4 minute read
The Power to Change
PUblisher’s note
PUblisher & Ceo Jamie Armstrong
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editors Jannalee Sandau Madeline Thatcher
bUsiness develoPMent Val Butcher
ContribUting aUthors Carolyn Campbell Dan Clark Teresa Collins Mary Crafts Halen Hubbard Kierstynn King Karen Painter Loralie Pearce Tiffany Peterson Megan Pickett Amanda Scheldt Carrie Snider Madeline Thatcher Danielle Wagner Michael Young
design and ProdUCtion Hales Creative Kelly Nield, Design Director Anika Meyers, Production Designer
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When we harness the power to change, the possibilities of transforming ourselves and our community are endless.
One of the greatest gifts in life is our ability to change. Whether it be a small adjustment or a complete transformation, change is the catalyst for personal growth and evolution, and this issue of Good News Utah is filled with stories about people who are changing themselves and their communities.
Take the inspiring examples of Samson Phommabout and Levi Lieske—two former gang members who have completely transformed their lives for the better. From the time they were young boys, they were immersed in gang life. After years filled with violence, death, and prison time, they both decided to rebuild their lives to become successful business owners who give back to their community in their own unique ways (“Rising Above the Violence,” p. 42).
On our cover, we are honored to feature Tessa White. Once a struggling single mother, she is now a national sensation who is helping millions of people to improve their lives by creating a better career path (“Transforming Careers One Person at a Time,” p. 34).
In this issue, Adam Nugent also shares his weight-loss journey (“How Adam Nugent Lost 120 Pounds,” p. 52). For most of his life, he turned to food to cope with his emotions rather than face the things in his life that weren’t serving him. He was finally able to change when he decided to look inward and face the guy in the mirror.
As Barack Obama once said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” May we find the strength and courage to change our lives for the better, and may we begin today!
All my best, Jamie Armstrong
Spring/Summer 2022
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Spring/Summer 2022
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Utah Column: ColUMn/dePt. naMeFun FaCtS, inSpirational quoteStitle, anD otHer intereSting StuFF
The Bright Side
—maya angelou
Pluto Platters, Anyone?
Did you know that Utah native Walter Frederick Morrison invented the Frisbee? The inspiration first came to him in 1937 when he and his future wife, Lucille, were tossing a popcorn can lid back and forth. They soon discovered that cake pans flew better and were more durable, so they started selling “Flyin’ Cake Pans” on California beaches. During World War II, Morrison served as a pilot, which gave him a better understanding of aerodynamics. In 1946, he sketched his design for the world’s first flying disc. After producing a few different prototypes of his invention, he sold the rights to his “Pluto Platter” to the Wham-O toy company in 1957. The company changed the name of the toy to Frisbee upon learning that college students were using that name instead.
Fun FaCt
The world’s first surf rescue by drone was performed in Australia in 2018 when two men were swept out to sea. The drone dropped an inflatable device, and the men were able to use the device to float back to shore. Turn to p. 60 to read about a team of Utah drone pilots that searches for missing people free of charge.
“Life is the flower for which love is the honey.”
—victor hugo
Fun FaCt
The Korawai tribe of West Papua lives in treehouses deep within the jungle. To learn how young adults are creating connections and sharing ideas through the organization Treehouse Talks, turn to p. 14.
The Best Medicine—Seriously!
The idea that “laughter is the best medicine” has been around for centuries. In fact, in the early 1300s, French surgeon Henri deMondeville used humor as part of post-operative therapy. So, is theold adage true? Health experts say yes.
According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter provides short-term benefits such as enhancing oxygen intake, releasing endorphins, stimulating circulation, and aiding muscle relaxation. Long-term benefits include strengthening the immune system, lowering stress, relieving pain, and easing depression and anxiety. It can even improve your self-esteem! So, what are you waiting for? Watch a funny movie or your favorite stand-up comedian and get giggling!
