Discovering Your Why

Discovering Your Why… We are all here for a reason. There’s something special about you. There’s an old adage that says, ‘There are two important dates in your life, the day you were born and the day you discover why you were born’. Ironically, what may seem like a setback sometimes actually could turn out to be a pivotal moment in your life and a blessing in disguise. When I was a young teen I couldn’t wait to become a man already. After reading about the Australian Aboriginal people’s walkabout rite of passage, I wanted to go on my own walkabout. So, I did. This was my trip into adulthood. I was naïve but my eyes were wide open. To make a long story short, the officer from the Philadelphia Police Department had the most puzzled look on his face when I tried to explain to him that I was on my walkabout from Virginia and not a runaway. Needless to say, he didn’t waste any time in telling me to get into the backseat of his patrol car and drove me straight to the Philadelphia Youth Study Center. Inside of this tall, monstrous building were things hidden from the general public. Due to overcrowding there weren’t enough beds, so a lot of kids had to sleep on the cold floor, on gym mats or thin wool blankets. The damaged walls were covered with graffiti, and most padded chairs were ripped with wobbly legs. The moment I arrived I began to feel bad for all the kids staying there. Not only was the building in terrible shape, but on top of that, the place was severely understaffed. One day, a staff member informed me that my case manager was working on getting me a Greyhound Bus ticket and arranging my trip back to Virginia. And then she asked me, “So, whatcha gonna do after you leave here and get back home?” Within her question I found my purpose. I knew from that moment on I would try my best to lend my voice to the underserved, either through my writings or through youth advocacy and mentorship. None of us are perfect. I’ve made some bad decisions in my life, but one decision I’m definitely proud of is serving those who feel misunderstood or thrown away. Once I got back to Virginia, I remember having a conversation with Ms. Birdie West (R.I.P.) She taught horticulture and she was one of my favorite teachers at Spotsylvania High. We were talking about seeds, and Ms. West said that once a seed is put into the ground all it wants to do is reach for the sun. Regardless of your circumstances, I hope that each one of you will continue reaching for the sun. Many of you have already found your why, and you’re blessing us every day with the work you do. If you’re still searching for your why, don’t worry, one day it’ll find you. Never forget that you are uniquely special and don’t ever let anyone convince you otherwise. By the way, the old Philadelphia Youth Study Center (which stood for decades) was eventually demolished, and the new Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center was built around fifteen years ago. – Randolph Randy Camp (Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp)

Between Friday and Monday, The Fletcher Lesson

Between Friday and Monday, The Fletcher Lesson… No matter what face we try to put on maybe we’re all in the same class regardless. I grew up in rural Spotsylvania County, Virginia during the 60’s and early 70’s. To stretch the dollar, our father would take us to Fletcher’s Second Hand Store in the Post Oak area, not too far from Lake Anna. As a kid, I loved going to Fletcher’s because sometimes I would find an old 45 record or a pair of tennis shoes that wasn’t worn out too bad. Going to Fletcher’s was a good thing to me, but for some people, I later learned, it was something that was shunned upon. Looking back, I had an experience one particular weekend that taught me a valuable lesson about people and classes we are often mistakenly (and sometimes naively) placed into. There was a girl in my class who wore nice clothes and would speak in a friendly way to everybody at school. On Friday we said hi to each other, but the next day, on Saturday, that one moment at Fletcher’s taught us both something we didn’t fully understand or realize about ourselves, and when Monday morning came, back at school, we both knew that our lives and the way we look at things would be different from that point on. There I was near the Boy’s shoe section, checking the shoe sizes when all of a sudden, I look up and catch a quick glimpse of my classmate. She was with her mother a short distance away browsing through a rack of girl’s colorful dresses. We both would remember this brief moment at Fletcher’s for the rest of our lives. It was extremely awkward. I noticed her trying to avoid making direct eye contact with me. I was confused. And then came a rapid, quick look that was clearer. I wasn’t totally sure but her eyes were telling me to never speak about this moment, ever. Throughout our school years in Spotsylvania we shared plenty of classes together. At first, there was this awkward silence and weird facial expressions whenever we would see each other, but later, as we attended Spotsylvania Jr. High, she and I would have deeper conversations about that awkward moment at Fletcher’s. We became good friends all the way up to our junior year of high school when she and her family left Virginia and moved away out West. Over the years, we both definitely have learned more about ourselves and true friendship, and not just about the ills of society. Through the years our friendship has grown stronger. During the early stages when I was starting to take a more serious approach to writing, I remember telling her how I was having a real hard time dealing with a rejection letter which I’d recently received from a big publishing house. About a week later, I received this elegant-looking plaque in the mail from her which read, ‘Follow the path where your dreams may take you’. (I still have this plaque) We never know who maybe in need at any given moment. Our neighbors could be at the local soup kitchen getting a free meal, and because we rarely say hello to the people on our street, we may never know about their visits to get a decent, hot meal. Whenever I see the long row of cars lined up for bags of groceries at some of the local food pantries and Churches in my neighborhood, I think about that brief moment on that Saturday morning at Fletcher’s all them years ago. Since then I’ve learned not to make quick assumptions about anybody anywhere. Regardless of income level or race, never be ashamed of how you stretch the dollar. Life can be rough at times but having true friends can make it easier. As time goes by, it’s nice to have good friends touching base with you every now and then. My friend now lives in the Big Sky state of Montana. She tells me that the best part of her day is sitting on the porch watching deer grazing peacefully at the shrubbery around her front yard. And me, well, I currently reside in Iowa but I’ll always be that country boy from the backwoods of Virginia, still growing, still learning. Have a safe and enjoyable summer, EVERYONE! – Randolph Randy Camp More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Thanks Again, Joe

