Rachel’s is a perfect example of turning a negative into a big, big positive. When a medical condition kept her out of school last year, she could have sat around moping or hitting the mall. But after reading an article in the New York Times about poor Cambodian children with little or no access to education, this plucky young woman decided that if she couldn’t go to school, she’d make sure that others could. A fundraising campaign including letter writing, naming rights, and T-shirt sales later, Rachel had raised a whopping $52,000 for a new school featuring five computers and Internet access for its 300 students. The big smile on her face in photos and on TV accounts of her trip says it all. "Going to school is very important to everyone's future," said Rachel at the opening ceremony. "If I can build this school, then each of you can set goals for yourselves that you can reach. Aim very high, and you'll be surprised what you can achieve."

Having watched this terrific teen grow up, I'm awed, but not surprised, by what she accomplished. Kudos to Rachel and others like her who are making a difference and for all the right reasons. You go, girls!