Glimmers of Hope: Mike Supina for Eagan City Council

Eagan MN

29 September, 2020

7:48 AM

Description

Do you sometimes get the feeling nowadays that hope is in short supply? Here's an easy remedy - learn about some of our dynamic, inventive, compassionate local young people.In 2019 Muresuk Mena began working with a group of disadvantaged pre-K students who changed his life. Even though he was heading off to medical school, he wanted to find a way to remain involved. Thus Pack A Smyle was born. To Muresuk, a backpack holds more than supplies; it tells your story. Pack A Smyle doesn't just equip children with learning essentials; it's a reminder that education is the door that allows them to dream big and live out their imaginations.When Eastview High School student Tanisha Kota noticed younger students feeling untethered by the educational changes due to pandemic precautions, she wanted to help. So she began Genius Prep to provide high quality tutoring in a fun way. The goal is to make sure students have an enjoyable experience while still learning new material in a way that targets each student's specific needs. Tanisha knows that intervention now can steer students in the right direction and a bright future.Teenager Caleb Smith initially leased, then bought, 22-acre Peacebunny Island in the Mississippi River near Newport as an outdoor summertime play area for bunnies being trained to be comfort animals. Together with their human guardians the bunnies offer hope and “hoppiness” to those they meet. The Peacebunny Foundation provides funding to help bring these comfort animals to senior centers, hospice homes, children's funerals, and sites of trauma and grief.Sometimes we need some stress to motivate us to try and build a better world. But hope is a motivation multiplier. It's impossible to learn about the good work of these young people and not be hopeful about the future.For this and other blog posts visit my website, or feel free to contact me by phone at 651-706-0061 or email me at [email protected]. The Supina4Eagan Committee is responsible for the content of this message.