Sometimes the news can be, well, not so inspiring. When headlines get you down, it’s important to remember that positive things are still happening all around us. Here are five hopeful and encouraging stories to pay attention to this week:
Balloon Artist Creates Joy for Essential Workers
When balloon artist Eddie Lin wanted to give back to essential workers, he decided to use his special talents to spread joy. He usually makes balloon art for birthday parties and weddings, but with quarantine slowing his business, he decided to use his free time to creatively give back, crafting depictions of essential workers like doctors, nurses, and postal employees made entirely out of balloons. His mother, Jenny Lin, says, “I think with this pandemic, people are getting creative and showing [essential workers] appreciation in many different ways, and this is a great way of bringing everyone together.” On social media, Eddie’s balloon art has blown up (pun intended). He says he’s received many messages from essential workers requesting personalized balloon art. It’s safe to say that Eddie’s balloons are causing smiles all around. Read more.
Brilliant Brooklyn Teen On Her Way to College!
Brilliant 13-year-old, Nina is college-bound! With the help of a loving community of her mother, her mentor, and comedic duo Desus & Mero, Nina is on her way to Mary Baldwin University in Virginia. This takes the young prodigy, known as “Dr. Nina,” one step closer to her life-long dream of being a doctor. Before Desus & Mero heard about Dr. Nina, she was already on her way towards success with the help of The Dinner Table Doc, an organization that works to “provide college and career readiness workshops and programming” for young women of color. See Nina shine here and check out more about the Dinner Table Doc here! Read more.
A Ribbiting Bread Recipe Makes Waves
Food Instagram and YouTube accounts have become more and more popular during quarantine, inspiring everyone to try their hand at cooking and baking. So what trendy thing is everyone baking up this week? Froggy bread! Froggy bread is an amusing yet incredibly cute take on homemade bread. Bakers are shaping their breads into a larger version of the green amphibian and then posting the reptilian results online. As no two froggy breads are alike, the results could not be more entertaining. Read more.
This Year’s Graduation Speaker? Obama!
The class of 2020 may not be getting the graduation that they expected, but they are getting a virtual celebration unlike ever before. With a minimum of three celebrations and an overwhelming number of celebrity guests, the Obamas are making sure that those graduating this spring still get a memorable send-off. On May 16, President Obama will participate in an event for historically black colleges and universities called “Show Me Your Walk, HBCU Edition.” Then, with the help of LeBron James’s foundation, Obama will deliver an address for high school seniors titled “Graduate Together: High School Class of 2020 Commencement.” Finally, alongside Michelle Obama and with the help of Kelly Rowland, Chloe x Halle, Alicia Keys, and more, the president will deliver an address on YouTube for an event titled “Dear Class of 2020.” Read more.
Happy (Quarantine) Birthday to You!
Birthdays in quarantine look a little different than the traditional celebration, but thanks to a sweet act of kindness, one little girl got an extra-special special day. Six-year-old Emma Paternoster was waiting by the front door all day on her birthday, excited to see what packages were delivered for her. Unfortunately, the first package delivered on her birthday was not for her, but for her father. When FedEx worker Jordan Price saw how disappointed Emma was, he wanted to make sure he was able to bring a smile to her face. Therefore, after dropping off the first package, Price returned to her house less than an hour later with Dairy Queen cupcakes for Emma. Emma and her family were so shocked and appreciative. This act of kindness is one that Emma and her family will surely remember for many birthdays to come! Read more.