Dear Joe , I’ve proudly served this great nation of ours when it didn’t always love me back. But what you did yesterday reminded me that this country still have some great leaders with a righteous heart. Thanks Mr Biden for taking the time to correct an injustice long overdue. Of all your great deeds, I want to personally thank you for what you did for MARCUS GARVEY. They tried to silence this man who gave so many people a sense of pride in themselves. This man planted the seeds of civil rights. I am truly grateful to you Joe for reminding us that it’s impossible to silence a righteous spirit. Sincerely, Randolph Randy Camp (Note: The wisdom and some teachings of Marcus Garvey are deeply embedded in Rastafarian and reggae culture.)

The Power of Movies, Saving Our Children

My daughter Randie and I would have long, deep conversations about books, movies, stories and relatable characters. When I woke up this morning, I thought about Randie and the likely conversation we might’ve had, if she was still with us. I’m pretty sure Randie would have made a comment or two about some of her favorite books that could help people, particularly help kids, to better understand and cope with some of the heated political rhetoric going on right now, as we get closer to election day on November 5th. And I’m sure I definitely would have mentioned one of my favorite movies, NO WAY OUT (1950), which dealt with America’s race relations in a very impactful and entertaining way. The original movie ‘No Way Out’ was made seventy-four years ago but its subject matter and message still resonates today in 2024. Personally, I love this film because it leaves the audience with the very important message that everyone has value and that we all need each other, regardless of our background or skin color. Using words, lyrics, stories, music, and movies are all valuable tools of bibliotherapy. My daughter Randie used books and stories to help her cope with so many heartaches and obstacles of her young life. And for me, I sometimes escape and use journaling and writing stories to help myself cope with certain traumatic events, especially the severe events during my military years. Without a doubt, I know that bibliotherapy can be a very useful tool to help us cope with today’s sometimes-intense political discussions. If you’re still unsure about who to vote for in the upcoming presidential election, I highly recommend anyone to at least watch the ‘No Way Out (1950)’ movie first before casting your vote, especially if you have any concerns about our kids’ future and any concerns about our future race relations here in America. For our kids’ sake we must do something to bring better understanding and healing to this nation. – Randolph Randy Camp

Youth Homelessness in America: 2024

It's 2024 and Teen Homelessness is still a pressing issue in America. At this very moment, some place in America, a young person is alone, hungry and homeless. The stats on youth homelessness isn't getting any better. Being more aware of this issue, spreading the word and getting involved are helpful things that we all can do. I'm honored to contribute to Justine Pedrosa's project Teen Homelessness https://prezi.com/gcen4hk_twcv/teen-homelessness/

