is campaigning as I write this.

  I think my best memory from grade school was the Desert Winds Steel Drum Band. It was a very unique program that our school music teacher put together and funded himself.At the time, I remember thinking that there must be nothing like it in the whole world.

  I have kids of my own now and they certainly have a number of great programs but nothing that exotic. It was really interesting considering the music room was a trailer in the desert and here we were playing this tropical styled uplifting music surrounded by dirt, dust devils and saguaro cactus.

  Anyway, I would really like to participate in the phone interview! After reading your book I liberated myself from 45-50 hrs a week to 20hrs by taking contract position (wohoo 1099). Now I am working on automation efforts. FYI – I noticed that you are speaking in SF on Oct 25th. Any chance you would give a jobless guy a free ticket?

  If not, I am willing to take the Karma goodness and run with that. Keep up the good work.
  -Robert.

  Reply
• 

  Jeremiah Smith — October 13th, 2008, 7:09 pm

  I really love this stuff Tim.

  Here is how I helped: I don’t have an AMEX, but I tweeted my friends and called the few people I know who are AMEX customers and gave them the news.

  Inspiration and then bonus answer:

  I have a good friend in Lumbini Nepal who I speak with weekly. He and I are discussing working on an NGO in the future that will help build schools in Nepal. I actually had an idea that I have discussed with friends and I wanted to bounce it off you and the wonderful participants of your blog. I will preface it with a quick story:

  I used to be a YMCA camp counselor and life guard for about 250 children ages 5-13 for 4 years of my life. I was hesitant to start the job out of worry of the responsibility I would be handed, only to discover later that I have a knack for working with, teaching and mentoring children. I dealt with children of rich families and destitute families and children with acute illnesses like ADHD (medicated), Asberger’s, Autism and more. We didn’t have running water, electricity or any building or structure to shelter us from storms, but that was part of the camp feel-it was rustic. The children would be away from their parents and with us for 12-15 hours per day during the summer so we became their families 2-3 months out of the year. We weren’t by any means in a bad situation because of the primitive environment, the conditions were to lower the burden on families while simultaneously providing a once in a lifetime experience for the children.
  What I gathered from my years as a counselor has not been exceeded before or since and when I sit in my desk chair at work and zone out I feel like Frodo dreaming of the Shire.
  The counselors I worked with were all my age at the time (17-21) so they were young, vivacious, and totally enraptured the children with lessons, knowledge, wisdom, story time, canoe lessons, friendship and discipline.

  Ok so now that you know the inspiration of my idea, here is the idea itself:

  I want to start an organization that focuses on recruiting people in their late teens to early twenties and higher that have those same feelings I did and still do. We will focus on paying for that individual’s airfare, room and board, and an allowance, in exchange for their devotion to travel to a certain area, much like a missionary, only to stay and enrich a group of children for a while. The main problem I find with many non profits that I have seen in the past is the lack of urge on the side of the donor other than fiscally. Unfortunately, money alone cannot educate. Of course you have experience with Donorschoose, but there can never be enough help.
  The enabling feature to travel to any one place and stay there for 3+ months and teach the local children as well as learn the local culture will create a tremendous interest in the hearts and minds of several people here in the states and abroad. I am one of those people. When I escape certain unnecessary responsibilities here in the US, I will travel abroad for extended periods of time and attempt to walk like my mentor.
  This type of public service may create a large enough interest from the community that older children may flock enmass to participate.

  Please let me know what you think.

  Jeremiah Smith

  Reply
• 

  Jeremiah Smith — October 13th, 2008, 7:11 pm

  Now, on to the bonus points

  So I have personally had several inspirations in my life and I would like to share just two of my mentors here with you.

  1.Randall Card: This man was my Information Systems Technology teacher 3 of my 4 years in high school. On the first day of class he said “I am supposed to teach you technology. Because this school does not specifically tell me what I am supposed to teach you in the fields of technology, then I will interpret that neglect as an opportunity to make my own lesson plan as we go.” He continued by defining for us (all guys) the term “Technology”. TECHNOLOGY: The use of tools to simplify one’s life.
  He said, “this does not necessarily mean mechanical or physical tools, so emotional and cognitive tools are included. Let us go over all the simple tools really quick: “Lever, Inclined Plane, Wheel & Axel, Screw, Wedge & Pulley”. He handed us a 2 page breakdown of all the 6 simple tools and told us to read it for homework. Then he said “Now we can move on to the intellectual tools and if anyone asks, you already learned the 6 most common tools and their applications on the first day of class.”
  His first ‘real’ lesson was to write a quote on the board. He said “I will write a tool on this board every day at the beginning of class and you will all get 10 minutes to digest it before we discuss it for the remaining 80 minutes.” His first quote:

  “Give a man a fish, he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, he’ll eat forever”

  This first 5 minutes struck a controversial, deep and everlasting chord with me and I haven’t been the same since. Every day of class continued the same, and some even had us get really emotional as we accepted the new pieces of wisdom like a foreign medical object in a hospital.
  I have gone back to my high school and looked up Randal Card all over the place, but I cannot find him. I wish I could tell him 5 years late how much he has helped me.

  2. Terry McGonigle: My senior year of high school, I still hadn’t tried anything extracurricular other than the extremely informal but fun *cough cough* chess club *cough cough*.
  Because my father has been an actor since before I was born, and he has been in many major hits, I decided maybe I could try my hand at theatre.
  I had always been afraid and intimidated by the theatre teacher who was at our school before Terry. She had won our school 8 consecutive state championships (GA) in theatre, but all the student actors seemed like the Jackson 5 with the amount of pressure they endured.
  I had to choose an elective for senior year so I chose theatre based on the fact that there was a new teacher who would teach the other half of the classes so our previous teacher could focus on the championships.
  I met Mr. McGonigle on the first day of class and he and I hit it off pretty quick. He was funny and I was a funny senior ready to be a class clown. After he saw my urge to participate in something he asked me to be the lead role in his play which had already been cast with 45 actors who had experience. I was shocked, but I took the role and the other teacher got so upset at him and me when she found out someone without experience was the lead role. I studied relentlessly for 2 months before our first play and was a nervous wreck. I went on with the show and after our 3rd performance I was on fire. We did 11 performances that year and I formed a tight bond with McGonigle, but none of the people I worked with on the play. This may seem sad, but the lesson here is, if you truly want to do something, sometimes you really do not even need the proper credentials or promotional following to do it. Sometimes you can slip right in just because you are the right person and destiny aligned. Also, when you get there, you may only leave with the experience. I could have left with 45 new friends, but they had been doing this stuff their whole lives and were jealous that I made it ahead of them. Also, I was on another level, I wanted to leave high school with a few very close friends instead of 45 distant friends, which is what they were to each other. I still talk to almost all of my real close friends to this day and I accept when we venture our different ways.

  I think to not let someone go the path that their heart takes them is inhumane and also very very common. I feel that enabling fervent young mentors to educate the younger leaders of the world is a way to build a Utopian society, or a greater focus on the needs and honest wants of the common good. I want badly to be a part of something big, even if nobody knows I’m involved, I want to help each child individually, and I feel that a close brother or sister like figure would be the ideal patron for that cause.

  Thank you Tim for the awesome opportunities and I pray I can impact education, children, and the lives of others in the way you and several others have impacted me.

  Thanks all!

  Jeremiah Smith

  Reply
• 

  Chris Carroll — October 13th, 2008, 7:15 pm

  Tim- great way to fill the void,

  I decided to approach this by leveraging my personal network

  I’m a student in Tucson AZ, attending both Pima community college (PCC) and the University of Arizona (UofA) I’m also the former Adfed student president of my school and have many contacts in the Local Advertising and media fields.

  Both schools have a college centric E-mail system, each allowing you to contact by email every student I every student I ever have a class with

  1. Thought this system and the past class archive I was able to obtain the email for every student and every teacher, (That’s lots of people :O) and I can do this because there is no student spam feature.

  I wrote them a “student” tailored massage with:
  - A short disruption of the mission
  - A link to the URL you gave
  - And in a “call to action” I asking them to forward the e-mail to there list.
  - And a PS: Please help me in this cause. Give 13 seconds of your time and you can have a very real chance of getting 100,000 students $1.5 million for education.

  2. And because I don’t have the access to reach every student I recruited (by phone) my close school friends who have different majors. I asked them to do the same thing and help me reach more students. (Got 90% yes rate )

  3. With my personal list of contacts in the Local Advertising and media I connected everyone with a similar E-mail (but tailored differently) asking them to use there network to spread the word.

  4. I also contacted my very good friend who is a graphic designer at a local news station. She is going to recommend this to the Producer for the Ten-o’clock. This is a long shot but cross your fingers.

  5. I gave a quick call to about 15 extended family members and gave them the speech. Then followed up by E-mailing them the URLs

  6. and a “Dig” for good luck.

  ———————————

  As for the teacher, class, or school project had the biggest impact on my like:
  I have to say the teacher that had the biggest impact on me (other then my father) was my digital arts teach. He helped me develop my passion for my art and gave me the confidence to act on behalf of it.

  ————-
  ————-

  Good luck to all, go get those votes
  -Chris

  Reply
• 

  Mike Tieden — October 13th, 2008, 7:17 pm

  I voted, tweeted which is linked to my Facebook status, and made this YouTube video to spread the word.

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVLweUXVc0

  It also has my favorite teacher and reasoning in it too. Enjoy!

  -Mike

  Reply
• 

  Leonard Irwin — October 13th, 2008, 7:18 pm

  Tim

  Great post on education. I truly believe it is a great equalizer.Cross the right education with what a person is good at and they never have a job again. It is called your passion. Thanks for these blog updates
  Leonard

  Reply
• 

  Jason — October 13th, 2008, 7:19 pm

  Dear Tim, I _really_ hope you get the necessary votes!

  I did everything I could do!
  1) Made an adwords campaign! http://cvk.ca/tmp/ad.png [Someone actually clicked on it while I was writing this post] 1) Changed Facebook Status 2) Tweeted about it 3) Called a few close friends told them to do it 4) Changed Windows Messenger Status 5) Changed GTalk status 6) Changed Yahoo Messenger Status 8) Digged 7) I tried to looking for my floormate who has a decent sized blogged, but he’s out of town

  I think the education system has so much potential, and that we’re undervaluing the effect it has on our children and society! There’s so much research we could be applying to improve our schools. For example, studies have shown that teaching Esperanto can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to acquire secondary languages, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propaedeutic_value_of_Esperanto. I envision schools which base their curriculum off of hard data and experimentation =)

  My grade 12 French inspired me about romance, philosophy & culture. At the time, I was deeply involved in robotics, software engineering and mathematics, and I didn’t really care about his french class – I often would just ignore his lessons and settle for passing marks.

  He never took it personally though, he respected me for who I was, and started actually showing interest in my hobbies! I showed him some of the robotics that I was working on and he was completely astounded and said I was going to be very successful in life.

  However, then he started to surprise me! He had this amazing passion for french and french culture, and I couldn’t help but be dawn in to his world. One class, he brought in his guitar and played bilingual love songs and sung! Another class, he had recently watched his wife give birth, and he told us the entire story! Including how he broke out crying after delivery, it was very beautiful.

  Through his eyes, I started seeing a completely different perspective to life, a view far more romantic, passionate, and lively. I think he’s responsible for some major decisions I’ve made recently, including to do a lot of traveling and explore culture. And traveling has -completely- changed me =)

  I still go back to visit him when I came. He now has 2 kids =) I don’t think he’s ever going to be anyone ‘famous’ but he’ll always have affected his students and me.

  Good luck Tim, best wishes!!

  J

  Reply
• 

  Andy — October 13th, 2008, 7:20 pm

  1. I slapped a post-it on the monitor of everyone I work with. I told them to check out the site and then take the post it another department and slap it there, asking them to do the same.

  2. Mrs. Kaag made the biggest difference in my life. She told me I should join the Army to keep me out of prison. She was right, I was in prison – to do work, not as an imate. To this day when someone tells me I can’t do something it becomes the challenge that makes me do it. I ran 50miles in 8 hours – someone told me I would not be able to. Finished college – lots of people told me I would not. Qualified for the Boston marathon on the first try – some chick told me I was aiming too high. All this goes back to some guidance counselor named Kaag (AKA Kaag the Haag), telling me at 16 years old what my future would be. Maybe I just like proving people wrong, or maybe I just like telling/showing people that the perceived impossible is possible. Someone with determination, persistence, and goals becomes something to talk about.

  Reply
• 

  Jan — October 13th, 2008, 7:24 pm

  Great thing to bring this initiative forward to us Tim. My vote goes towards it. rgds, Jan

  Reply
• 

  Darren Alff — October 13th, 2008, 7:27 pm

  Tim,

  1. I just submitted my vote for DonorsChoose and sent an email to everyone I know who has an American Express card. My mother alone will help to spread this thing to countless potential voters! I’ve also posted a quick blurb about this to my Twitter followers.

  2. The best teacher I ever had was my video production teacher in high school. He showed me that I could use my weaknesses (social anxiety) to my advantage. He taught me how to use film and video as a way of expressing myself. He was the first teacher I ever had who allowed me to just play around, make mistakes, and discover what worked for me. This allowed me to grow and learn so much faster than I had ever done in the past. When I wrote my first book, I dedicated it to him!

  Keep up the good work!

  Reply
• 

  Good karma dude « Mike Morrissey’s pretty good Blog — October 13th, 2008, 7:29 pm

  [...] Case in point, he has a contest up right now about helping inner city kids get an education. [...]

• 

  LeonardIrwin — October 13th, 2008, 7:34 pm

  Tim

  Thanks for this postings on education. When a person gets an education that matches with their passion you get a calling.

  thanks

  Reply
• 

  Cale Coughlan — October 13th, 2008, 7:36 pm

  Tim,

  Done and done. I’ve sent the tweet, updated the facebook status, and sent out smoke signals to all my friends that don’t have the internet…but I guess that probably won’t have too big of an impact since they won’t be able to vote.

  I appreciate the fact that you brought this to the attention of the blog readers. I had no knowledge of it until reading the blog post and, being the son of a teacher, I can certainly appreciate the need for quality education. It is frustrating to think that the mistakes made by the adults of this generation could be repeated if we don’t make a consistent commitment to arming future generations with the knowledge to tackle problems in a logical, solution-based manner rather than by doing what has always been done.

  You can count on my support,

  Cale

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  kim brand — October 13th, 2008, 7:38 pm

  Always enjoy your posts – this no less.

  > 50, so I don’t have Twitter, Facebook or Myspace accts ;(

  But I have had an Amex for many yrs, so I voted for Help 100K Children. Hope it helps. (I own a couple businesses, including a fax broadcast company, so I’ll launch a job to a couple hundred customers tomorrow urging them to vote with their mouse.)

  Doesn’t it seem tragic that teachers need to pay for their own supplies? At least they should be deductible as a business expense. Maybe in the flurry of bail-out legislation they could ‘ear mark’ that little pearl.

  I’ve helped local inner city Catholic schools for years. My IT service company even participated in the Universal Service Fund to get them cheap Internet and phone service. What a waste. (My blog lambastes the FCC program that administers this billion dollar disaster.) What warped priorities we must have to rebuild schools in Iraq and not New York?

  Meanwhile, I clearly remember my sixth grade math teacher: Mr. Nick Molnar who punished us with math series questions…they seem simple now (thanks to him.) Like: “5, 10, 30, 60. What are the next two numbers?” I graduated with an engineering degree and went on to law/business schools thanks to great parents and inspiring teachers. Why do they seem so rare now?

  Final point: A guy I met at church engaged me in conversation once. He was different than me: black, poor, street smart. We talked about what can change a kid’s life. He said two things: hope & education. I don’t know what Help 100K Children can do about hope, but it’s a good start at education.

  Good luck and thanks for a great book.

  Kim Brand
  Indianapolis

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  Mike M — October 13th, 2008, 8:04 pm

  Tim,

  I normally would have read this and not done anything, since there is only 1 hour left in the voting. Your post a while back “Why Bigger Goals = Less Competition” hammered home something I’ve always suspected but never vocalized. As a result, I decided to act instead of letting someone else. This isn’t the most difficult task, but then I don’t have to win the phone call or the $150 to win. All I have to do is help vote to get funding for a great cause. It’s a no-lose proposition.

  I dug out the old Amex card
  (since the one with the better interest rate wouldn’t register), voted, and added a paraphrased link to my Facebook status (as your better but longer message wouldn’t fit).

  Hopefully the kids will win as a result of your post. If that happens, I’ll already have won.

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  Eitan — October 13th, 2008, 8:17 pm

  Great cause. Voted, Twitted and updated my FB profile. Great pleasure. Good karma indeed.
  My history teacher in high school had deep influence on me. She taught me that fate is not deterministic and we – as “ordinary people” – have the right and power to change it. Only those who dared to stand up for their rights or think in ways that others didn’t perceive as possible, managed to change things – as small as their way of life, and as big as the future of their nations.

  Thanks for the inspiration Tim.

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  Christopher — October 13th, 2008, 8:24 pm

  I just updated my Facebook status, asked any friends logged in to chat to take a break and vote if they have an AMEX card, and posted to Twitter.

  The educator who had the biggest influence on me was my elementary school principal, Dr. Anne Lyons. When I was in first grade I would visit her in her office and we’d read together. I have no idea how the arrangement ever came to be, but it instilled a love of reading in me that has persisted all of my life. She encouraged me and gave me extra opportunities because I looked for them, and as I look back I realize how lucky I was that she took that extra bit of interest in me.

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  Mike Deiure — October 13th, 2008, 8:24 pm

  Tim,
  I received your new blog post about an hour before the deadline but got right on it. I hit up my facebook contacts as well as my twitter page. Hopefully it will reach as many people as possible and get some positive votes in. I was able to cast my vote as a guest but it counts none the less!
  As for a short story on what teacher has inspired me the most, I would have to say Jim Piorkowski, the head of the guitar department at the State University of New York at Fredonia. I studied with him from 98′ to 01′. He was the first person to get me my first guitar student. During my softmore year, he told me that there was someone who wanted to learn guitar so that they could pass the audition to get into the school of music and that I would be the best person to teach him. Up until that point I had no idea i was good enough to teach others. Since graduation in 02′, teaching guitar and piano has been my profession and main source of income. Last year I also put out my own guitar instructional videos called “Rock Guitar Power” so that I can reach out to more people and get them to learn to play the guitar.
  I’ve worked with hundreds of students, mostly in their teenage years and it has been awesome to be a positive force in their lives. Even though guitar is not a necessary thing for the kids in members project, any help they can get to give them a better education is well worth the time and effort!
  Thanks for inspiring me and others to take action and make positive things happen.

  Mike Deiure

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  miltownkid — October 13th, 2008, 8:37 pm

  Sup Tim,

  I made a YouTube video (6,000+ subs), Tweeted (186 followers) and hit my email list (536 mailed, 47 opened and 13 clicked the link). I wish I had more time to put something a little “spicier” together, but I did the best I could.

  I want to list two teachers, but I’ll choose one.

  I always hated school (still kind of do), but I LOVED learning. Anyhoo, I had one teacher (I can only remember his first name… Michael that’s odd) that had me do a report on Richard Feynman. When I got older I realized that this guy TRICKED me! He didn’t even care about the report. He knew that I’d actually relate to how cool Richard Feynman was and be inspired by the fact that you could be a super genius AND cool.

