I might be taking journalism as an elective this year, but that does not mean I can craft intricate pieces of writing. As a member of the team, I am expected to be on top of the news and know what is currently talked about or what readers of The Leaf are interested in reading about. The truth is, I never know what to write about that will actually make an impact, trends are too ephemeral for me to be on top of, and I am not as good of a writer as I want to be—at least not yet.

   I joined Journalism for a reason: to grow and improve as a writer, and as a person. If I keep doing the same few things I have been doing, I will never be able to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. The same is true for a lot of people.

   “The biggest thing when you try new things is that you’re opening yourself up to new ideas… and that’s always a positive thing. It’s how we grow and change and evolve as individuals. If we just keep doing the same thing, day in and day out, and never expand our minds, then we’re going to stay the same person,” said Mrs. Tess Rosen, a staff member at Sycamore High School.

   October. 23 is Make a Difference Day. Every year, the day is meant to serve as a reminder to step up and influence change for the better. 

   Make a Difference day might only happen on the fourth Saturday in October, but anyone can make a difference any day of the year. You do not always have to do something big such as starting an organization. You can start with you. Think about smaller things, like trying a new sport, learning how to make a food you enjoy, starting a diary, or even just improving your mindset.

   If you want to go out and help others, there are plenty of activities to take part in, such as the Clinton County Youth Council project, which involves “taking part in the beautification of the Luther Warren Peace Path as well as the CCYC Youth Center campus,” according to the Wilmington News Journal.

   So what are you waiting for? Go out, explore, and make a difference.