For most professional athletes, reaching the NBA is the pinnacle of achievement. But for Brooklyn Nets star Mikal Bridges, it’s only part of the story. The 6’6″ forward has a lesser-known aspiration: becoming a teacher.

“I’ve always wanted to be a second-grade teacher,” Bridges shared during a recent visit to PS 134 in Brooklyn. “Helping kids has always been something I’m passionate about.”

Bridges’ dream stems from his own childhood in Philadelphia, where a standout teacher left a lasting impression. “Second grade was one of my favorite years,” he said. “Ms. Porter made school special for me. She showed me how impactful a teacher can be, and that stuck with me.”

While Bridges’ basketball journey took center stage, his classroom ambitions took a temporary spotlight when he stepped into the role of a substitute teacher for the day. Despite arriving in Brooklyn at 1:30 a.m. after a commanding 120-101 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bridges was ready to meet the energy of the students.

A Star on the Court and in the Classroom

The day began in the gym, where Bridges organized a game of knockout with a group of fourth graders. The students were brimming with excitement, not just to meet an NBA player but to engage with someone who genuinely cared about their experience.

“Their energy got me going,” Bridges admitted. “They made it easy to jump in and have fun.”

The students seized the rare opportunity to pepper him with questions. One curious child asked, “How do you balance your personal life with basketball?” Bridges, drafted in 2018 and a rising star in the league, took the question in stride.

“Time management is the key,” he explained. “During the season, I travel a lot, so it’s hard. But over the years, I’ve learned to balance it with hanging out with friends and preparing for games.”

In between the laughter and learning, a student’s practical question brought smiles all around: “If your family comes to games, do they get free tickets?” Bridges confirmed with a grin, “Yes, they do.”

Learning Alongside the Kids

After gym class, Bridges joined a first-grade music lesson, where the tables turned. “The kids were teaching me how to play the xylophone,” he said, chuckling at his struggles. “One of them had to point to the notes on the board for me. I finally got it!”

Lunch brought more laughs as Bridges entertained riddles from first graders, and recess became a playground full of awe-struck students marveling at his height and requesting hugs.

Math Class with Mr. Bridges

Perhaps the highlight of the day came during math class, Bridges’ self-proclaimed favorite subject. “Math was always easy for me growing up,” he shared. “I’d help my classmates by breaking down problems in ways that made sense to me. Teaching it felt natural.”

His enthusiasm for numbers translated into lively engagement with the students. They eagerly soaked up his tips and tricks for problem-solving, enjoying their time with their temporary math instructor.

A Shared Dream

While students saw their hero in an entirely new light, the experience was just as meaningful for Bridges. “Teachers shape us,” he reflected. “We spend so much time with them, and they help us grow as people. They don’t always get the recognition they deserve.”

Bridges has already begun to envision life beyond basketball. “This is just the first part of my journey,” he explained. “Teaching is next. Maybe even becoming a principal one day. Who knows?”

For the students at PS 134, the visit was unforgettable. And for Bridges, it was a chance to live out a childhood dream—proving that he’s just as impactful in the classroom as he is on the court.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which ravaged parts of North Carolina, a unique story of recovery and humanity emerged. Amid the destruction, Taylor Schenker of Canton, North Carolina, took it upon herself to reunite families with cherished photographs scattered by the storm.

Hurricane Helene struck in October, leaving widespread devastation in its wake. While Schenker’s home remained intact, her friend’s house near the Swannanoa River was completely destroyed. “We spent hours digging through the mud, trying to salvage anything we could,” Schenker recalled. During this process, she found a handful of photographs and laid them out with other recovered items, hoping their owners might return for them.

But the idea of those photos being lost haunted her. “These little pieces of history had survived the storm,” she said. “I couldn’t bear the thought of them being swept away again.” The next day, she returned to collect the photos and soon found more, realizing they belonged to multiple families. By the end of her efforts, Schenker had amassed over 200 photos, some contributed by search and rescue teams. She carefully cleaned and organized them, determined to return them to their rightful owners.

Reuniting Memories

Using an Instagram page she named “Photos from Helene,” Schenker began posting the pictures. Her efforts quickly gained attention, and families started recognizing their long-lost snapshots. To date, she has reunited approximately 15% of the photos with their owners.

One particularly poignant reunion involved a mother who had lost all photographs of her late son when her home was destroyed. “When I met her to return the photos, it was incredibly emotional,” Schenker shared. Later, during another search, she found yet another picture of the boy, deepening the connection between her efforts and the lives she was touching.

Becky and Nancy Tate, a mother and daughter, also discovered their photos through the Instagram page. Nancy described the surreal moment of scrolling on social media and seeing a childhood Christmas picture of herself. “It was covered in dirt, but I immediately recognized it,” she said. Becky Tate expressed her gratitude, describing the discovery as “a moment of joy and disbelief.”

