In the fall, about 80 listeners to Michael Josephson’s radio commentaries submitted essays describing how his daily messages affected their lives. Ten finalists were selected, and a vote of readers of Michael’s newsletter and this blog selected the winners.
Here is the entry of one of the five winners, Suzanne Carter.
There is no radio broadcaster who has had a greater impact on my life than Michael Josephson.
I began teaching high school in 1999 and everyday there was a positive message to motivate me and inspire me to be the best teacher I can be.
In 2003 I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. Those were very dark days. I had two small children and a wonderful husband.
During my treatments and darkest times, I would listen to Character Counts with renewed purpose. I remember one particular broadcast that was about people who take tragedy or difficulty and make the best of it by throwing themselves into helping others. I needed to hear that at this time. So I decided instead of letting my cancer and treatments beat me down and make others feel sorry for me, I was going to be happy and help wherever I could.
This has had a lasting impact on my life. People still say to me, “You were so happy and helpful that it was hard to believe you were suffering.”
I thank Character Counts for that.
The morning I heard that sweet message changed me forever. Almost 10 years later and I still live each day to be happy and helpful.
I teach high school and what I’ve learned from Character Counts finds it way into my classroom, from encouraging kids to have integrity, to living life by being kind. I know my daily reminder from Character Counts has made a difference