Sometimes even the best laid plans don’t unfold as desired. Two students from Rice University talked with me this past summer in NYC. They said, “If you are ever in Houston, come to Rice University!” I went to their campus today, never realizing that their Spring Break was in full swing. Whoops!! I never checked the school calendar. At best, I saw 100 students the entire time I was there.
Very friendly people around the campus include: Ruth, a veteran of the campus police said it was a nice break not having all the kids around but she missed them.
Mark, an alumn, helped direct me around campus and took the fine photo for today’s blog. Thanks to William from the student copy center for the copies of the hand out sheets. Nikki, who works in the alumni department says she will spread the word.

I started the day thinking I would spend a few hours on the LSU campus. All that changed, the moment I arrived.
Patti Beste who works in the Registrars office, followed me across campus. She asked me if I would be interested in parking at the Union. I said yes, and spent the day. Lyn Taylor, an Administrator gave her enthusiastic approval and invited me to visit again. Missy Verdin, who diligently runs the Visitor Center, made sure we were looked after. Thank you to all 3 women.
The Union was the perfect place for The Kindness Bus to be parked and have conversations. Thousands of students made their way past, I talked with hundreds about Bullying and Adolescent Suicide. I rode throughout the campus and found students at every turn.
Thank you to Jonette for the birthday card.

My heart was with the Chardon, Ohio community today, as it is everyday on this ride. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Look for an article this weekend.

I took an unplanned detour to have The Kindness Bus worked on once again. Hopefully this third time will be a charm.
It seems that no matter which direction The Kindness Bus heads, incredible things happen.
I left the mechanic’s garage in the direction of 4 local schools. I came across a Senior Center that looked friendly enough, so I stopped in.
Some of the staff and seniors, Cabrini, Joy, Donna, Don, Marion and Jack welcomed me with open arms. They insisted I stay for lunch and even insisted to take up a donation to support my mission. Such incredible generosity was shown.
I visited 3 schools and the board of education later in the day. One of the school’s students cheered loudly in the distance, as I rode by with the “Overcome Bullying Through Love” sign facing them.

Dauphin Street is the main attraction for foot traffic in Mobile. Because of the warm weather, the street was busy. I love having conversations with people about the reasons I am riding for an awareness of Bullying and Adolescent Suicide. It seems as if everyone has been affected by one or both of these issues. Talking about these issues educates as well as heals those affected.
Melinda gave me an applause as I rode by as she was having lunch. She told me how important it is for everyone to get involved.
Katrina, a local rescue dog supporter, loved Bogart and every aspect of my mission.
Jinkle, a local elementary school teacher invited me to visit her school tomorrow. I’m looking forward to talking with these 3rd – 5th graders.
Reporter Jason Garcia from the CBS affiliate, WKRG 5 Mobile, interviewed and filmed me for well over an hour. This will help get word out to this gulf community.

I rolled The Kindness Bus onto this college campus on this rainy Saturday morning. Parking is a major challenge so while spending over an hour for suitable spot, I made the most of it by trying to make The Kindness Bus highly visible. When finally parked, I set off on The Kindness Bicycle. I talked with everyone within earshot. The music department was having auditions so I worked that captive audience. Girls from Kappa Kappa Gamma and Alpha Chi Omega were gathered, waiting for their shuttle bus to take them to a western party, so I made The Kindness Bicycle visible to all of them.
The skies opened up, on and off, the remainder of the day. So I rode and took cover when I could. On one of my stops, I met Officer Mike from the Bike Unit of the Tallahassee Police Department. Hats off to the TPD for the important work they do.
Great conversations ensued with everyone throughout this day. Another great visit to a college campus.

It has been almost 3 years to the day that I last visited this campus in Gainesville, Florida. I had today only, to be here, so I made the most of it. The local student run school newspaper, The Alligator, was my first contact. Colleen Wright, a political reporter came out and spent nearly an hour interviewing me about all the details of One Million Acts Of Kindness.
Rachel, Bardia and Sylvia stopped by to connect and take many photos.
Larissa, a Rachel’s Challenge volunteer was thrilled to learn of my Bullying and Adolescent Suicide ride.
Karissa who was wearing a, To Write Love on Her Arms, tee shirt is doing her part to help those who are being bullied.
Thank you to students, Todd and Stacy who prayed for the continued success of my mission.
So many students I talked to today are doing incredible work for others.
I managed to hand out over 200 flyers and have just as many conversations.
It was a great day on this campus, even Bogart thought so, keeping all of the squirrels in their trees.