The other week I was watching the film about Fred Rogers, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” After 5 minutes questioning how Tom Hanks was Mister Rogers, I was awed by the kindness and compassion of the man who came into my childhood house via the TV most afternoons.

There is a moment in the movie that is compassion in action. Yet, the action is actually 60 seconds of silence. Mister Rogers asks Lloyd (the movie’s protagonist) to take a minute to think about the people who’ve helped him become the person he is today.

I was profoundly moved by this moment in the movie. Moved, like many who have seen the film, to tears. I could not stop thinking about the people who have been so instrumental in my life, who have loved me into being. 

The next morning, I sat with my journal and wrote down all the people who have mentored and pushed me; these are the people who believed in me on the days I didn’t believe in myself. Looking at this list, I decided to write a short note to each person to thank them for helping me become the person I am today.

This is the inspiration of the #20notes20people Challenge.

Typically, we write notes to thank people for the physical gifts they have given to us. Newlyweds write such notes for towels and dishes. In this season of graduations, students may be writing notes for money or the new computer they received to start college. We almost never write a note to thank someone for the gift of character they helped to nurture in us.

This is the purpose of the #20notes20people Challenge.

Having written several of these notes already, I can say it has been a remarkable way to reconnect with people from so many different parts of my life. From teachers to past boyfriends, I have learned much about who I am because of the encouragement and influence of others. This experience has helped me see how often the seeds first sown by one person in my life were later fertilized by another. As an educator, I’ve realized the many different roles we play in the growth and development of our students.

Who made a difference in your life? Have you let them know?

We invite you to join a movement of thanks and gratitude for all who helped us become who we are today. Take part in the 20 Notes to 20 People challenge by taking a picture or video of your 20 cards and use the hashtag #20notes20people. DM/PM us with your image and we will post it to our page!