I found myself thinking about what I really do every day from 9-5, 40 hours a week. After several bouts of anxiety and long talks with Maverick, I asked myself what makes my time feel meaningful and well spent. My answer: coaching seven-year-olds.

Madison Kirkpatrick is 25 years old, excitedly engaged and an aspiring physical therapist. She enjoys the outdoors and rock climbing. She is easy to talk to and speaks eloquently from the heart.

Meryl Klemow can usually be found lost in a podcast, choking on dog hair in her apartment or giggling at the ridiculous tasks she calls work. Her story is a reminder that when you listen to your gut and give your best effort to accomplish something, the last step is to be in the right place at the right time.

I drove across the country with my mom to move in with my boyfriend, Jack, in Southern California. So, I don’t have a story about a super star for you this month, but I have a few things to share about my journey across the U.S. and a big thank you to my number one girl, Mama Clayton.

In middle school and high school, I was one of the first kids to get picked up by the morning bus.

I sat in the same seat, curled my legs under me and rested my head on the window as I listened to my iPod. Most kids on the bus did the same thing, headphones were in and the ride was silent.

One person broke the silence every morning and said good morning to the bus driver as she climbed the bus steps. She wore a crossbody backpack and wouldn’t just walk, but marched to the bus each morning.

This is Steph.

Mrs. Nauman’s birthday is November 12. She never really thought much of her birthday before, but since November 2013, it has become a personal achievement. She is getting older and that’s a good thing. “It means I’m still here,” she said.

This month I got to catch up with Helene Ferchak. Last time I saw her she was correcting my mad minutes (aka multiplication quizzes). Now, she has quite a story to tell, including a lesson or two about giving.

Cate’s approach to life is quite simple. She treats people like people. She surrounds herself with happiness and positivity. She looks forward, not back. She has dealt with great grief at a young age, but found a way to cope and carry on with kindness.

People like to read about people. That is exactly what you’ll get with this blog– stories about people. Each month, I plan to spend time with one person. Meet him/her for coffee, plan a phone call or two, talk to parents, friends and family. I want to get to know this person and his/her story, then bring it to you.