Exactly one month ago today, I met with teachers and students at Discovery Canyon Campus High School in Colorado Springs for the first time about how to implement and introduce Car Window Poetry at their school.

If you've heard about DCC over the past year, it probably wasn't for a good reason. To say it's been a rough season for the students and staff there would be an understatement. In the past 14 months, six students at DCC High School have died by suicide.

When you experience tragedy after tragedy, it's easy to feel like storms don't pass. But during my first visit there, I experienced so much joy as I saw rainbows in the hearts of DCC students and teachers who shared with me all the different ways students are rising up and seeking to share good.

While unexpected, it didn't surprise me as light always seems to shine brightest in the darkest times. Just like Fred Rogers said, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."

This past week, I got to meet some of those helpers in person as I introduced Car Window Poetry to a few different 6th-8th grade English classes at DCC and shared with them how they can get involved in DCC's newly established Car Window Poetry chapter led by two incredible students, Emma and Dom.

From my conversations with several DCC students, I got the sense that they were on a mission to do all that they could to ensure that they didn't lose another classmate. One of those students is Calynn. In response to the past year's tragedies, she started A Reason to Smile Campaign on Facebook & Instagram because she believes a reason to smile is a reason to live.

I left DCC exhausted but excited for what's to come, especially in how students use Car Window Poetry as a platform to continue creating a culture of kindness at their school. That night, I went over to my friend's house for dinner. As we were eating, I got this Instagram direct message:

You never know who your words might impact, so I encourage you to share them. Because here's the truth: words matter. They can give hurting humans hope and even breathe life into dead dreams.

Start sharing words today by getting your free download of Car Window Poetry cards! If you're a teacher or student and interested in bringing Car Window Poetry to your school, please consider starting a chapter!

Is there a time in your life where you overcame darkness with light? Tell us about it! Tweet at us with your answer!

Thanks for joining us in spreading kindness worldwide!

With love,