Joe Beckman is a high-energy, passionate, relationship builder whose main belief is that human connection matters. He came to the DCMS to share with students how they can make a change in the world.

“Are we difference makers, difference takers, or difference fakers?” Throughout the hour he went over what this meant and how to figure them out. He shared with the students how they do not need to change the world, but they need to change someone’s life. Helping change someone’s life can encompass little things that happen day to day but create a ripple effect to keep it going.

Five students were asked to give a shout-out to someone who made a difference in their life. The only rule was that it had to be someone who was in the room. Most students picked a friend that affected them.  However, one student picked a teacher and gave Mrs. Atkinson a shout-out for taking the time to check in with her in a meaningful way.