14 kids who prove the future is in good hands
Here's some good news: The world is in great hands and the future is bright.
While you might be persuaded to think otherwise, there are a whole lot of little people out there doing big things to make the world we share a better place. And they are succeeding!
In addition to boosting our hope for humanity, the next generation of leaders are setting a great example we can all take to heart.
They look out for the little guy
We were pretty amazed by the story of Tyran Bell, who first set out to mow lawns to help take the burden of school supply and clothes shopping off his mom's shoulders. Yet when a local company stepped in to collect donations on his behalf, Bell said he was still going to work and that excess donations should go to help his less fortunate peers.
VIDEO: Teen gives sneakers to bullied boy with tattered shoes
When 13-year-old Shaylynn Hampton saw a young boy being bullied on the basketball court about his torn up athletic shoes, she felt compelled to do something. Shaylynn, it turns out, is something of a sneakerhead with a huge collection of shoes, including the $200 pair of Lebron James sneakers she brought back to the court for her new friend, Richard.
They feel for others
Patrick McClung might only be 3 years old, but he has the empathy of an adult! He tearfully confessed he wanted to help the homeless and has made it his mission to help collect winter clothing and gear for those in need.
They dream big and just believe
Jalen might not have the best of everything but he's making the best with what he has to help move his mom out of their tiny rent home.
The 8-year-old launched a local bakery business, where he makes cookies and banana nut loaves. He's been making some real dough, too! "I said I wanted to be a millionaire," Jalen said. "I thought that wasn't possible, but now I think it is."
VIDEO: 7-year-old girl wins $16,000 for comic book to empower girls of color
Little Natalie McGriff didn't see many children's literature heroes with natural hair like hers, so she created one with the help of her mom, Angela Nixon. The self-esteem boosting character not only helped the 7-year-old get into reading, but is inspiring the girls who dive into "The Adventures of Moxie Girl."
They look for the silver lining
When little Piper tumbled down her little plastic slide, any parent might have expected the arrival of the waterworks. Instead, this little girl popped up and celebrated with her arms in the air. You go, girl!
They look fear in the face and they don't blink
Cesar Galeana was walking to his cousin's house when he heard a splash. The 7-year-old is credited with saving a 2-year-old boy who fell into a pool that was thought to be inaccessible to kids in West Valley City, Utah.
VIDEO: 10-year-old boy steers truck to safety
Some scary moments on the road led to Christopher Wheeler rising to hero status after his elderly neighbor had a diabetic episode. Officials say the 10-year-old dodged incoming traffic and was able to steer the man's car to safety before police arrived.
They express love without conditions
This is pretty adorable: A tiny little boy rises early on Tuesday mornings to make sure he can greet the trash man, who his parents say has a special relationship with their son. Rylan Checchia has even cried when the trash man was off one Tuesday!
Young girl didn't want 'Santa Claus' to eat breakfast by himself
When 3-year-old Gracie Lynn, of Evansville, Indiana, saw the familiar face of St. Nick eating alone at a Bob Evans restaurant, she told her family she couldn't stand to think of him eating alone.
For the humbugs who think this was purely a self-interested girl trying to cash in for more time with Santa, think again: All she asked for was her baby brother, who was due for delivery in a few weeks!
PHOTOS: Teen skips senior prom to attend dance for boy she met in an airport
The prom is the one event next to wedding day that most girls think of their entire lives. For 19-year-old Brittney Klocke, the decision to skip her prom so she could attend the dance of a 14-year-old special needs student was an easy one.
Brittney says her brother Cayden has autism, so going to dance with Andrew Shumway was a pleasure she'll relive for a lifetime.
They fight in times of adversity
Liana Mutia might be legally blind, but the high school sophomore isn't letting that stand in the way of whipping butt on the wrestling mat. Mutia expresses passion for the largely male sport, and says her vision is actually an "advantage" because it's "less scary not knowing what they look like anyway."
VIDEO: Girl paralyzed for 11 days stuns nurse by standing from wheelchair, walking
Sometimes in the midst of needing hope, a miracle happens that allows you to serve as hope for others. Bailey Murrill was paralyzed in an accident, and after overcoming incredible odds, was able to stand and embrace a nurse who had been caring for the teen. This video will have you literally cheering!
They dance like no one is watching
Perhaps the greatest lesson we can learn from this generation of inspiring leaders is the importance of having fun. Don't take yourself too seriously, and dance you heart out like this adorable little girl seen in a New York subway station.
