I am someone who has lived thousands of lives:
I have started a nonprofit, receiving my inspiration from asking a little boy what he wanted. What did he want? A pencil. He wanted a chance to write, to create, to learn.
I am a young girl who just wants an education. I know most people in my country don't want me to be educated, and a shot to the head was a powerful reminder of that. Despite the hardships that have come, I am still dedicated to education and to learning.
I am a man who has lived in jail for 15 years because I want to convert to another religion. Even my father wants me dead, but I'm not giving up. I know that God is still here; he is watching over me and he loves me.
I am a soldier in the trenches of Germany. I didn't know what I was signing up for when I pledged my duty. I thought I was fighting against evil, but all I know is that the guy I'm looking at looks just as afraid as I am.
I am the Pope around 800AD. I disguised myself as a man when my village was raided and my brother was killed. In order to continue my learning, I went to the monastery and told them my name was John, but it is actually Joan.
I am a Russian Cossack. I defend my family and my home, but mainly, I just hope that I can live another day.
Sometimes I live my life in the present, but most of the time I spend my life in the past. I love reading and learning about other cultures and other peoples. I know that my life is different because of the stories that I read. I gain a little courage learning about Pope Joan, a little hope reading All Quiet on the Western Front, and a little determination from reading My Name is Muhammad. Reading is my own form of traveling when I need to stay at home. I can learn and grow without leaving the country.