  You can donate my $150 to Room to Read. I just want to talk on the phone for 30 minutes.

  Thanks!

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  James T — October 13th, 2008, 8:38 pm

  Great post Tim.

  I put the link in my Facebook status, as well as sent messages to everyone in the 10 largest groups I belong to on Facebook, with a “call to action” and almost the exact “One click here…” message you recommended, asking those that read it to spread the word as well. Those 10 largest groups have a total of about 5 million people, so if even 0.01% of those I messaged have an AmEx card and vote, DonorsChoose will get the 500 votes necessary to lock in the $500,000. For an extra margin of safety, I also sent a mass email to everyone on my email list (250+ people) asking them to forward on the message as well.

  The teacher that had the biggest impact on my life was a professor named Tim Kasser. He taught a course titled “Psychology of Dying and Death”. I took this course while enrolled in the Semester at Sea study abroad program during college. The course focused around what is now called “Terror Management Theory”. It provided insight as to why people live life as they do and make the decisions they do, and how all the choices a person makes in one’s life is affected (whether consciously or unconsciously) by the knowledge of their own impending death. This may not exactly be a typical “school project” but taking his class, while visiting countries with cultures and religions as various as those of Japan, China, Vietnam, Burma, India, Egypt, Turkey, etc, was a truly life-altering experience.

  Professor Kasser integrated the slices of life we observed in all these various countries with the material of the course, as well as with discussions centering on events from the lives of the students prior to the course. He could have just taught the material in the book, and it would have been fine. But he didn’t. He made it personal. I remember on the first day of class he told us details from his life far more personal and intimate than anything I’d ever heard from a teacher, let alone close friends. He set the tone for the most interesting course I’ve ever taken.

  I’ve thought about the things I learned in his course hundreds of times since I took it several years ago, and I know his teachings have affected countless important decisions I’ve made in my life. They will no doubt continue to do so. I am 100% sure he positively and profoundly affected the lives of every student that took that class. Talk about a mind virus worth spreading.

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  Jami — October 13th, 2008, 8:40 pm

  Hi Tim,

  Thanks for using your time to inspire others and seek out great causes. Unfortunately I came home at 11pm to find your post. Luckily I took the time to read it, voted, posted on a homeschooling listserv (which is host to many night owls) and updated my facebook status.

  I would say that the class that had the biggest impact on my life was my German class. This class gave me the opportunity to be an exchange student in Germany my junior year in High School and host an exchange student that same year and the next year. Coming from a very small town, I didn’t really know anyone who had left the state let alone the country. To have the world open up like that truly opened my heart and mind to possiblities. Not to mention the amazing friendships I fostered with several people from the town we went to.

  To think of it now, and imagine not having done that or met those people, my mind I believe would have been as closed as most of the people in my town and my journey in life much less fruitful and I would have lost out on touching so many lives. Gosh, thanks for making me take the time to reflect on that. Have a great one. Tschüss!
  Peace, love and chocolate, Jami

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  LizaM — October 13th, 2008, 8:43 pm

  I just voted! Thanks Tim for the lesson on maximizing our ‘sphere of influence’! My cousin is a 5th/6th grade teacher and it’s her birthday today. I posted a birthday greeting to her when I updated my Facebook status and posted the link. The teacher who made the most impact on me was my third grade teacher Mrs. Marrero. She taught us learning didn’t have to be boring. She had this huge poster of her favorite singer/performer (quite unconventional with his purple outfit) on her classroom wall. Her passion inspired us all to be the same way about whatever we were passionate about!

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  Alan Hinton — October 13th, 2008, 8:46 pm

  Hello Tim
  Great idea I hope we get the votes we need for this project.
  Very important that they receive the funding they need.

  Once I received your blog to promote this much needed funding initiative

  I came up with an elevator pitch to describe this funding, you know describe this worth while cause in the time it takes to get to the ground floor of the elevator.

  I then went around to each of the employees within our company and explained to them the cause. In a 100 person company this took a couple hours but it was well worth it because I personally witnessed a majority of them sign up and vote for this worth while cause.

  Thanks Tim for bringing this initiative to my attention.

  I have read your book the 4HWW and I have used it as my guide how I now approach my work and my projects outside of work. One day soon I will be self employeed and truely living the life of the NR.
  Thanks for making such a big difference in my life.

  Alan.

  went around to each of the people I worked with

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  asgromo — October 13th, 2008, 8:49 pm

  So, with a little time left, and my heart feeling stretchy and odd, I went ahead and I wrote up a weblog post about this project as well as a very recent seemingly nice act, and my mixed feelings about the incident (here, on my weblog: http://www.castlemzx.net/index.php?entry=58 ). And I put up the link to the project in my Facebook status and in Twitter (I’m sorry to say I have relatively few friends in either), and I showed this thread to people I know. And I guess I’ll continue to point this material out to people I know for a little while while my interest sustains. I’m not going to spam the forums I frequent. I’m at odds with myself about doing it for the money’s sake or the conversation’s sake. Too many projects like this one fail everyday without my support. I can’t help feeling a little hypocritical spending time only on the ones that might net me immediate cash.

  I’d say the teacher I’ve always thought of most was Ms. Clearwater at East Hill Elementary of the fifth grade, graying and stern with an off-putting sweet streak; a probably complex and brilliant lady unfortunately filtered through my young incomprehension and the needs of an elementary school curriculum. I passed the fifth grade without flying colors, but I did alright compared to the years ahead, and in that vein I remember a time after a bad streak when I forced myself to finish my homework at home, and bring it in to class, and give it to her with my characteristic obvious and cavalier dismissal of my own pride, and she was so very happy with me that she gave me two gold stars and a real live hug.

  I don’t really know if this teacher had the biggest impact on me. My middle school teachers who passed me when they could have failed me probably made a larger difference. But I remembered this, and it still seems so funny and strange and nice, and perfectly unnecessary of her. I don’t remember if it led me to turn in more homework that year, but I hope so.

  And I can’t say I’ve finished spreading this project around. I’m having real thoughts about it, and because of it, and because you pointed it out to me. I think I know the importance of education, but in this rare case I’ve been made to feel I have a real stake in it.

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  Michele W. — October 13th, 2008, 8:52 pm

  This was a pleasure! I sent the URL and what I think was a very convincing email to those in my address book. The ones I called were excited to participate and would pass it on as well.

  Event with the Most Impact

  This is my 15th year education and I currently teach 4th grade. The event that had the biggest impact on my life was from a student, who in a beautiful way became my “teacher”. You see, I was a teacher for 5 years, became an assistant principal for 5 years and because of this wonderful little girl, I found my way back to the classroom and inherently back to me.
  Her name is Alicia and she was a second grader on my campus. She was the oldest of 5 children and really the mother or them all. Seeing her hold her 1st grade brother’s hand as they walked to school while using her other hand to pull her rolling backpack, with her Kindergarten brother Robert sitting on top of it touched my heart.
  Alicia’s mother had a severe cognitive disorder and while they lived alone in an apartment nearby the mother had a personal social worker with her regularly to help her raise her children. There were times when Alicia’s mom would have a stroller with the two younger children in it and as she pushed it down the street, she’d stop, leave the stroller as if she forgot she had it and keep walking. She’d remember after several steps, come back and resume pushing it. Once this happened as she crossed the large, busy intersection in front of our school and the stroller was left sitting in the middle of the street. Our secretary was the first to reach her to get the stroller out of harm’s way and Alicia’s mom slowly walked back to claim the stroller.
  People in their apartment complex would take advantage of Alicia’s mother (including Alicia’s father whenever he returned from jail). Her auntie lived close by but offered no help to the family. This is a brief snapshot of the life this little girl lived but there was not a day I saw her come to school without a smile on her face.
  Alicia and I formed a special bond. Talking to her at lunch and recess or just visiting her in class were such small gestures but I soon found out how much that meant to her. Each Christmas our school district participated in the Make a Child Smile program. Needy children got on a school bus bound for Wal Mart and received an official police and fire truck escort (sirens and all) with Santa atop the lead engine. All Wal Mart employees formed a long line as if for a red carpet event and the children with their parents entered the store to enthusiastic clapping and had a personal shopper to help each child spend $150.00 allotted just for them. The event culminated with a lunch at Subway and escort back to the school. I referred Alicia for the program and because I was the District liaison I was able to attend the event with the families. Alicia’s priority was to make sure her siblings received something. Her own wish list was secondary.
  Shortly after this, I found out her mother was pregnant again – the crossing guard at the school was the father of the child and he was moving her and the children to a dangerous side of town, miles away from everything she knew, too far for the social worker she had depended on for years to service her and with no public/social infrastructure (which she needed) nearby.
  As I walked into Alicia’s classroom that day she came to me, took my hand and to speak to me outside. With her head bowed, she quietly told me that she was moving. She explained her mom was having another baby soon but that meant she would get to have her own room in their new place. We talked about it a bit and I told her how much I loved being her friend and she’d stay in my heart no matter where she lived. Then she smiled (showing the wide gaps in her mouth where teeth would soon emerge) and whispered, “You know what else? My mom is having a baby girl and when she gets here, I get to name her. You know what I’m gonna name her?” I said, “No, what?” She said, “I’m gonna name her Mrs. Walker” (my name back then). Tears took over my voice but our last embrace said it all. We would forever be connected.
  In that moment, I realized that while being an assistant principal allowed me to know more students and improve a school site in grander ways than when I taught, I was missing out on the deep connection I had with students when I was their teacher. Alicia had the biggest impact on me because she reminded me of what truly made my heart sing. My vocation called me back through her.
  For the last five years I’ve resumed teaching, and clearly found my niche. Gratefulness fills my heart for the impact this powerful little girl had on my life and I bless her memory every day.

