Having achieved my own dreams, I want to give to kids who are

In the words of Kristi Yamaguchi, we find a deep and profound truth about the power of giving and the nobility of extending one’s success to others. She speaks not of the riches or the accolades she has earned through her own hard work and dedication but of the gift of support. Having achieved her own dreams, Yamaguchi turns her attention to those who are less fortunate, who struggle with the obstacles of life that so many of us take for granted. In this, we see the ancient wisdom that to be truly successful is not just to reach the summit, but to lift others along the way.

This idea echoes through the ages, from the ancient Greeks who revered philanthropy as a moral duty to the Buddhist teachings that stress the importance of compassion for others. In the story of Alexander the Great, we see a leader who, though he conquered the known world, was ultimately remembered for his acts of mercy and kindness towards the people he ruled. Alexander, much like Yamaguchi, understood that true greatness lies not in the trophies one collects but in the support and upliftment one offers to those in need. Support is the cornerstone of community and progress, for no one can reach their highest potential alone.

In her quest to give something positive to the lives of children who face daily struggles, Yamaguchi embodies the selflessness that defines the greatest human endeavors. Support is a simple yet powerful act—whether it is the encouragement of a teacher, the love of a family, or the mentorship of a stranger. When a child struggles, whether with poverty, lack of resources, or the invisible battles of their own mind, it is often the support of others that allows them to rise above their circumstances. Yamaguchi’s desire to offer such support is not just about charity, but about providing a path forward, a chance for children to realize their own potential and dreams.

Consider the example of Helen Keller, a woman who overcame insurmountable odds—deaf and blind from an early age—to become one of the most inspirational figures in history. Her journey was not just shaped by her own perseverance, but by the support and guidance she received from Anne Sullivan, her teacher and companion. It was Sullivan’s belief in Helen’s potential, her unwavering support, that helped Keller break free from the prison of silence and darkness. Just as Sullivan gave Helen Keller the gift of support, so does Yamaguchi seek to offer children the gift of opportunity and belief in themselves.

Support, then, becomes a means of transforming the future. Through Yamaguchi’s efforts, we see that it is not just about financial assistance, but about the offering of encouragement, mentorship, and the belief that each child is worthy of the chance to succeed, no matter the circumstances into which they were born. The greatest leaders and visionaries throughout history, from Mahatma Gandhi to Mother Teresa, understood that their own success was made meaningful only by the ways in which they helped others achieve their own. The legacy of success is not measured in what we achieve for ourselves, but in what we help others to achieve in their own lives.

The lesson to be learned from Kristi Yamaguchi's words is a powerful one: success is a gift, but it becomes a lasting gift only when we use it to help others. True greatness lies in lifting others up—not just in achieving our own dreams but in ensuring that those around us have the support they need to reach their own. Practical action in our own lives means extending compassion, empathy, and support to those who need it most. Whether it’s a child struggling in school, a colleague facing personal hardships, or a friend lost in doubt, our willingness to offer support can make all the difference. In doing so, we ensure that success is not a solitary journey but a collective one, where each of us rises on the strength of those who believe in us.

Let us then take this lesson and apply it in our lives, for as we reach out to support others, we find that we too are supported—not just in our dreams, but in the deeper purpose of our existence. We are, after all, our brother’s and sister’s keepers. Through giving support, we multiply not just our own success but the success of humanity itself.