Love is All You Need!
Valentine Kindness
MIRACLE MOMENT®
“There's nothin' you can do that can't be done
Nothin' you can sing that can't be sung…All you need is love, love.
Love is all you need.” John Lennon/Paul McCartney/The Beatles
A MESSAGE from Founder/Executive Director, CYNTHIA BRIAN
For the Super Bowl this year, the NFL changed the quote written on one end zone from “End Racism” to “Choose Love.” With all the hatred, violence, fear, and, yes, racism in our world today, choosing love is the perfect refrain. Besides being Black History Month, celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans, it is also the month of love. Valentine’s Day on February 14th honors relationships, love, gratitude, and togetherness. Besides communicating our love for another person, we can also express our love and gratitude to organizations making a difference in the world. Whether you support food banks, animal shelters, or literacy nonprofits like Be the Star You Are!®, this is a great month to build a love connection.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) recently reported that the percentage of eighth graders who have “below basic” reading skills is the largest it has been in the exam’s three-decade history–33 percent. At 40 percent, the percentage of fourth graders at “below basic” is the largest in 20 years. Math had a bit more progress, but not enough to offset losses from the pandemic. These statistics indicate that our educational system has work to do to encourage reading and writing.
Our dedicated volunteers, Book Review Coordinator, Stephanie Cogeos, and our Digital Media Coordinator, Robert Fernandez, are diligently working to move book reviews from a website )that will be discontinued in March to https://www.bethestaryouare.org/book-reviews. You will find honest, peer-to-peer reviews of numerous books to help you find a book to enjoy. Up your reading skills and fall in love with books.
At our Amazon Store, you’ll discover a variety of brand-new books at the lowest prices and if you want autographed copies of our signature books, plus extra goodies, visit our Online Store.
I leave you with my StarStyle®- Be the Star You Are!® radio broadcast sign-off: “Remember…Love always wins. Kindness always prevails. And smiles will keep you happy!”
The Beatles were right on! Love IS all you need!
Have a loving Valentine’s Day.
With gratitude,
Cynthia Brian
Founder/Executive Director
Be the Star You Are!®
PO Box 376
Moraga, California 94556
https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org
DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504
HELLO FROM A VOLUNTEER IN SRI LANKA
by Sarani Heiyantuduwa
First of all, I would like to say “hi” to all the members of BTYSA and I wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year ahead. The new year in Sri Lanka has been pretty amazing so far, especially compared to 2022 when we faced a major economic downfall. It seems like we have recovered from it but I am not someone with a good understanding of how the economy works so I can’t say it is completely gone. Tourism in Sri Lanka has been thriving in recent years since after the pandemic people started to travel more. We also got a new president who has never been in power before. Therefore, the citizens are starting the new year with lots of hope. Being a book reviewer for Be the Star You Are is a big milestone in my life as now I can make connections with people outside of my country. English is my second language so this opportunity has brought me good luck in many ways. I can improve my language skills and broaden my knowledge while serving. I am very honored to be a part of this supportive community of Be the Star You Are!®
Volunteer Sarani Heiyantuduwa, is an undergraduate at the University of Sri Jayewardenapura , Sri Lanka. Her biggest passion is Biological Science, along with art. She explores her graphic designing skills by contributing to various projects at the University. Her ultimate goal is to be a molecular scientist.
PEACE BEGINS WITH A SMILE
by Nandini Ghata
With various current conflicts in society on both global and local
levels, there is a need for people to understand each other's
struggles. Opposing opinions and a clash of ideals contribute to
these disagreements. Therefore, it is important to empathize, connect,
and put ourselves in one another’s shoes to better appreciate
different viewpoints. Whether small dilemmas or larger difficulties,
there are numerous methods to forge a path toward reconciliation.
As once famously mentioned by Mother Teresa, “Peace begins with a smile”.
By providing love and even small gestures of peace, we can both offer
kindness and increase our own happiness. Giving back and giving
forward can help contribute towards personal satisfaction while
encouraging others to do the same. One action, no matter how small,
has the ability to impact others in a monumental and positive way.
Nandini Ghata is a 10th Grader who enjoys reading, writing, and music.
She volunteers for Be the Star You Are!® and recently was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEER, ROBERT FERNANDEZ
Be the Star You Are!® is grateful to our Digital Media Coordinator, Robert Fernandez of Celador Media. Robert has been working with BTSYA to transfer book reviews from our BTSYA.org platform to our BetheStarYouAre.org website. We are merging the two websites beginning in March to streamline our messages of literacy and positive media, providing one website with all our resources. With his company, Celador Media, Robert provides numerous services for new or existing websites, including website services (website design & development), search engine optimization (SEO), and digital marketing (Google Ads). Whether you’re a small business just getting started or an established company looking to revamp your look, Celador Media’s goal is always simple – to help grow your business. BTSYA is thrilled with Robert’s continued volunteerism. He also writes great book reviews! Check out the website at https://celadormedia.com/
KINDNESS AROUND THE WORLD
by Karen Kitchel
While traveling, it’s wonderful to see how kind people can be to each other around the world. I was pleasantly surprised to spot a sign that read "Be Kind" at a resort in Aruba. Everywhere we went, there were individuals committed to making our day even better.
During a mission trip to Guatemala, my husband was a member of a team that built a school in a remote area. The local community was incredibly grateful for their efforts. Although she didn’t have any money, an elderly woman presented a bowl of bananas—grown in her own garden—as a heartfelt gift of thanks to the group’s leader.
Kindness happens all around the world!
Karen Kitchel is the Kindness Coordinator volunteer with BTSYA. She purchased the book, No Barnyard Bullies, as a gift for every kindergarten student where she is a volunteer teacher. www.scatteringkindness.com You can read more about Karen’s adoption story in the book Be the Star You Are! Millennials To Boomers.
GREAT NON PROFITS
It’s that time of year again when Guidestar and Great Non-Profits chooses the best charities to support and feature in 2025. Be the Star You Are!® has received 5 STAR reviews every year since its founding. If you’d like to add a review, visit https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc
BTSYA NEW RADIO PLATFORMS ANNOUNCED
Beginning in 2025, both of our radio shows broadcasting on the Voice America Network Empowerment Channel are now playing on another platform. You can also listen to both programs wherever you listen to your podcasts. New programs weekly!
Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220
Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617
SUPPORT WOMEN, FAMILY, AND YOUTH THROUGH MERCH
Find well-made clothing and hats with the Be the Star You Are!® logo at https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/. Numerous colors and styles are appropriate for all ages. A percentage of the proceeds benefits Be the Star You Are!®.
We invite you to volunteer, get involved, or make a donation. Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504
Or you can choose to make the donation using many different payment methods which may have fees via Givebutter at https://givebutter.com/be-the-star-you-are-charity
Be a KIND Valentine! Share the love! Happy Cupid’s Day!
Appreciate all the good reminders on actionable ways to make a difference in the world. Plus, what an inspiring group of young people!