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  Ryan Leach — October 13th, 2008, 8:59 pm

  Hi Tim,

  I admire the “think big” aspect that seems to be a growing trend in your writing. I’m also at a place where I feel a nagging urge to do something that is greater than myself.

  Besides voting with my Amex I have updated my facebook status, become a fan of the Member Project, posted on forums I frequent and contacted a few people directly. I suspect direct contact is more likely to get a vote than anything else.

  The most valuable lesson I ever learned in school came in an unexpected way my freshman year of high school. The class was English Literature and the teacher was the stern but compassionate Mrs. Hickman. We had been assigned to read the first five chapters of A Tale of Two Cities, with an essay test the following day. Being slacker that I unfortunately was I wasted away my evening and only managed to read the first 4 chapters, leaving it to chance that none of the test material would be on chapter 5.
  Kharma what it is, the first essay question was on chapter 5 and was clueless to the answer. I began to write some nonsense about “The main character felt sad…” and then I stopped myself. After a few minutes staring at the page I finally crossed out what I had begun writing and wrote the following note instead:

  “Dear Mrs. Hickman,
  I did not read the assigned chapters and will accept a 0 as my grade for this test.
  -Ryan”

  I sat quietly killing time for a while before turning in the test and waiting out the rest of the period.
  The next day Mrs. Hickman called me to her desk. Of course I would get a 0, she explained, and she would also have to contact my parents. However, she admired my honesty and a new bond of respect had formed between us that remained the rest of my high school career.
  I understood that day that the long lasting quality of being honest with yourself and others far surpassed the quick fix of a pointless lie.

  -Ryan

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  Jeff McBrayer — October 13th, 2008, 9:01 pm

  Hi Tim,
  I’m still “old school” and forwarded your e-mail to everyone on my list. Here’s the good news – my list goes to nearly every fire department, rescue service and teaching institution in New Mexico and Colorado. Mrs. Waters was my photography teacher at Stanton Jr. High in Hereford, Texas. Mrs. Waters asked me one day if I was interested in first aid. My dad was a physician, but I had not real idea about what I wanted to do when I “grew up”. Mrs. Waters steered me to “Doc” Walls. “Doc” was the high school athletic trainer. With Mrs. Waters and “Doc”s support and inspiration, I became a student athletic trainer, then an emergency medical technician while still in high school, then a nationally registered paramedic when I was 19. That was around 1985… Thanks to Mrs. Waters intuition and “Doc” Walls inspiration I have been blessed with 23 years of helping the sick and injured. I became a paramedic instructor almost 20 years ago, and have passed on the legacy of Mrs. Waters and “Doc” Walls education. Education is at the very foundation of human development. Someone figured out fire and taught it to someone else. Someone figured out tools and taught it to someone else. Education literally forms the human race. Thank you Mrs. Waters. Thank you “Doc” Walls. Pass it forward!
  Jeff McBrayer, Paramedic Captain – Rio Rancho Fire Department

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  Scott Ciommo — October 13th, 2008, 9:09 pm

  Tim,

  I love your writing and vision. I made up a flyer for my AMEX customers that come in my retail store. Will urge on Facebook as well.
  My most memorable was my high school English teacher who not only read my teenage angst poetry, but told me I didn’t need rhyme. It was like a ticket out of jail at the time.

  -Scott

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  Drew Kime — October 13th, 2008, 9:45 pm

  I don’t have AMEX, so all I was able to do was post a request on my site. Hope it helps.

  My favorite teacher was Mrs. Black, my senior English teacher. When I disagreed with her interpretation of a poem, she didn’t just tell me I was wrong. She discussed, debated, made an honest effort to convince me. She was the first teacher … scratch that, she was the *only* teacher I ever had who treated her students like we might have something worth saying.

  Funny thing is, even though we argued about it for most of that day, I have no memory at all of what the poem was. That’s not what I remember. What I remember is the courage it took for a teacher to admit that there wasn’t a single right answer to everything.

  Drew

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  Mike K — October 13th, 2008, 10:02 pm

  Hola! voted with my amex card and emailed it to my contact list.

  So awesome to see you “bribe” to encourage positive activities!

  Allrighty my favorite teacher is my 1st & 2nd grade teacher —- Mrs. P.W. Why? First off, I have a severe-profound hearing loss (left ear is gone and lost over 1/2 in my right ear) — but there’s a good chance you wouldn’t know that if you had met me….I’m a lipreading maniac with too much speech therapy!

  Since I was deaf/hard of hearing (whatever you call it!) I was actually initially going to a deaf school (this is in the very early 80′s, times were a little different back then — if you were deaf, you BELONGED to a deaf school). She was my ‘deaf’ teacher that simply said I didn’t “belong” in a hearing impaired classroom (because they were slower and demanded more time) — so she basically “threw” me in whatever classes she could into the ‘mainstream’ classes. I did have a few classes with Mrs PW though (actually she had me write a book to compete in the district — I was the only 2nd grader who won in my district, a pretty big deal. It was titled, Lydia the Girl Who Always Kicked”). Basically she really pushed me to do better, aim higher than what I had in mind….and when I didn’t believe in myself, she would continue to encourage me (heck, I remember crying because I couldn’t get the perfect small “a” cursive — and she just sat there smiling telling me just keep trying you will get it — well, I did pass with a C in penmanship). I owe SO much to her…..I would have to say she got me off the right foot to graduate from a “top 10 computer science university” and having a happy and “successful” life. (of course somebody like you comes along and redefines what that can mean! )

  In a nutshell, she basically taught me that deafness is a disability in the mind…..not the ears.

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  Garrett Sanders — October 13th, 2008, 10:34 pm

  Tim

  I was too late to help however I am so pleased that you consider it important to help these organizations. I had to purchase another copy of your book to share with my girlfriend. We are now looking the join the NR with a life in Lisbon.

  Thank you so much for the book and the continued good kharma I get from reading your blogs.

  Sincerely,

  Garrett K. Sanders

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  Tim Ferriss — October 13th, 2008, 10:34 pm

  Dear All,

  Just posted on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/tferriss:

  “U ROCK! DC got 2nd place ($500K) by a thin margin. Your efforts made it jump & will impact 30K+ schoolchildren. Remember this! You did it.”

  Seriously, you did it. We didn’t get first place, but we did get second place by the thinnest of margins, and more than 30,000 students in the US will benefit as a result.

  In a world where we need educated problem-solvers and global citizens, this is a HUGE accomplishment and you should all be very proud.

  Thank you for believing and participating! It worked

  G’night y pura vida,

  Tim

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  David Altmann — October 13th, 2008, 11:21 pm

  Hallo Tim

  Vorab erst einmal ‘Danke’ für Dein inspirierendes Buch – jetzt hoffe ich nur, dass ich das Ganze in die Tat umsetzen kann. Schritt für Schritt, natürlich (c:

  Thanks for sharing this with us. I need to say that I am not American but German and therefore would not really have to think so much about sharing your link for this very honorable project. Nevertheless, I do feel responsible to do at least the very least that can be done: spread the word to my US colleagues at work. Every little bit helps, right? So what I did is to put your suggested comment into the subject line of my skype account which all my colleagues usually see every day. I hope it’ll have some result.

  Now to my best teacher: it was not so easy to define this but finally there is only one person who left a real impression on me (as well as on many others back then). It was during university time when one of our ‘star’ professors (he taught economics) died suddenly during his sleep, way before his time. I never really liked that guy too much, he seemed to be taking himself too important. After he passed away I learned that one night there was some heavy fuzz going on between drunk students and foreign students. So one of the students, who obviously had a good connection to this professor, called him up in the middle of the night for help (I think calling up a professor in the middle of the night speaks for how serious the situationmust have been). Indeed, in the middle of the night this professor came from his house and took care that everything ends without problems.

  What did I learn?

  1) Do not judge people as long as you don’t really know them, and
  2) Stand up for what is right and don’t look away.

  That’s kind of why it is indeed in my interest to spread the word about this project. I don’t have AmEx, though, so I hope it’s still ok and my spreading the word will have an impact.

  Keep up the good work.

  Schönen Gruß aus Griechenland,
  David

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  Tim Ferriss — October 13th, 2008, 11:27 pm

  Thanks again for the awesome response, all. Having trouble sleeping I’m so excited that we just helped more than 30,000 students. Man! No matter what you got done — or didn’t get done — today, if you helped, consider this a most productive day indeed.

  Well done, lads

  G’night,

  Tim

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  David Altmann — October 13th, 2008, 11:39 pm

  Too bad, after I had posted my message above I just saw that the deadline was already over even before I had the chance to spread the word… I received the information about the project too late since I live in Europe…

  well, it was worth a try.

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  Umbratikus — October 14th, 2008, 6:03 am

  I didn’t read this post until this morning, so I missed the deadline. I think this is a great cause and kudos to Tim for trying his best to get this project the $1.5 m. Good news is that they came in second with a $500,000 award.

  I still wanted to share my story about the teacher that made the most impact in my life. It was a high school social studies teacher named Arthur Stalbow. He was into Napoleon Hill and the whole PMA thing. He made us post papers all over our house and our lockers with the number 92 on it, saying that this was the minimum he wanted anyone to get on any of his tests or assignments. He even allowed us to write it on our desks in his classroom. It worked. He also taught me that it only takes a small amount of effort, just a teeny-tiny amount, to be better than average, and anyone is capable of being better than average if they just put out that small amount of effort. He was my Mr. Keating. He made a difference.

