The Promise Of A Pencil

The Promise Of A Pencil

Adult Non Fiction
A simple act changed Adam Braun's life forever. During his
college years he went on Semester At Sea, travelling by boat to
countries around the world. He decided he did not want to collect
touristy souvenirs as memoires of his experience. He would ask
children in the countries, "If you could have anything in the world,
what would you want most?" He was sure they would request toys and
electronic gadgets. Responses were much more basic. In India a
little boy said, "A pencil." He was thrilled to receive a basic number
2 pencil.
Braun wrote, "For me that pencil was a writing utensil, but for
him it was a key. It was a symbol. It was a portal to creativity,
curiosity, and possibility...That single stick of wood and graphite
could enable him to explore worlds within that he would never
otherwise access."
Needless to say, Braun found the plum corporate job he landed
after graduation to be less than he desired. He wanted to find
something that he was passionate about, that he could dedicate his
life to. When he became eligible for an externship, a sort of
corporate sabbatical, he decided to use it to start a nonprofit.
Remembering the little boy who had been overjoyed to receive the most
basic writing implement, he decided to build schools for children in
other countries who otherwise would not have access to education.
The Promise of a Pencil is Braun's narrative, from back story to
present, of the organization he created, Promise of Pencils. In a
relatively short time it has built hundreds of schools in truly
impoverished areas of the world. It is, however, more than a
fascinating read. Braun targets people who want to add meaning to
their lives by starting or becoming part of something bigger than
self. Each chapter, while containing a step in organization history,
is focussed on and illustrative of a mantra such as "You cannot fake
authenticity" and, my favorite, "Embrace the lightning moments."
For all of us who believe there is more to life than capitalism
on steroids and want to make a difference in the world, The Promise of
a Pencil is a very worthwhile read.
On a personal note, my grad school savings account which I started
back in March with $142.19 left from the money I inherited from my
mother has just topped $300. Most of that is from recycling bottles
and cans. My enthusiasm seems to be contagious because I've started
getting help from people like a wheelbarrow full of bottles and cans
and a sandwich bag of pennies.
A great big shout out goes out to all who work to extend the promise
of education to children who otherwise would have no future.
Julia Emily Hathaway


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