I will save the world by not being satisfied with the status quo. I will save the world by not shirking away from the innate duties I have as a woman who loves children, as an educator, as a tax-paying resident of Nashville, as an American citizen, and as a human being.

I will not stand for mediocrity when I can do something to affect positive change on the way Nashville students live and learn. I hope that you will not, either.

Today's students will lead future, but our school system needs help to make that happen in the best way possible. This is why I'm inspired to do something.

How often do each of us come up with a terrific idea, and then do nothing about it? Today, I am making a promise to myself that I will make active decisions and pursue meaningful things with my time, efforts, and money. Although I am not teaching, I will do what I can to give back to the community, because several years ago, I know that someone did that for me.

An Opporunity to Provide Books!

Barnes and Noble has an annual program called "Back the Stack" that runs during the month of April. To participate, visit the B&N store at Cool Springs or Opry Mills. Participating schools have their book wish-list available.

Hillsboro, Hillwood, and Overton cluster school lists will be available at Cool Springs. All other school lists (of those participating) will be at Opry Mills.

Last year, 1,100 books were donated. There are more than 74,000 students. That's enough books for about 1.5% of the students here. Every book helps, but we are not making a dent yet.

An easy solution? Save $10 at the grocery store each week between now and the last week of April. That could go toward 9 or 10 books for each family who pitched in!