"I Act With Respect"

Lydia Pleasants

"ARWA taught me not to rush through life with an angry attitude, but to slow down and spread kindness anyway I can."

My name is Lydia Pleasants and I am a senior at Saratoga Springs High School. My hope is to major in environmental studies in college, as preserving our natural resources is very important to me. I am presently considering colleges in Florida, California and Hawaii.

I have played volleyball, local and travel, since 8th grade and this is my second year on the varsity squad. I enjoy being outdoors, travel, art, and taking my dog, Zeus, on walks.

How did you meet Coach Rich Johns?
I first met Mr. Johns when I was in 6th grade. His 9th period Global History class was one of the most memorable experiences I had in middle school. My family had some good luck when we moved in 8th grade and our new house was just around the corner from the Johns’ house!

How did you hear about Act With Respect Always?
I have been an ambassador of his program from the start as Mr. Johns had just launched Act With Respect Always when I was in his class. He asked me to help out at his events and spread the message within the middle school. The original tie-dye shirt still has a special spot in my t-shirt drawer.

How has the Act With Respect Alway mission effected you personally?
Act With Respect Always has played a big part in my life. It reminds me to honor fellow students and athletes, teachers, my family, and strangers every day even if they might not deserve it. It taught me not to rush through life with an angry attitude, but to slow down and spread kindness anyway I can.

Please share with us how you have, or will in the future “Pay it Forward”
The motto “pay it forward” doesn’t always need to be a huge volunteer project. Sometimes the best sort of kindness is simply saying, “Hello”, remembering the people around you, or adjusting your attitude. Growing up in a highly competitive city has showed me that many forget to pay it forward in their lives in favor of selfishness. Personally, I try to put appearances and reputation aside. It’s the little things like going out of my way to help classmates, in and outside the classroom, using good sportsmanship on the court, or holding the door. It can also be something big like fundraising. This year my friend, Hannah Sage, and I organized a Relay for Life team and together with the help of our families and friends raised $800 dollars through a bake sale and donations to help those suffering from various forms of cancer.

How would you describe the Act With Respect Always mission to others?
The mission is kindness. Our goal is to make the world a better place and it all starts with character. We should forget our facade, what we call our 1% and try to focus on character,
our true 99%. Try to be the best person you can every day, even in the small moments.

Would you recommend Rich to speak about Respect to others?
This is a must see event! Mr. Johns teaches the message of respect that is so often forgotten in today’s hustle and bustle. I have listened to him speak several times and each event I learn something new and continue to be touched. Mr. Johns incorporates a great message with impactful stories to create a lasting impact in children just as much as adults.