In a speech at New York's Apollo Theatre to launch the Clinton Global Initiative University, President Bill Clinton noted that "young people today have more power to change the world for the better than at any time in human history."

Indeed, the power to change the world, their 'world', is daily evidenced at NCU. However, the thing that excites us most is the recognition that our students 'own' NCU and are highly motivated and willing to make NCU better.

make a difference

Recently, a student worker escorted a freshman to see his supervisor about some ideas he had to make a difference in the world of NCU. He had carefully written a plan of action showing how we could raise funds to start a business to cater to students who needed food supplies after the cafeteria was closed. His plan also outlined how we could assist students who may not be able to pay for a meal at times.

The young man's vision was moving because it was clear he cared. He cared enough to want to do something about it. He understood that NCU cares, and now that he was a part of the world of NCU, he took the initiative to seek change.

Of note, it appears his action was shaped by the immediate 'world' he worked in on campus: the cafeteria. He sees daily the importance of food to students and possibly he sees, too, some of the students who at times are challenged to afford a meal. Therefore, he wants to do something about it. That was admirable. The desire and initiative to change the world for the better is still alive and kicking in our young people here at NCU.

Hundreds of students in innumerable ways step up each day to make a diffe-rence; they do so in their service learning projects, in their social and academic clubs, in NCU church pro-jects, in class projects, in personal efforts, and in many other ways. Many students and workers walk the campus every day, leaving positive footprints on the NCU world and the communities it serves. Do leave positive footprints on your world.