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Correspondence: Andrea Hamill – Intermediate School Social Worker, Broadalbin-Perth (NY)

“Act with Respect Always (AWRA) is an incredible program with a wonderful message.  Coach Johns is a wonderful presenter and truly practices what he preaches. The best part of the program is that it is not difficult to do or understand.  The message is simple: be kind, be empathetic, pay it forward with random acts of kindness. These acts can, and should be, simple, easy, everyday things. Saying “hello” to your teacher or a colleague, saying “I love you” before you leave your home for the day, holding a door open for someone, or saying “thank you” when someone has held the door open for you. These are not difficult things to do yet, all too often, we forget. We don’t mean to forget, but we get busy, distracted, overwhelmed with the ever-growing lists of responsibilities and activities that we all, kids and adults alike, find ourselves doing.  

AWRA is a reminder to all of us to take the time to be kind, take the time to smile at one another, take the time to listen to each other. We all have a backstory, no matter who you are. We all have baggage in our invisible backpacks. For some people, their baggage is heavy, for the more fortunate, it may be lighter. However, it’s there. Remember that, and be respectful of that. To quote Dr. Wayne Dyer, as well as the book Wonder that Coach Johns shared with me and the Broadalbin-Perth Intermediate School, “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind”.  That’s what AWRA is all about.”

Andrea Hamill, LCSW
Intermediate School Social Worker
Broadalbin-Perth (NY) Intermediate School