New idea

I decided yesterday that in order to try to write everyday, I should give myself a little prompt to do so (especially during the week when you're probably not so interested in hearing about my homework for the zillionth time). So here's today's:

5 people alive today who I admire and hope to emulate:

1. Bono. I can't get over Bono, especially after seeing him in concert a couple weeks ago. He's a rock star through and through, but he uses his visibility and power. And not just that, he's as enthusiastic and passionate about his work with Africa, debt, AIDS and human rights than he is about his music (which by the way is also awesome).
2. Mr. Quinn. I'd list all my favorite teachers here if it weren't so redundant. I just don't think people get how important teachers are in kids lives, not just in getting academic stuff into their heads, but in teaching them how to behave and think as adults. Plus Mr. Quinn's the coolest guy EVER and still hangs out with us even though we're old and he's older.
3. Renee Vyhanek. I think I depend on Renee more than I'm even aware of. Renee will always do the right thing, and I will always want to be able to think and do things like Renee does. In some ways, we're complete opposites, but it always surprises me how much we have in common in the end and how well we relate to each other. I miss her.
4. Jon Stewart. He's the best damn fake news anchor in the world. He's funny as hell, and his passion for what he does makes politics and current events accessible to the average Comedy Central viewer and makes them a little more critical of the world around them. His response to criticism, "this is just fake news," always shines the spotlight back on who should really have the responsiblity over the news.
5. My brother, Andrew. This kid never stops. While I sat on my ass and whined all summer, he was working as a volunteer as a summer intern at PRISM, working the food shelf and the office and keeping the place running. He singlehandedly founded the Amnesty International Club at Armstrong, where he's worked to attract a ton of new, enthusiastic membership. He's been on student council since he was a brave freshman. Plus he continues going to the organizations that I loved and dedicated myself too in high school: the Environmental Society and Quiz Bowl. He's taking the toughest classes he can take, studies hard, is always working on a creative project with his friends, and is nice and helpful to his family.

I could come up with more, but I don't want to wear myself out for now. More tomorrow.