  One day the class played a practical joke on him. We turned all of our desks around and faced the back of the room. When he came into the room, he walked to the back without missing a beat, without comment, and began teaching, pointing to imaginary maps that weren’t there, and writing with chalk on the wall in lieu of a blackboard. It was hilarious. I loved that guy.

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  shannon — October 14th, 2008, 6:08 am

  Hey Tim-
  This is a great cause! The thing to remember is that all of the top contenders for the Amex prize are. I actually already voted a few weeks ago for a different one. But I think it is great you are driving a lot attention to all of them. The fact that one of them is getting the money is fantastic.

  In times of hardship it really does help to give more. What ever we feel we are lacking (time, money, love, etc) -just giving more of that makes a difference.

  Love your blog! Great stuff.

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  Trista Harris — October 14th, 2008, 6:51 am

  Tim,
  Thank you so much for helping us all remember how powerful our networks our. We all have the collective cabability to improve our communities. I put the link on my linked in page at http://www.linkedin.com/in/tristaharris. I have many foundation staff members in my network and I hope that my link not only encourages them to vote on the project but that it will encourage them to bring Donor’s Choose to the attention of their boards to ensure long term funding for this amazing organization.

  The teacher that influenced me the most was Mrs. Ballard, my high school gym teacher and the advisor for the African American Student Organization. She taught me that true service requires personal preparation. Because of that advice I attended college and graduate school to better prepare myself for a life of community service. I am now one of the youngest foundation Executive Directos in the nation. I could not have done it without her unwavering support and encouragement.

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  Anthony Umfer — October 14th, 2008, 7:04 am

  Martin gave a great talk at TED about positive psychology/happiness. Check it out!

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  Emile Monette — October 14th, 2008, 7:47 am

  Great project, I got the message too late to vote on amex, but looks like you got it to 2nd place and 500K aint bad.

  Reply
• 

  Bob English — October 14th, 2008, 7:57 am

  Hi Tim – Great post, thank you, what an excellent project! . I spread the word on my Facebook page and LinkedIn. I will say that I found the voting process just a little confusing at first, it wasn’t crystal clear that I needed to “do” anything once at the site (I finally did login to my amex acct).

  As far as teacher/class/project had impact on me. That is a tough one. I barely made it out of high school in NY and have no college education. I’d have to say it was a wood shop project, building a deacon’s bench in 10th grade. The radial arm saw I was using malfunctioned and I lost 3 fingers. The good news, I was the first successful finger implant in NY State history (1977). That is, not just sticking them back on but reconnecting nerves as well. 8 hours of microsurgery which was groundbreaking at the time. The bad news is that I had a dado blade on the saw which is about 3/4″ thick. Made quite a mess of my hand but they were able to put my thumb and pointer back on (albeit without knuckles), but no middle so I am unable to flip the bird to other motorists…. Looong story to say that this had a tremendous impact on me, I felt like a disfigured freak with my hand like that. It impacted me as a teenager and shaped my self image especially around women! But after 25 years in IT, I find myself the COO of an amazing small company called TecAccess, this is a for profit IT company hq’d in VA that specializes in addressing the employment needs of people with disabilities and the companies that hire them (employment, training, product testing, marketing…). This is very exciting for me as I’m finally doing something that is really important to the world. I have met some amazing people, inspirational people with serious disabilities that are leaders and movers and shakers. How they grew into these amazing people while saddled with severe disabilities is still a mystery to me. What an inspiration, what drive they must have, how many obstacles they had to overcome, what amazing employees they make! So now I focus on helping companies see the power of this disability community (or, as the amazing John Kemp refers to them “other abled”). 60 million Americans have a disability of some sort, an astounding fact. Can you imagine a major corporation NOT making an effort to reach them through marketing or hiring practices? This is an amazing business opportunity with huge ROI that many companies have not woken up to!

  P.S. I’m 47 now and can say quite confidently, chicks dig guys with scars.

  Thanks for all you do Tim, 4HWW is an amazing thing and a key part of my day.

  Bob English
  TecAccess
  http://www.tecaccess.net

  Reply
• 

  Aaron Bennett — October 14th, 2008, 8:03 am

  Note: Tim, I was unable to post this before the deadline. I hope you still count it in the running. If not, I completely understand.

  ——————
  Hi Tim,
  Your challenge prodded me to take action where otherwise I wouldn’t have. So I thank you for that. I just sent an email to 35 of my biggest spheres of influence asking them to vote. I shared my passion for education and how easy it is to make a world of a difference. I posted the link on Facebook and added it to my Facebook status.

  Father Malo. Yes, he was a priest. As an incoming freshman to my Catholic high school, Father Malo greeted me with a huge smile and an exuberant personality. His class soon became the favorite part of an otherwise painful freshman year. What truly separated this jovial, middle aged celibate priest apart from my other teachers occured during one 10 minute “lesson”. I remember it vividly to this day. He called on a student in the class and had him sit on a stool in the front of the room. Out of nowhere, Father Malo began to call him names, bully him, and physicall abuse him. Me and my classmates sat there while tears beginning to role down the student’s face. No one in the class knew what was going on. My love towards my teacher were being twisted…I didn’t know what to do, feel, or what the heck was happening. I looked around the class to see what others did as Father Malo called him every bad name in the book. And then my teacher spit on this classmates face. I wanted to melt in my seat out of fear…what should I do, I thought? Then Father Malo turned around to witness a group of shocked faces and told the class that this will be a common scene in high school. He explained that we need to stand up for those who cannot defend themselves. He said that we cannot let bad things happen in front of us, such as what had just occured. In that 5 minute lesson, he taught me more about honor and justice than I have ever experienced thereafter. Father Malo was an example of bravery, passion, and intensity. I still look back on that moment and admire him for his intense desire to teach us, despite breaking every rule in the book. He was a maverick and a leader. He led by example and through experience. I love him for that and will never forget him.

  Reply
• 

  Wildcard — October 14th, 2008, 8:37 am

  Let me preface this comment by saying that this is going to come across as very insensitive…

  I think sending kids to government schools is child abuse. If you cannot provide your child with a good education, then you should not have made the decision to create a child. We pour more and more money into failing government school systems instead of allowing parents the choice to send their child somewhere else.

  For those of us that don’t have children, we pay loads of taxes for services we will never use. What ever happened to personal responsibility and taking care of yourself – why are the rest of us forced to pay for it?

  Reply
• 

  Mary Evans — October 14th, 2008, 10:06 am

  Hi Tim,
  What a great project! I teach dance in public schools (Swing, Latin and Ballroom) and it is tough, the only way to get funding is in classroom based assessment funding which greatly manipulates what and how thoroughly I can teach these kids. We work on cultural dances (i.e. Salsa, Tango, Samba, Swing…) so they learn the culture and history behind them, but we would love to get into the rich history of the Waltz. Unfortunately for now the schools financially can only do 5 weeks per school, 2 days a week. I am thrilled to help with a project like this. I mass emailed everyone in my outbox. I posted it on my facebook and my myspace pages (personal and for Washington Ballroom Dance Teachers Academy). I don’t have an American Express Card, but I hope my small contribution helps.

  My teacher who had the most impact on me was not my favorite teacher. It was my english teacher, and being I was into sports and dance I didn’t like homework. I had full reconstructive surgery on my knees from age 15-18 and was, of course, very bummed out. He pushed me hard in writing and debate (which I never did join in willingly). When I was arguing a C grade on a paper with him he told me I had more potential in writing then I put forward, and that being a good writer and communicator would open doors and help me build my life how I wish it to be. He taught me to express my idea’s, to think in ways that were unconventional, and to fail willingly because it was just one more step toward success. I was taught “do whatever it is you want to do in life, and whatever it is DO IT WELL.” He never ever changed that C.

  Reply
• 

  Jordan Harbinger — October 14th, 2008, 10:12 am

  Hey Tim,

  Next time you want to promote something like this, let me know. I’ve got a podcast with 30,000 listeners and a satellite radio show on Sirius with an audience of (potentially) millions. I’m always down for these types of causes.

  -Jordan Harbinger
  http://www.pickuppodcast.com
  http://www.theartofcharm.com

  Reply
• 

  David — October 14th, 2008, 10:42 am

  Members Project Winners Announced
  Today at 1:39pm
  AND THE WINNERS ARE…

  Thank you for being part of Members Project(R) ’08. Cardmembers from across the country submitted inspiring ideas for projects that could make a positive impact in the world.

  Your votes have been counted and the results are in. See what a difference you’ve made in the world.

  PRESENTING THE WINNING PROJECTS

  $1.5 million for 1st place goes to:

  Alzheimer’s Disease: Early Detection Matters and its fulfilling organization, Alzheimer’s Association

  $500,000 for 2nd place goes to:

  Help 100,000 children thrive in the classroom! and its fulfilling organization, DonorsChoose.org

  $300,000 for 3rd place goes to:

  Loans That Change Lives and its fulfilling organization, Kiva Microfunds

  $100,000 for each of the two remaining finalists goes to:

  Saving the Lives of Malnourished Children and its fulfilling organization, International Medical Corps

  Feeding 1 Million Children Daily and its fulfilling organization, Akshaya Patra Foundation

  To see the winning projects, visit:
  http://membersproject.com/fb

  Well we got second place!

  Reply
• 

  David — October 14th, 2008, 10:43 am

  Members Project Winners Announced
  Today at 1:39pm
  AND THE WINNERS ARE…

  Thank you for being part of Members Project(R) ’08. Cardmembers from across the country submitted inspiring ideas for projects that could make a positive impact in the world.

  Your votes have been counted and the results are in. See what a difference you’ve made in the world.

  PRESENTING THE WINNING PROJECTS

  $1.5 million for 1st place goes to:

  Alzheimer’s Disease: Early Detection Matters and its fulfilling organization, Alzheimer’s Association

  $500,000 for 2nd place goes to:

  Help 100,000 children thrive in the classroom! and its fulfilling organization, DonorsChoose.org

  $300,000 for 3rd place goes to:

  Loans That Change Lives and its fulfilling organization, Kiva Microfunds

  $100,000 for each of the two remaining finalists goes to:

  Saving the Lives of Malnourished Children and its fulfilling organization, International Medical Corps

  Feeding 1 Million Children Daily and its fulfilling organization, Akshaya Patra Foundation

  To see the winning projects, visit:
  http://membersproject.com/fb

  Reply
• 

  Michael — October 14th, 2008, 11:37 am

  Hi Tim,

  I’m posting a comment on donors choose to facebook and my 500 plus network. One thing to consider for a future campaign is to have people donate their birthdays in support of donors choose. They could even link up to particular schools or projects. For example, I donated my birthday to build a well in Ethiopia, and was able to get more than 100 people to donate. I asked for my age in dollars, with 100% of the money going to the life-saving gift of clean water, and the well posted to google earth, so people could see the results of my birthday gift. You can see the example page here:

  http://www.charitywater.org/birthdays/fundraiser/sept/view/1790

  Greg Baker was a championship swimmer throughout college and a world class human being. On a road trip to Greece he was paralyzed in a car accident. As an athlete, he said there was a moment in the hospital where he considered for a moment checking out. I believe that was the only moment Greg Baker ever thought about quitting.

  I had the privilege of getting to know Mr. Baker years later as a student in a class on James Joyce. I has a learning disability which made writing a challenge. Mr. Baker, however, was the inspiration for me to accept nothing less than my best. In the dead of Chicago winter, he would plow through the snow in his wheelchair to get to school early and stay late, coaching an championship swim program in the way only he could. Mr. Baker was uncompromising. There was no place for excuses in his classroom, because he lead by example. He was ‘handicapped’, but you would never know it by the way he lead his life.

  Looking at the man, who by the way invited us to his house on the weekends to read Joyce (everyone showed up), and who eventually treated our class to our first taste of Guiness, you could see how everyone was inspired by his passion and dedication. Mr. Baker showed up, day in day out, and gave his best, and demanded from everyone else their best in return.

  Mr. Baker died an untimely death, and at his wake it was standing room only. More than five hundred people came back to Chicago from throughout his thirty-year teaching career and shared stories of how the man had moved them, inspiring their path in life. During the eulogy my father turned to me, fresh from a 15 month trip around the world, and said that if I wanted to become a teacher it was alright by him. I did. As a kid who at one point could barely put a sentence together, I wound up becoming a high-school English teacher.

  Reply
• 

  Latest Happiness Research - How to Smile During an Economic Crash | HongKongWong.Com — October 14th, 2008, 11:43 am

  [...] came across this recently on Tim Ferriss’ blog on the psychology of [...]

• 

  Charles Best — October 14th, 2008, 11:53 am

  Tim,

  You and your readers did it. When the finals of the American Express Members Project opened two weeks ago, your tweet edged us from 3rd place to 2nd place. When we hit the homestretch of the finals, however, our margin withered from 3,700 votes to 370 votes. At that rate, we were headed to be overtaken on the last day of the contest. Your blog post—and your readers’ incredible response—was decisive in turning back the tide and securing $500,000 for DonorsChoose.org. 100% of those funds will now go to classroom requests on our site, delivering learning materials to tens of thousands of students in low-income communities. Those classroom requests represent the dreams of our most dedicated public school teachers—educators of the caliber and commitment that your readers have profiled in their comments.

  In the span of seven hours, your network achieved massive philanthropic impact. On behalf of all the teachers and schoolchildren who will now benefit, THANK YOU.

  -Charles

  Reply
• 

  Vince Wong — October 14th, 2008, 1:36 pm

  Tim! It’s been ages. Hope all is well. Thought this looked fun, so hope some of my efforts (and not very creative strategies) over the last 24 hours helped move Donorchoose closer towards the goal:-

  1. Posted on Bitterwallet where I’m an editor. We are linked to HUKD with over 6 million views a month. Page views since the weekend over 25,000 so I’m sure generated a few clicks in the few hours we had (it’s still a new site though, only luanched last week): http://www.bitterwallet.com/raise-15-million-for-100000-kids-and-earn-some-good-karma-at-the-same-time/1092

  2. Posted on my personal blog, which gets about 500-1000 views a day, occasionally over 15k when SUed: http://hongkongwong.com/2008/10/raise-15-million-for-100000-kids-and-earn-some-good-karma-at-the-same-time/

  3. Sent an email out to a list of around 300 close friends and family. Direct link to the site, and also to your article to give more incentive. No American Express credit card commisions expected.

  4. Facebooked another 500 or so, all personal friends for impact.

  5. Told my private mastermind group. It’s a small group (8), but all with some influence online (and offline). But every little helps.

  6. Called and also told a couple of guys I met at the London FOWA Expo over the weekend (NOT Kevin Rose nor Mark Zuckerberg, unfortunately), as they may have some further influence to push up the numbers.

  7. Status changes.. texted a few friends with a bit less online influence… basic stuff that probably didn’t have too much of an impact… but hey, every vote counts right?

  8. Tweeted to my own 900 or so followers on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/hongkongwong). But this may have been too late by the time I did it (should have probably done this first as it was the easiest!)

  9. Voted myself. Every little helps!

  Also want to share biggest impact on my life in school:

  Well, I wasn’t the most popular guy when I started high school. I was 12 when I left home, just some kid from Hong Kong who barely spoke English, had few friends (mostly FOBs), useless with girls (I went to an all boys school) and looked like I fell out of some Japanese TV commerical.

  Hiro, anyone? Ya-taaaaa!

  So when I ran for class rep as a prep and didn’t get it, and some senior told me that they won’t reveal the numbers to me in case I kill myself and that I’d never get elected for anything… reality came crashing down. Literally.

  Then I met Dan Brown (before he got famous).

  He, by chance, became my English teacher (he really tried). We ice skated together a few times. But more than that, there was also something that struck me about Dan. I saw something in him. A certain belief about himself. There he was, in Exeter, just after writing Digital Fortress. No one outside New England has even heard of it. (but I was smart: I got an autograph anyway!)

  I also must admit, I sort of saw him as a ‘mentor’. I looked up to him alot. And here’s something very few people know about Dan. Before he wrote, he actually wanted to be a singer. He gave me a copy of a (very old and secret) cassette of him back when he was just done at Exeter, and thinking it would get me lots of girls… I auditioned for an a cappella singing group.

  History repeating itself, I didn’t get in…

  I remember talking to him about it. About how I seemed to keep failing.

  It’s amazing how a simple phrase or sentence from someone can change your life. And for me, that was when Dan told me to ‘believe in yourself’ and ‘never give up’.

  After lots of practice, practice, and luck, I eventually got in to the a cappella group. After that, everything was easy… booze, girls, you name it. J/k :p But I did graduate high school with honours, an AP scholar, and as co-director of the singing group and a couple of fancy awards for music ‘contribution’ (did I forget to say I only did it for the ladies?).

  I got into med school and got elected as class rep in my first year. Most proud of all, was when I got elected as President of the Medical Society at my med school, and raised plenty of $$$ for charities like MSF and St Margarets, delegated and led a team of 28, and it also gave me some perspective of how far I’ve come since my early teen years as just some Hong Kong geek.

  Since, I started up ventures from nothing, and also got my medical degree at 24. I’ve since managed to transform my life closer towards my goals. I’m now 26, a part time medical doctor, a paid writer, travel the world (but plenty more places to see), have an amazing girlfriend, wonderful friends, awesome mentors, a great support network.. and a pretty happy life, I’d say.

  All because, I truly believe, those words changed my life.

  But I am also never giving up. No matter what. There’s still plenty I want to do in this lifetime.

  And Dan Brown… who would have thought??? If Dan could write a bestseller, anything is possible (just kidding Dan, in case you read this) :p

  So… believe in yourself, and never give up!!

  Reply
• 

  Jen — October 14th, 2008, 2:43 pm

  Filled out the survey & then added the link to my facebook page.

  history & culture project where we spent an entire school year studying a country, preparing a lecture for 1 class to teach the rest of the class about our country, it’s history, culture, and food. this taught me how hard it was to teach, and how hard it is to keep a student’s attention. it also taught me the importance of looking at stuff globally and introduced me to other cultures and understanding that the states isn’t the only important country in the world.

  Reply
• 

  Dean — October 14th, 2008, 3:04 pm

  As a veteran public school teacher, I’ve come to realize that the key to closing the achievement gap is not dumping more money into the system. This only exacerbates the problem.

  Kids need meaningful relationships, not more textbooks and computers.

  If you really want to help a kid, become a mentor. Pick one kid and spend one afternoon a week with him/her. Take him out into the real world. Go to a variety of social events. Teach him through example to interact with lots of different people. Find out what he’s interested in and shape meaningful learning experiences around his interests.

  School can’t do this. School is set up to provide a uniform structure and curriculum. It’s a factory system. Kids who don’t fit the model don’t do well. No amount of money can change that.

  “Successful” kids usually come from successful homes. Decades of research have demonstrated that the number one factor affecting a student’s academic achievement is family income. Higher family income = higher academic performance. (Not teacher quality, not textbook availability, not computer access).

  The best thing you can do for a kid in need is to provide him/her with the life experiences and stimuli that middle and upper class families typically provide.

  Reply
• 

  Eric Arias — October 14th, 2008, 4:39 pm

  Well, I twittered, voted, sent an email to my grandma asking her to spread it to her email list of friends, and facebooked it. Then I realized it was past the deadline. Doh!

  My wife always likes comments on her blog so I’ll throw in my educational impact story for your reading pleasure. This one has more to do with a school then a specific project, class, or teacher.

