A small amount of outreach can reap huge benefits, and a call for knowledge must not be ignored. So, I volunteer my time as a mentor for two teams of science students from the Huron Valley Oxbow Elementary School in White Lake Township. Mentoring is hard work but it paid off. Their science teacher, Chris McAuliffe, thanked me and said, "We have some very exciting news for you. The girls competed in the state tournament, last week, and took first place. You inspired them and took the time to make them feel important. You made a difference in their lives."

Chris had called me before the competition and said that they wanted my expertise on climate change in the Great Lakes region. So, I came down and talked to the girls about all of the science stuff in simple words. After that I invited their science teams, their teachers and parents to visit AOSS and give their presentations to an enthusiastic group of faculty, students and staff.