This I Believe

As a college student, Sarah Culp Searles found her life in turmoil one day. Upon returning home, her family cat taught her a life lesson she still holds dear: that real love is steadfast and unconditional.

When Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow’s youngest sister Ivy died in a plane crash at age 16, the remaining siblings decided to always honor the love they had shared. In doing so, Chaplik-Aleskow believes Ivy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends.

When Tarak McLain’s kindergarten group celebrated their 100th day of class, some kids brought 100 nuts or cotton balls. Tarak brought a list of 100 things he believes. Now a first-grader, Tarak shares his top beliefs about God, life, nature and war.

What’s in a name? For writer and teacher Sufiya Abdur-Rahman it’s key to her identity as the proud daughter of Muslim parents. Like the 1960s movement, Abdur-Rahman believes black is beautiful and not a condition she should have to rise above.