Hey, how’ve you been? It’s been absolutely crazy on my end. The life of a college student is never dull, I can assure you of that.

I know we’ve been talking about College Success, and I promise that I’ll get back to that shortly. But today I’d like to speak, briefly, about this man.

Today would have been Jim Henson’s 76th birthday.

Henson was, in a few words, a compassionate genius. Best known for creating The Muppets, Henson worked in television since 1954, and was responsible for many wonderful shows and movies, including:

• Sesame Street
• The Muppet Show
• The Muppet Movie
• The Dark Crystal
• Labyrinth
• and Fraggle Rock, amongst others.

As a child of the late 80’s/early 90’s, I was immersed in Jim Henson’s work. I grew up with Kermit and Miss Piggy, and I learned with Big Bird and Bert. I joined them in their grand movie adventures, and laughed when they succeed. And I cried when Jim Henson died.

First hand reports of Henson’s work and character are of the highest calibur. I’ve heard endless stories about his compassion, his generosity, and his lively, infectious attitude towards life. And he was a hero to many.

“When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope still is to leave the world a little bit better for having been here.”

In his honour, I’d like to make a suggestion to you. Be one of the people to make a difference in the world. Even if it’s just to one other person that needs you – because you are needed, I promise you. Believe in others, as well as yourself.

Do a good deed. Do something you love. Do something new. Do something scary.

Do something.

Celebrate your life. It’s the only one you’ve got.

 

To Mr. Henson: I hope that I can emulate, in some small way, your large impact on the world. I wish you were around to see all of the good you’ve done.

Happy birthday.