Believe it or not, one person can make a difference. I was speaking to a group of teens at a youth leadership conference, when a teenager in the audience shared a story about a program called "Suitcases for Kids." The story goes, that one day a young girl heard that kids in foster care carried their clothes and personal belongings around in garbage bags. The young girl was so disturbed by this, that she started a campaign to get people to donate their suitcases to youth in the foster care system. As a result, "Suitcases for Kids" was created. This example proves that one person can make a difference.

Many people believe that it takes a lot of time and money to make a difference, but that's not true. All it takes is an open mind and a willing heart. You can make a difference every time you walk out your door, by being thoughtful, helpful, kind and compassionate. Giving up your seat on the subway or bus for someone who's older, disabled or pregnant is one way that you can make a difference. Offering to help an elderly person with their groceries or a mother carry her stroller up a flight of stairs are some other ways that you can make a difference. Helping around the house without your parents having to ask you, is another way that you can make a difference. A simple smile can make a big difference to someone who's feeling down.

Every time you help someone in need, stand up for someone who is unable to stand up for themselves, do what is right despite what other people think, or let someone know how much you appreciate them, you are making a difference. Can you imagine how much better off we all would be if each of us made it a point to make a difference? The good news is you can make the world a better place, just by choosing to make a difference.