  I was born with a hearing impairment caused by structural malformation of the cochlea. My older sister had the same condition as well.

  In San Antonio, where I grew up, there was a school started in the 1950′s called Sunshine Cottage School for the Deaf. Unlike other schools for the deaf they stressed oral communication over sign language — to some people in the deaf world it’s a big no-no.

  There each of the teachers I had worked with each of us every school day on our speech skills I had problems with my R’s, a deaf accent, ch sounds and sh sounds — I still have problems with those sometimes, and even making clear, hard k sounds.

  I left the school after 3 years of attendance. I went to Encino Park Elementary to be mainstreamed in with all the hearing kids. I’m happy to say I got along well and met weekly with a speech pathologist to continue improving.

  While I’ve had more significant intellectual impacts in my life by wonderful teachers, this one allowed me to enjoy a life with music (I love to sing and play drums), to act and do improv where I use accents sometimes, and even to use the phone.

  I’m happy to say I never needed to learn sign language.

  And as it turned out, though we didn’t get back in touch until we were 16 and fully mainstreamed or go out until we were 18, I met my wife there in kindergarten. How’s that for impact?

  Reply
• 

  Steve Munroe — October 14th, 2008, 5:12 pm

  Facebooked.

  Take the $150 and donate it to the cause for Christ’s sake!

  Best,,
  Steve

  Reply
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  Mia Morgan — October 14th, 2008, 5:59 pm

  Tim,

  I’m so excited! What exciting news to log on to. (:

  I’m a little late for the teacher post but I am going to post a story anyway…..
  It’s about the power of bribes.

  When I was in 6th grade, my math teacher used Candy to get us to learn math. I know it’s sounds crazy, but it worked. It worked on me anyway.

  Smart lady, she got us motivated on a subject that is usually very dry for most kids. Math surely was not my favorite subject… but CANDY….that was exciting! We would have a contest once a week where two kids would go up to the chalk board and have to solve an equation. The winner got chocolate and would get to stay at the board until they were beaten by someone else.

  I never considered myself all that good at math until her class. I was always an artistic child. It always seemed a little intimidating, but since I was so motivated by the wonders of chocolate, I managed to win multiple times. I was such a geek and I have to say having a big load of candy can help you to be more popular with the other kids. In fact, I became so exited about math I went on to teach a math game called “Equations” to children all over Michigan when I was in 6th grade and even skipped a grade in Math.

  I’m not sure I would have applied myself in math if my teacher wasn’t so good at making the class so interactive. This boosted my confidence tremendously. My job today requires being creative and being logical about money at the same time, something I don’t know I would have developed the same way if it weren’t for my groovy teacher.

  I think there might be a better way other than candy, but the moral of the story is to make learning fun.

  Reply
• 

  John Lepore — October 14th, 2008, 7:45 pm

  Hello Tim,

  After looking at Donorschoose web-site and trying to figure out how I could contribute I’ve come up with the following suggestion. Donorschoose should allow people to donate via Paypal. Maybe Paypal will get involved. If i win I will donate the proceeds. Good work.

  Reply
• 

  Jusitn Kinner — October 14th, 2008, 8:16 pm

  Tim,
  I didn’t get to this post until late.. (close to 11 pm. est.) but I tried my best to make an impact. I twittered and facebooked the post and link. I do not seem to be quite as online popular some of the others, but my posts should still be seen by about 200 people. Hopefully, regardless of the outcome of this contest, some of my friends will contribute to donorschoose.org.

  I have some great teachers throughout my life, but to be completely honest, the best teacher I ever had was my mother. She is a single mom who taught me how to use my mind to achieve anything I want in this life. She put herself through college while raising 2 kids and working a full time job as a nurse. I have fond memories of spending countless nights in the county library with her while she studied and I read books about the solar system by Isaac Asimov(I can’t believe I still remember his name). I believe this is where I developed my affinity for books that still flourishes today.

  My mother knew that getting a good education was the key to great success in life. Not necessarily just a career, but in the broader sense of a total life experience. She taught me that if I was truly going to get anywhere in life, I was going to have to use my mind to achieve. Perhaps this is why I refuse to commit the greater part of my most productive years to sitting in a cubicle and making someone else rich. She has always encouraged me to go onto great things; all the while reminding me that true happiness comes with patience and dedicated work. Once when completely down on life and my post-collegiate prospects she simply replied, “go set the world on fire.” This is exactly what I plan on doing. Based on her teaching and personal example, I don’t think I can ever give up trying.

  Thanks and keep up the good fight for us little guys.

  ” Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Emerson

  Reply
• 

  Eliza — October 15th, 2008, 5:06 am

  1) To spread the word, I will message my friends on facebook as well as writing a short blog entry on this, as I don’t normally send SPAM messages to my friends, I am quite sure that they will take this seriously. I was walking the Ampersand 30km walk and the Oaktree Foundation participated in this walk is also a big contributor in education. I believe that hope lies in education. As I see myself dramatically changed by one teacher and classmates (to be elaborated in (2))

  2) The biggest impact on my life happened during year7~9 in Taipei Taiwan, I was given great responsibility by my form teacher. I was a shy kid back then, I did ok in class, I was mediocre and didn’t like to talk to my peers. She encouraged me in front of the whole class and helped me to discover that I am great at singing, studying, innovative ideas, writing Chinese and public speaking. She believes in me so much that I decided to study hard for myself and turned myself into an extrovert at school. I was transformed by her and became ‘popular’ as a result of this. I was fully supported by Mrs. Wong and I felt that I had nothing to lose in my youth, so I gave my best shot in everything I did. One month before the Highschool entrance exam, my head was hit by a glass bottle by some naughty kid at school. It was an accident but I had a terrible time because I was under tremendous stress that I won’t perform well in the exams. She let me stayed at home and encouraged me in all possible ways. I enjoy being trusted and empowered to do great things at school. I visited her once after school and writes her when I graduated from College. But I found out that she no longer works at the school. I googled my teacher one day and found out that she is volunteering as a tour guide at the botanical garden in Taipei. Please say hello to her and tell her that I miss her when you visit Taipei

  Reply
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  RacerX — October 15th, 2008, 6:30 am

  Thanks for the Donors Choose website info Tim! I have been looking for a way to do this *exact* thing for a while–directly supporting local schools/teachers, especially here in the States. While there are a lot of international charities available and that I support, I also would like to support the folks here at home too! This is a great way to do just that.

  Awesome concept (and implementation). Thanks!!

  -RacerX

  Reply
• 

  Drew Kime — October 15th, 2008, 7:38 am

  I tried posting this on Monday but kept getting site errors. FWIW …

  —

  I don’t have AMEX, so all I was able to do was post a request on my site.
  Hope it helps.

  My favorite teacher was Mrs. Black, my senior English teacher. When I
  disagreed with her interpretation of a poem, she didn’t just tell me I was
  wrong. She discussed, debated, made an honest effort to convince me. She
  was the first teacher … scratch that, she was the *only* teacher I ever
  had who treated her students like we might have something worth saying.

  Funny thing is, even though we argued about it for most of that day, I
  have no memory at all of what the poem was. That’s not what I remember.
  What I remember is the courage it took for a teacher to admit that there
  wasn’t a single right answer to everything.

  Drew

  Reply
• 

  Kathryn Wert — October 15th, 2008, 12:04 pm

  Hi Tim,

  I asked my friend Mike to vote on my behalf as I don’t have an AmEx card, and posted the link with suggested comment on my Facebook page. Good luck to the kids!

  The most amazing and unexpected comment came from a teacher in my life very recently, so the impact from it is yet to come, but I think it will!

  This May I finished an art degree in Illustration. I did this degree because I wanted to, not because I had any natural ability for it. And so, although my instructors considered me very hardworking and creative, they also said I was technically weak. In essence, I have oodles of vision but limited ability.

  One instructor in particular, Elyssa, was very hard on me. She was a brilliant artist and teacher with whom I had several informative but excruciating classes- she told me at one point that I was “doomed to fail.” As you can see, our relationship was … strained. I was under no illusions as to what she thought of my work.

  As a senior I was part of a group gallery thesis show, for which we held an opening event. At this event, Elyssa surveyed everyone’s work, and then came up to me and said “you have to get into children’s publishing, do it soon and make it happen. You have what it takes, and you know I don’t say things I don’t mean.”

  I was stunned speechless. I was not praised for my work throughout school and if any instructor was going to, she was the last one I would have thought would do so. That one comment, from the person it came from, let me know that I had what it would take.

  Now I’m working on a children’s picture book about an inchworm and a bee, and if I’m successful with that, the sky’s the limit!

  That’s my story!,
  Kathryn

  Reply
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  Sean Mathena — October 15th, 2008, 2:35 pm

  Tim,

  I have posted a couple times, and I love your blog. I wanted to know your take on this article http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/15/business/economy/15bailout.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=banks%20given%20little%20choice%20in%20treasury%20deal&st=cse&oref=slogin given your take on the FISA issue, i would have figured you would be all over this one. What does everyone else think? It scares me.

  Reply
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  Patri Friedman — October 15th, 2008, 2:39 pm

  Tim is, sadly, falling into the trap of ignoring the unseen. He sees $1.5M going to a worthy charity. He doesn’t see the charity that has that $1.5M taken away from it, because these extra votes bring Tim’s charity the win.

  This contest is a zero-sum game. Some worthy charity will get $1.5M. The benefit to the world of Tim’s charity winning is the difference in the good it will do with the money vs. what the runner-up would have done. This may well be negative, if his favored charity is not quite as good.

  All the time his readers spend reading the post and following his request is a waste, time spent on allocating wealth rather than creating it. The same goes for all the other charities fighting for the prize.

