Where there’s a will, there’s a way

The Free The Children group at Milliken Mills High School

An hour and a half has gone by since I sat down at my computer and I’ve only managed to type this sentence. So here I am, staring once again at the screen before me. My loss for words is on account of having been recently infected with “willfluenza.” As a practicing doctor of the Me to We philosophy, I can assure you that willfluenza is far from being the average ailment.

Unlike the common flu, “willfluenza” does not cause any physical symptoms, which can cause the infection to go unchecked for days, even years at a time. Targeting your willpower, “willfluenza” can turn its victims into sceptics and pessimists, and without proper care these symptoms may never be cured. Often acquired after reading a depressing news article or hosting an unsuccessful fundraiser, “willfluenza” deflates your willpower to make a difference, as it creates the illusion that some obstacles cannot be overcome. Those at high risk of infection are people who have the willpower to enact change. People just like you and me.

I’ve been asked to share my experiences about being involved with leading an Adopt a Village campaign at my high school, Milliken Mills. After attending a Character Matters conference, which motivated people to step up instead of standing by, my friend and I founded a chapter of Free The Children at our school. Since then, we’ve been trying to raise $5,000 to support a school-building project in Gansu, China. However, due to my bout of “willfluenza”, I don’t feel quite comfortable sharing my experiences about our campaign.

You see, I don’t want to dwell on the challenges our campaign has faced because when I think about them I’m left wondering hopelessly how next year will be and how those challenges can be surmounted.

And now I stop and think. Free The Children may be the most unknown club at school, but it is also one of the most important. Many students may have been indifferent to our cause, but the seven peers who were willing to help made all the difference. The goods from our bake sale may have been stolen, but our events to come will turn out for the better. We’ve only raised a fraction of the cost, but then again, it is just the beginning. Maybe next year, things will turn out for the better.

Hey, look. My “willfluenza” has gone away!

Sana Samdani
Milliken Mills High School

Free The Children is the largest network of children helping children through education in the world, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has an established track-record of success, with three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and partnerships with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network.