Fetty: The New Kid

Crack and crystal meth are still out there, but ‘fetty’ seems to be taking over. Now that laws are pretty relaxed about marijuana, it’s super easy to get. But, be aware and especially careful if you, your kids, your friend, or a loved one is buying from a street dealer. As street dealers compete against one another, with each claiming that they have the ‘best stuff’, some are sprinkling ‘fetty’ (China White, etc) on marijuana, crystal meth, etc to produce a so-called “nicer buzz”. The thing is though, these street dealers aren’t letting the buyers know that their weed has been laced with fentanyl, the synthetic opioid that is more potent than morphine, and has been a major factor in the 107, 375 overdose deaths during 2021. It only takes two milligrams of fentanyl to become lethal. Way too many of our young people, way too many veterans, way too many people in general are leaving us in such an undignified manner. Being a military veteran myself, I’ve seen too many good people go in such a devastating way. Sometimes, veterans like myself think that we’re too tough to seek therapeutic help and end up ‘self-medicating’ to a terrible outcome. If someone you know, whether a civilian or military vet, is struggling with an addiction, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local County Health Clinic or Crisis Help Line for more information, helpful resources, and ways to initiate the vital first steps toward recovery. -Randolph Randy Camp

America: Writing Love

Saying what’s in your heart and expressing yourself sometimes can be risky, but it’s such a freeing experience. Although I’ve experienced racial bigotry during my childhood in rural Virginia, and unfortunately during my military years in the U.S. Air Force, I try my best to hold on to the belief that there are still more good people in this world than bad people. And that’s one of the things I enjoy about writing. It allows me to display some of my inner-most thoughts. The White family who places a ‘Black Lives Matter’ sign in their front yard knows that some of their neighbors are saying derogatory and cruel things about them. But, in the long run, the White family who’d made the decision to place the ‘BLM’ sign in their yard had chosen to satisfy their own souls, instead of choosing to be silent. In writing ‘America: No Purchase Necessary’, one of my greatest challenges was to showcase an interracial love story amidst America’s heated racial and political climate. Being yourself and exposing your deeper self is always the best way to go. Sure, you may offend and upset some of your neighbors and some of your (so-called) friends while doing so, but in the end, you realize that they weren’t your true friends anyway. Shifting gears now, on another note, September is ‘Library Card Sign-Up Month’. As a young boy I have fond memories of waiting for the mobile library to make its stop in Spotsylvania County. Today, I’m grateful to that same library system, the Fredericksburg Central Rappahannock Regional Library (along with the Los Angeles Public Library, the Baltimore County Public Library, the Des Moines Public Library, the Erie County and Buffalo Public Library, the Urbandale Public Library, etc) for having my books in their collection. Please visit and take advantage of the many services provided by your local library. – Randolph Randy Camp More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

No Purchase Necessary: This is America

Winning is great, but being accepted is greater. ‘America: No Purchase Necessary’ is a feel-good story about acceptance. One of the many perks of winning the national ‘America’s Family’ Sweepstakes is the chance to meet and to make appearances with the President on his reelection campaign. Unbeknownst to the public, the President and his shady campaign manager are profiting off of these appearances, which are beginning to make the headlines as campaign contribution corruption. When an eclectic African-American family becomes the unexpected winner of the prestigious ‘America’s Family’ contest, the President and his shiesty reelection campaign manager tries to get the family disqualified, thinking that this particular family isn’t ‘American-looking’ enough, and to appear with them on the campaign trail will hurt the President’s chance of getting reelected. Oblivious to a shrewd reporter being on their tail, the President and his cocky campaign manager tries to spin their dirty politics through their unsuspecting press secretary. Without being preachy, ‘America: No Purchase Necessary’ gives a lighthearted glimpse into American politics while simultaneously showing a realistic snapshot of life in contemporary America today. Unable to get the Lantern family disqualified as ‘America’s Family’, reluctantly the President meets the family on his reelection campaign trail and, ironically, America begins to fall in love with young Ronnie, who narrates and provides us with his unique autistic insights of his colorful family, while the President’s approval rating dwindles as America begins to see his true colors. Just like any other family in America, the Lanterns have autism, transgender issues, and even a grandmother who’ve come up with her own interesting alternative to plant-base burgers. Ultimately, the Lanterns become more popular than the President, creating a huge problem and causes a gigantic PR headache for his reelection staff. ‘America: No Purchase Necessary’ is an entertaining political satire that looks at race relations in America, and it shows the sometimes-ugly side of America while, at the same time, reflect the goodness in certain people that highlights America’s beauty as well. The Lantern family won the national sweepstakes fair and square, and they only want to be treated as such. If you or your family ever felt left out, pushed out or shut out then Randolph Randy Camp’s ‘America: No Purchase Necessary’ is a story for you. Available in Paperback or Ebook online at Amazon

This on-going pandemic has definitely changed our lives. Some of you parents have become teachers, whether you'd wanted to be or not. And, to your own surprise, maybe you're the greatest teacher ever. In a way, there's a teacher inside all of us. This pandemic has brought that to the forefront.

