In the spring of 2007, Gavilan Communications teacher Denise Besson-Silvia assigned a "Service Learning Project" where students were asked to volunteer hours or raise money for a nonprofit organization.

Jen says, "The group that I was in, West Coast Wildlife, held a benefit dinner at Gavilan College and received donations all around campus for the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Morgan Hill. We ended up raising over $2,000, and each person in the group volunteered 12 hours of their time at the Wildlife Center. I had such an amazing and motivating experience, and I feel that this was what really moved me and inspired me to do more for the world."

Jen got the idea of the Walk from her favorite '90s band, "Hanson," which sponsor walks in each city where they play.

"When I first thought of the idea of hosting my own Walk, I was a little nervous. I thought to myself, 'What if nobody shows up?' and 'What if I don't make a difference?' But the realization that the power was in my hands and that if I didn't do this, then maybe no one would, was enough to fuel my passion.

"This is my last semester at Gavilan College and I decided to make it one to remember. I hope to someday change the lives of kids by becoming a high school counselor and explaining to them the importance of an education. Because, although Hanson was my favorite band and their music inspired me, it was school that truly made me the person I am today.

"I have been given an amazing opportunity to give the gift of an education by simply walking one mile. The thought that there are children in the world who are not receiving the remarkable gift of an education appalls me.

"It costs just $8,500 to build a school. So I am now gathering people to help me by walking a simple mile to assist in building a school in Africa. 'Free the Children' has built more than 500 schools around the world and has reached more than one million young people through outreach in North America. The primary goals of the organization are to free children from poverty and exploitation and to free young people from the notion that they are powerless to affect positive change in the world.

"For every person who joins us on this walk, one dollar will be donated to this amazing charity. You don't have to pay anything yourself; all you have to do is WALK! I am not doing this for myself, but for the children in Africa who deserve an education. And although I am only one person, sometimes that is all it takes to change the world.

"I am hoping that I can pass this message along to the community and many more people will join me in my efforts. Hopefully it will increase the turnout and help me get even closer to my goal."

E-mail her at walkforschools@gmail.com with any questions or concerns, or visit www.takethewalk.net and www.freethechildren.com

"So come on, take a walk with me."

Join Jen at the Nike Outlet, 8225 Arroyo Circle, A021, Gilroy Premium Outlets, 1 p.m. Oct. 18.

Kat Teraji Kat Teraji is communications coordinator for a large nonprofit that benefits women and children. Her column appears every Friday. You can reach her at kattoy@verizon.net.