Words to Live By

Brooke Harter may only be in seventh grade, but the student at Our Savior Lutheran School in Plantation is proving to be wise beyond her years.

Harter recently won the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay-writing contest hosted by the Plantation’s Parks & Recreation Department. The contest invited students in middle school and high school to write an essay based on this quote by Dr. King: “Everyone has the power for greatness, not fame but greatness, because greatness is determined by service.”

Here is Harter’s winning essay:

Dr. King said, “Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame but greatness, because greatness is determined by service.” It means to me when you help others you have the feeling of greatness. You don’t have fame, which just means that people know you, but you are happy in your heart. For example, greatness is like how you feel when you do something like mowing the lawn for a neighbor if they are in the hospital, or even just giving someone a hug if they are feeling sad. When Dr. King says everyone has the power for greatness, he means that everyone can help someone in some way.

A person doesn’t have to be famous to make a change. Small actions can easily change the way someone feels or impact the direction of their life in a positive way. I think these words meant to Dr. King that when he saw a problem, he wanted to fix it. Even though his actions made him “famous,” his intent was to change the conditions of the society. He saw a problem, developed a dream, and took action. Through his series of non-violent protests and speeches, he began to change a lot of minds in the U.S. and most parts of the world about racism.

We can all help others in our own way, and we don’t need lots of money to help others. When we help others, it helps our personality grow. It also helps us to be closer to our community. And it also gives us a feeling of teamwork and greatness. If we walk in his footsteps, continuing to learn the lessons Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. put before us, maybe we can be the change that the world needs now.

You May Also Like
Raise a Glass to South Florida’s Top Food & Wine Festivals This April

Wine, food, music, and great causes headline the month’s most flavorful festivities.

Read More
LIV Golf Miami Swings Back in Style

Championship golf, live music, art installations, and a full-blown festival kicks off at Trump National Doral on April 4.

Read More
March Madness Continues through April 7 at Batch Gastropub Brickell

Gator pride, gourmet wings, and game-day spirit shine at Batch Brickell.

Read More
Third ‘Lead with Love’ Mural Debuts at the Dania Beach Marina

Cey Adams shares vibrant message of community and compassion in latest ‘Lead with Love’ mural.

Read More
Other Posts
From Gridiron to Vineyard: A Legendary Rooftop Chef’s Table Experience

Escape Rooftop Hosts an Exclusive Evening with Chef Michael Mayer and NFL Icon-Turned-Winemaker Charles Woodson

Read More
Chefs Face Off at Boca Raton’s Inaugural Seafood Festival

The sea-sational event takes place at Mizner Park on Saturday, March 22 and includes live music, fun activities and plenty of delicious seafood.

Read More
City of Boca Raton Names Tiffany Beasi Winner of Inaugural Seafood Festival Art Contest

Beasi’s design stood out for its creative interpretation of the festival’s theme and tribute to the city’s Mizner architecture

Read More
Jack Alexander’s Magician Exposed Residency Premieres in South Florida

Seen on TMZ and celebrated worldwide, Jack invites audiences to step into his world of magic, where the impossible becomes an intimate, exhilarating experience.

Read More