If you're doing a lot of teaching and schooling at home, please don't forget to utilize one of your greatest assets, which is your local library.

For any parent or teacher, creating your syllabus and following your state's strict curriculum guidelines can be a real challenge. But, finding a way, maybe a creative way, to set aside let's say an hour or so per week, for your kids (students) to simply talk about anything they want to is arguably your greatest tool as a teacher.

In school settings, a student's classroom participation is a vital part of his or her final grade, but sometimes the quiet kid in class gets misjudged. It's common knowledge that these quiet students have a lot of hard stuff on their minds, especially nowadays with the pandemic going on, and at times, their 'stuff' is traumatic and not so easy to speak about. (Similar to military veterans, like myself, coping with hidden scars and a tendency to bottle things up.) But given the right avenue or outlet, even the quiet kid comes out of his or her shell and momentarily at least, they'll have their moment and comfortably feel relaxed enough to share some of their more-deeper thoughts with the class.

Back in elementary school, 'Show n' Tell' time was great because it laid the foundation for some of you who currently have no issues whatsoever with public speaking. As a student gets older, they may or may not have teachers who will set aside classroom time for them to talk openly about their 'stuff'. But for those teachers who do create these special moments the payoff is great.

I feel so strongly about this issue that I created 'Sit n' Talk' time in my latest short novel 'America: No Purchase Necessary', whereby Miss Pritchett's students gets to speak about whatever they want to in front of the entire class.

Lastly, although it's challenging, try to enjoy the teacher in you. (It can be rewarding sometimes....and please utilize and take advantage of your local library whenever possible.) - Randolph Randy Camp

More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Your Rainbow Vibes

When people choose to only see one color they become blind. Some people only mingle, socialize and support one color, believing that their chosen color is superior to the rest. This way of thinking and view of the world actually imprisons and limits them. Racist attitudes makes people “blind” and it’s a death trap. Our world is so much brighter and alive when we open our mind and display our ‘rainbowness’. Trying to talk to or convert a racist person is certainly a challenge. The best we can do is just being ourselves, being rainbows, expressing and displaying our positive rainbow vibes in whatever way possible, be it through art, sportsmanship, literature, being a great neighbor, ect…
I grew up around some of these “blind” racist people, and it’s sickening to me now, in 2017, to see a leader in the White House, such a juvenile man without a soul, who seemingly carries these same blind traits. Common sense tells us that we shouldn’t follow a spiritless person who has no soul because they will only lead us to nowhere. One of the signs of a great leader is the ability (or at least, showing an effort) to bring people together. When our leaders are void of  unifying leadership qualities that’s when us rainbows, us everyday people have to step up and shine a little brighter.
Calling all rainbows. This is our time. We can’t change the world over night, but possibly with one person at a time, one coworker at a time, one neighbor at a time, one classmate at a time, we can start the baby steps towards a change of heart in a few. If our leaders continue to stay ‘blind’, we must pick up the slack and continue to express and display our positive rainbow vibes. – Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Human Error

Every now and then we hear of these situations whereby a person’s skin color has unfortunately caused another person to make a human error. In my personal life this week, I had to face this superficial judgment head on, and I must be honest with you, I’m still deeply troubled by it.
Imagine a White supremacist refusing medical help once he or she finds out that their attending nurse or doctor is African-American. If the patient is conscious, he or she may possibly request to be attended by a White nurse or a White doctor. It’s terribly sad that America is still dealing with these superficial human errors in 2017.
Because of these unfortunate situations, I’ve gain a better understanding of God’s intervention in our human decisions. Now I truly understand why, in certain cases, a patient arrives at the hospital in an unconscious state. Did God intervene to prevent this patient from making another human error? – Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp