 These lessons were designed to help you seize you opportunities for happiness and achievement and to help you be more effective and successful.

 Focusing almost entirely on yourself– spending your time filling yourself up with knowledge and new experiences– may seem a little selfish.

 Consider expanding your interests beyond yourself. People who love their work very often say that the most satisfying part of their jobs is the chance to help other people or “the opportunity to do something that makes a difference.”

 How can I help other people?  How can I contribute?

 When we hear the word contribute, donating money often comes to mind. Giving money is a n important way to create value for others. Equally satisfying is giving our time and effort to a project we consider worthwhile.

 When you begin to give, you will likely discover a deep source of joy. You might start by volunteering your time to organizations that support your values.  Your church probably has a youth organization that is focused on helping others. Many of you have been active in one of these organizations and have done several service projects already.

 In many cases, scouting organizations are sponsored by local churches. Others do not have a church affiliation. Either way, scouts is a great way to be involved in service.

 If you want to do service projects on your own or as a family, you could visit nursing homes. You could mow the lawn or clean the house for a sick or elderly neighbor, or you could tutor a struggling student.  Some clubs and organizations at BHS perform acts of service. Join one of them. These experiences could become the most memorable part of your high school career.

 Doing volunteer work, even for just a few hours a week, can greatly expand your sense of possibility or even lead you to a new career choice.

 When you contribute to others, everyone wins. You are gaining new information and skills, and at the same time you are helping to ease the suffering of other people.

 Helping others does not have to be as grand as a service project. You can open the door for someone, offer to carry groceries for an elderly person, show kindness to others at school who seem lonely, or complement someone on a good job.

 There is another way that you can contribute. What kind of person are you? If you know how to listen well, speak effectively, reach agreements, and let go of resentments, many people will enjoy just being around you. Everything you say and do can be a contribution!

 You may be that kind of person, or you can become that kind of person. It starts with having a desire to serve others, and then reaching out in small ways. Opportunities are all around us!