The Adventures of a SWAT-vocate

The Crayola Box

      As a freshman, I wrote a sonnet in my English class about Crayola crayons.  Although it is not a great poem, it is still hanging on the bottom-right portion of our refrigerator. 

I admire Crayola.  I think it is amazing that a container smaller than a matchbox holds opportunity.  There is passion and vivid imagination in this little yellow box.  It has potential.

Unfortunately, not all people mimic the Crayola box.  They do not notice their prominent gifts and they do not put their skills to use.  These people are not found in yellow boxes.  These people are found in homes, schools, and at the local cappuccino bar.  There are three-letter words in which we can describe these people:  you.  And you.  And you, too.

Many do not notice that inside you there is something great;  possibly an undiscovered eloquence with words, getting-things-done-iness, or a hand that can make chalk turn into the exquisite art.  You may make Monet jealous, Ben Franklin proud, and Stacy London say, “Shut up!”  You are special.

SWAT lets you take these undiscovered talents and use them.  Your polite yet strong speech can move commissioners and school board members.  Your diligence can make events happen.  Your hand can create the jaw-dropping display on the grounds of your skate park.

I encourage each of you to think about your passions.  What gives you pride?  Use these things to express how you feel about the tobacco industry.  If there is one thing that SWAT has, one truly beautiful thing, it is the people’s ability to do things.

So go do things.  Make it happen.  Whatever thing makes you you, makes you special and unique, show the world. 

Find your colors,

AP