Ripple Effect
written by Rachel Repko
Creating impact comes when we find what we were put on earth to do, and then go out and do it. When we live out our purpose we can naturally make a difference one life at a time.
In my professional life as a grant writer, I work with amazing people and organizations. Whether it's housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, providing educational opportunities to those looking to escape poverty, becoming foster parents, or working to end modern-day slavery, they each strive to achieve impact.
Some make an impact on a grand, global scale. For others, it can be achieved in much more simple ways. Often we think making a difference is left to those social justice types who are passionately righting wrongs and changing the world. While this work is important, it is not the only way to influence for good. In fact, I would argue that the ripple effect of a single good deed can profoundly change everything.
For example, making an impact can mean looking for opportunities to see the potential in others and helping them to grow. When I was in high school, I had this secret dream of becoming a writer. As a shy and introverted “C” student, I had developed a “can’t do” attitude and had given up on my writing dream. But one day, my legend of an English teacher, Mrs. Findlay, noticed my struggle and took the time to do something about it. She reached out to give me extra help and encouragement, even sharing writing samples with me from top students to help hone my skills. Slowly but surely my writing and grades improved, and by the time graduation rolled around I was making A's and had finally begun to find my voice as a writer.
Fast forward 30 years and here I am, writing grants on behalf of non-profit organizations all around the country. Mrs. Findley's legacy is alive and well as I now encourage a team of young women who are becoming professional grant writers themselves. Together we work hard to use our writing skills to raise money for people impacting the world and doing truly extraordinary things.
The thoughtfulness of just one teacher allowed me to find my professional life purpose, and as a result of that one teacher, a bevy of new writers are using their voices to impact their own spheres of influence.
Don't underestimate the ripple effect of a single act.
Rachel Repko
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