It is a sad truth among college administrators that males (and specifically white males) are more at-risk of not completing four-year degrees than their female counterparts.  Maybe these males feel disenfranchised, maybe unmotivated, maybe unsure of their their contribution in this changing world. Tragic incidents occurring at Rutgers University, earlier this week, only serves to underscore my point. 

As the mother of three boys, I am sad and confused and bothered.  Hopefully you are too.

So, when I hear about - or read about - a young man who has so obviously connected with his life's purpose, I cannot help but want to throw my arms around him and to say thank you.  I want to thank him for doing the hard work required to figure out his purpose in this world and then for enthusiastically pursuing it - even if it means leaving home for Africa.

Today's recipient of the Yellow Envelope Project is a symbol of that for which our nation should be proud.  Take a look at what our nominator had to say:

"Although I have never met Little Joe, I have heard a lot about him. He is my cousin's middle child.

Recently I heard that Little Joe, who is about 25 now, was part of the Peace Corps. Here are a few exerpts from his local newspaper, The Enterprise Ledger (http://www.allbusiness.com/society-social/communities-neighborhoods/12791328-1.html), in an article titled, Serving the underserved is Enterprise man's goal.  Joe stated, "I want to go to medical school... I'm hoping to get accepted to St. George University in Grenada."  The Grenada school is his choice because, he explained, "Many of the graduates work in developing nations serving the underserved."

His awareness of medical needs in those countries was heightened during the past two years spent in Zambia. Further in the article, the following quote from Joe explained his growing appreciation for for many things, including daylight.  "Your day is determined by the rising and setting of the sun," he said.  When Joe put in his two years in the Peace Corps his day was determined when the sun shone!

I think Joe is in England right now pursuing his Medical degree so that he can better serve those who are underserved. What better way to encourage a fine young man, than to fill his mailbox full of encouragement and kudos for serving others? You can send your letter to his father's house (Josef Lassan III), who will proudly pass them along to his son (Josef Lassan IV)."

Counter the bad news coming out of Rutgers this week, by performing this single act of kindness.  Join us in mailing anonymous letters of gratitude to Josef Lassan IV - important, the IV.  Not III.

Participating is easy.

Simply write Josef Lassan IV a short note.  Thank him for taking the road less traveled, in his pursuit to somehow make a difference in the world.  Thank him for holding himself to the highest standard and, in turn, for role modeling to other young men all that is possible when we commit to meaningful - not meaningless - activity.

Seal your note in a yellow envelope (or white decorated with yellow markers and/or stickers).  Place the words, "Yellow Envelope Project in the top left hand corner and commit to mailing it sometime before next Saturday when we pick our next worthy recipient.

And remember, it Josef Lassan IV!

Shining off until Monday...