  Don’t encourage wasting resources in pursuit of fixed prizes – it makes the world poorer.

  Reply
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  Steven — October 15th, 2008, 4:40 pm

  Hi Tim,

  I know that you’re coming to an event in SF on October 25th but was wondering how long you’d be in SF altogether. Planning on staying for a few days and meeting up with people?

  Reply
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  Chayot — October 16th, 2008, 2:18 am

  I’ve spreaded out the words about the project at http://www.richmastery.com/blog/post.aspx?beid=2562&id=163278

  Let’s hope this project wins the money and change the lives of so many kids for the better. But also wish the best of luck to other projects’ supporters. They are all for worthy causes. Good luck!

  Reply
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  Chris Tran — October 16th, 2008, 6:15 am

  When I think of important teachers in my life, I have to remember Mr. Norm Cote, my fourth grade teacher at Cobbles Elementary School. My English skills had yet to develop as I entered the fourth grade, making school for me a thoroughly awkward and lonely experience. His teaching method would be best described as no-holds-barred, creating an economy of “funny money” to motivate students to excel, splitting the class into four teams to compete against each other for real and substantive prizes, and taking students for rides on his motorcycle. I assume all this is very illegal now, but in retrospect, his teaching style added context to the learning process. He taught, demonstrated and beat into our 9 year-old heads that if you study hard, learn efficiently and compete honestly, you will be successful.

  When I returned to my hometown after university, he had already passed away from lung cancer. I always wonder what he would think of me if he were still around.

  Btw, I don’t have an Amex card, but I’ve spread the link to my network of 300+ friends on Facebook.

  Reply
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  Rhea — October 16th, 2008, 8:17 am

  Hi Tim! This is beautiful. I am reading it too late to act but I am once again inspired by the actions that you are able to rally. It is right in line with how I feel this economic time is pushing us to respond- in collaborative efforts towards focusing on the positive- the creative. The philosophy you already compiled in The Four Hour Workweek is like a handbook on adaptation & creativity- cornerstones when combined with real community thinking towards a powerful next step in our current economic/social conditions.

  I just posted an article on my site yesterday (dealwithitlikeayogi.com) that is called “The Possibilities Within Uncertainty” addressing some more of this.

  The last time I commented was after the MLK quote when I was leaving for a service trip to Brasil- FYI we succeeded in a big way- there were 23 of us from many countries meeting in Fortaleza where in five days we delivered around 20,000 adjustments. We did this even though there was a possibility we would be apprehended or arrested for doing it. We kept going even when there was gun violence near us. It was an incredible act of human love that we were able to give, receive, and exchange.

  Keep up the great stuff!! If you are in the bay area on Friday, October 24th you are invited to come to the slideshow presentation that five of us team members are giving at my studio in Napa. It will seriously blow you away. Love & Light All!!

  Reply
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  Rhea — October 16th, 2008, 8:19 am

  Whoops: Clarification: We were a team of chiropractors delivering chiropractic adjustments.

  Reply
• 

  Finding Happiness During An Economic Recession — October 16th, 2008, 1:50 pm

  [...] found this information via Tim Ferris and his post on raising money for needy [...]

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  Investment Series Preview: The “Good Bye and F__k You” Letter - The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss — October 18th, 2008, 1:03 am

  [...] got 2nd place ($500K) in the American Express competition by a very thin margin. Your votes made the difference and will impact more than 30,000 schoolchildren who need education the most. Remember [...]

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  » The Best of What’s Around,#1 The 2.0 Life: Become a Web Ninja — October 18th, 2008, 9:49 am

  [...] Tim Ferriss- “Deadline in Less Than 7 Hours- An Important Bribe” (here) [...]

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  Cate — October 20th, 2008, 11:23 am

  Thank you for sharing this information! I received it 3 hours before the deadline and sent out emails to my entire address book alerting them to the opportunity. (Something I had not done in a while . . . ) My 4th grade teacher’s reading assignment of The Kon Tiki Expedition had a major impact on me. He had an entire lesson plan around this sea journey by raft and applied it equally to the boys and the girls in the class. It made me feel like anything was possible.

  Reply
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  Andrew B Chang — October 20th, 2008, 8:52 pm

  Hi Tim,

  Robert Heinlein, the American novelist, said that “A human being should be able to change a diaper, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”

  Thank you for empowering people everywhere with the real life education that shows professionals, entrepreneurs, and students everywhere how to make the most out of their life experience, right now.

  School, teachers, and organizations offer children the opportunity to let their desire, their mind, and their dreams determine where they end up in life, rather than where they start. The teacher who gave me this gift was Professor Ali from Hong Kong University.

  I studied abroad my junior year in college in a business exchange program. Hong Kong was an exciting place that symbolized the convergence of the Old and New, the East and West, and the Past and Future.

  I took keystone business classes with graduating majors, even though I didn’t meet the supposed prerequisites for the courses. I knew I would get further in school and life by skipping steps and going straight to the top. I figured, even if I fail those classes, at least I would have learned something valuable.

  Ali’s classes were like Donald Trump’s Apprentice. To start the class, he would come in and write two words on the board, like innovation and legacy. Then, he would ask us to think about it for ten minutes, and we would have a discussion on the paradoxes of life…those seemingly opposites that are just two sides of the same coin at the highest level.

  Afterward, we would do challenges like go to the local bank and figure out why the line was so long, design the perfect wallet for each classmate, and create a e-commerce prototype that would change the world.

  We would come prepared in class to do our presentations on case studies, then, we would have a surprise negotiation session with another random team. We would close our eyes and listen to Jazz for an hour, and then think about how it relates to business. We would go down to local art galleries and study how painters created their own worlds, and how entrepreneurs expressed theirs.

  Professor Ali taught us much with real life experiential education that changed the core of our perception, and thus, our life. I always believed that the best teachings should be the ones that stay with you all your life, that you know and apply to real situations, that change the way you think, act, and even dream.

  Ali taught me to look at the chaos and order of all life, to appreciate the creation in destruction, to love the truth of paradoxes. He taught us to understand that people do not resist change, but being change. He gave us the chance to go through the entire design process, from concept to reality. I have never met a professor who was so versatile, creative, and interactive as him, using everything from videotaping presentations, designing purses, thinking hats, writing blogs, and moving helicopters to jolt us to a new world.

  It was such a blessing, honor, and gift to have been one of his students.

  I know the fund raising event may be over, yet education is a life-long journey. I will donate some of my student success program to this organization, as well as to many public schools, libraries, crisis schools, and others. I know how one teacher, one comment, and one insight can change a life.

  With greatest warmth and gratitude,

  Andrew B Chang

  Reply
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  carlos — October 21st, 2008, 10:13 pm

  when will the winners to the contest be known (: ?

  Reply
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  sean — October 26th, 2008, 2:41 pm

  Tim

  Because I know you like Charities benefiting

  -Children
  -Education

  And because I know that you have a spot in your heart for Omaha,

  http://www.omahapubliclibrary.org/foundation/index.html

  Reply
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  Brandon Weaver — October 31st, 2008, 2:33 pm

  Tim,

  Was pretty interested in the Martin Seligman quote you posted, and found a direct link to it here, in case anyone else wanted it. Also, the link to his TED talk is here.

  Reading this post late, but congratulations on successfully getting the word out. How exciting.

  Brandon

  Links:

  http://paw.princeton.edu/issues/2008/10/08/sections/alumni-profiles/2954/

  http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/martin_seligman_on_the_state_of_psychology.html

  Reply
• 

  Tesla Roadster Test Drive: Adrenaline, Videos, Photos — November 17th, 2008, 2:15 am

  [...] gift certificates for helping DonorsChoose get $500,000 in funding for US public school teachers on this post [...]

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  Jessica Kincaid — November 17th, 2008, 4:38 pm

  Tim,

  I’ve been working as a teachers’ aide in the public schools since 2005, I’ve read all of Martin Seligman’s books and the 4-Hour Workweek, and I just became a fan of donorschoose.org on Facebook. Thank you for letting us know about it!

  Best,

  Jessica

  Reply
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  Trista Harris — November 21st, 2008, 5:53 pm

  Hi Tim,
  Thanks for the chance to raise awareness about a great cause, give my favorite teacher a shout out, and thanks for the $25 gift certificate for Donor’s Choose. You are really a great example of harnessing social networking for positive change and not just putting out useless pop culture garbage to keep your page rankings up. Keep up the amazing work!

  Best wishes,

  Trista

  Reply
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  Robert Kelen — December 24th, 2008, 2:38 pm

  Tim, just wanted to say a huge thank you — first for making me (and thousands of others) aware of DonorsChoose, and then for your generous GivingCard. I just put it to work in a high poverty local school (and will be back to do more going forward).

  Thanks for putting your large audience to good use!

  Robert

  Reply
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  Tim Letscher — January 6th, 2009, 1:04 pm

  Hey Tim,
  Just a quick note of thanks for gifting to DonorsChoose in my name. I just helped out a K-8 school in metropolitan Detroit (my old digs) since on a whole, Michigan has been struggling for the past decade or so. Thank you so much for the generosity and have a great 2009!

  Cheers,
  Tim

  Reply
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  Rick imby — March 19th, 2009, 10:41 am

  Great idea on retirement.
  Boats, and fancy houses are not what it is about.
  Doing and giving what you do well.

  Defining pleasure.

  Rick

  Reply
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  skeptical — September 24th, 2009, 11:18 pm

  WHO WON?

  did you *really* have these phone conversations with strangers?

  making sure this was legit…

  Reply
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  Dorine — June 11th, 2013, 1:34 pm

  With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement? My website has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my agreement. Do you know any methods to help reduce content from being ripped off? I’d certainly appreciate it.

  Reply

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