Madison Messinger, Young Female Activist

How do you describe a person? In the case of Madison Messinger (aka my first born), I could say she is a straight ‘A’ member of the Dean’s list at Austin College, an amazingly talented and gifted writer, the Austin College student photographer, a videographer, or a dancer. All of these would be accurate but hardly describe the essence of Madi M.

The essence of Madi M is a young, talented, passionate and expressive female activist. For what you might ask? That depends. The first time I noticed a campaign brewing in Madi was after she attended health class in high school where she was taught all the do’s and don’ts for eating a healthy and well balanced diet, and then proceeded to the school cafeteria and was struck by the hypocrisy of junk food choices staring her in the face. Over the next week at dinner her mom and I listened to the most mature, articulate argument that would have made the famous prosecutors Clarence Darrow or Vincent Bugliosi very proud.
 
Throughout her formative high school years, I watched with great pleasure as my darling daughter became the center of ‘the gang’, organizing parties, dances, and artistic events – usually involving cameras and videos.
 
As I reflect on our children I am struck by the overwhelming love that comes from a deep satisfaction in knowing that she has blossomed into her own. Some feel that we own our children but I on the other hand feel that they are a gift. An endowment of sorts, bestowed upon us by the universe for the temporary purpose entrusted upon us to first help them develop the necessary knowledge and skills to survive, but secondly and more importantly, to nurture the qualities of confidence, courage and faith so they can embark on their own spiritual purpose.
 
I am so proud of Madi M and all that she has done, and has yet to do.
 
Below is a sprinkling of her most recent activities to express her nature. She is an inspiration to our family, her friends, and all of the young ladies seeking to discover, believe and use their essence to make the world a better place. God speed Madi M.
 
Love Dad
 

This is a Madi M shaving her head to raise money for St. Baldrick’s Foundation while in her freshman year at Austin College.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J9uE28m_W4&feature=autoplay&list=ULWdecy...

St. Baldricks Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancer ...http://www.stbaldricks.org/

This is Madi M in Taiwan. Instead of kicking back during her first summer break, she volunteered to travel halfway around the world to help an indigenous tribe called the Siraya. She is teaching them English and helping the dozens of parentless children.

Saving Siraya

http://savingsiraya.blogspot.com/
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX9E0Ffbh_Y&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL