I wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of young people. I wanted to help them not only to learn new things and become independent learners but to find things that bring them joy. I want them to begin to see what it is to be human. To live in a world that has never been perfect, never even close to it, and still feel awe when they realize the wonders our species is capable of that somehow transcends the evil things we have done. We have created art, and writing, and music, and moments in time that are breathtaking in their beauty, despite, and sometimes in response to, our species’ uglier tendencies. I wanted them to see what is noble and good in our species, and also, what is cruel and corrupt so they can fight it in themselves and others. I wanted to share with them the things I have learned in life, sometimes the hard way, so perhaps they do not make the same mistakes. When they make mistakes, I want them to learn from them rather than beat themselves up to the point their self-worth is nonexistent. Simply put, I wanted to help guide them toward being a light in this world and becoming the best version of themselves they could be.