Make a Difference

by Brett Munkel, CAPP
Vice President, Healthcare and University Services at SP+

My father is one of the good ones. Recently, he was asked to speak at the graduation of a young man he has been mentoring for the past several years through the Boys and Girls Club of America.  He ended his speech with a short story...

A man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and throwing it into the ocean. Curious, he asked, “What are you doing?” The boy replied, “Saving starfish. If I don’t throw them back, they'll die.” The man chuckled, “But there are miles of beach and thousands of starfish. You can't make a difference.” Undeterred, the boy threw another starfish into the surf, saying with a smile, “I made a difference for that one.”

We can all make differences in the lives of others each and every day.  Our industry can be difficult, full of tough situations and emotional interactions…it can seem overwhelming at times but never forget that even small and seemingly insignificant acts make an impact that can brighten a day or make a world of difference for someone. Get out there and save a starfish!