The Power of Community

Schenker’s project has become a collective effort, with many former neighbors tagging each other in Instagram comments and helping connect families to their photos. “The sense of community is amazing,” she said. “People recognize each other’s memories and come together to help.”

Her Instagram page’s name reflects her mission: while most images from the hurricane depict destruction, the photos she shares capture joyful moments and milestones. “These are snapshots of the lives lived here,” she explained. “Amid all the debris, they’re reminders of what makes this community special.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges of recovery, Schenker’s work continues to provide hope. She mails photos to families who have relocated and hand-delivers them to those still nearby. Her story exemplifies the resilience and kindness that have come to define Asheville in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

“Seeing the joy these photos bring makes it all worthwhile,” she said. “In the face of such loss, even small wins mean so much.”

The Andes Mountains, stretching across South America, are a natural wonder rich in biodiversity. Among the towering peaks roam spectacled bears, pumas, and the mighty Andean condor. Yet, nestled high in these rugged landscapes grow forests of polylepis trees—often called “cloud trees” for their incredible ability to capture and release water. These ancient trees, though lesser-known, are vital to both ecosystems and the millions of people who rely on the Andes’ water sources.

The Unique Role of Polylepis Trees

Polylepis trees thrive at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters, making them the world’s highest-altitude trees. Their significance lies in their ability to absorb moisture from clouds and melting glaciers. The spongy moss that drapes their trunks stores and gradually releases this water, feeding mountain streams and, eventually, the Amazon River’s headwaters.

However, centuries of deforestation, grazing, and development have reduced the once-vast polylepis forests to a fraction of their original range. Today, only around 500,000 hectares remain—estimated to be just 1% to 10% of the historic coverage. The consequences are far-reaching: degraded ecosystems, eroded soil, disrupted water cycles, and increased vulnerability to flooding. For the millions living in the Andean foothills, these changes pose a growing risk to water security.

Reviving the Forests: A Community-Led Effort

One man determined to reverse this decline is Peruvian biologist Constantino Aucca Chutas. Inspired by his indigenous Quechua roots and deep respect for nature, Aucca co-founded Acción Andina in 2018. This ambitious reforestation initiative, in partnership with the US-based nonprofit Global Forest Generation and Peru’s Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos, aims to restore one million hectares of Andean forests by 2045.

“I grew up enjoying rivers and nature,” Aucca reflects. “I thought it would be fantastic if we could pass this to future generations.”

The effort began in Peru but has since expanded to Ecuador, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia. To date, Acción Andina has planted more than 10 million polylepis trees, thanks to the participation of thousands of indigenous families. This collective approach mirrors the Incan concept of Ayni and Minka—working together for the common good.

A Festival of Trees

One of the most striking events in this initiative is the annual Queuña Raymi festival, held in the valleys around Cusco. The festival is a cultural and environmental celebration that begins with traditional music, dances, and rituals to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth). Participants—men, women, and children in colorful traditional attire—then climb the mountains, carrying saplings of native polylepis trees on their backs.

In a single day, communities have planted as many as 100,000 trees using propagation methods that ensure healthy growth. Recognizing the unique adaptations of polylepis trees to their environments, Acción Andina ensures that only local species are planted.

The work doesn’t stop with planting. To safeguard the saplings, the initiative installs protective fencing, develops fire prevention programs, and works closely with local communities to maintain the growing trees.

Benefits for Communities and the Planet

The collaboration extends beyond reforestation. In exchange for their efforts, communities receive support such as improved medical care, solar energy installations, and help securing legal rights to their land. These protections are crucial to preventing exploitation from industries like mining, logging, and oil extraction.

Aucca highlights the importance of indigenous knowledge, noting that locals, who have lived alongside these forests for generations, understand the trees in ways that outsiders cannot. This shared wisdom strengthens the initiative and ensures its long-term success.

“They’ve seen how these trees grow their whole lives,” Aucca explains. “Their knowledge is invaluable.”

Global Recognition and the Power of Collective Action

Acción Andina has become a model for community-driven conservation. In 2022, the initiative earned Aucca the United Nations’ “Champion of the Earth” title. Two years later, it received the prestigious Earthshot Prize, established by Prince William, for its groundbreaking work in restoring nature.

Elizabeth Mrema, Deputy Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, praised the project’s global significance. “The nature benefits of polylepis forests are immense. They capture moisture, prevent soil erosion, and play a major role in water security,” Mrema told CNN.

The success of Acción Andina highlights the importance of collaboration. By uniting indigenous communities, environmental groups, and policymakers, the initiative demonstrates that large-scale conservation is not only possible but essential.

“Protecting Mother Earth is a responsibility for all of us,” Aucca says. “We cannot do it alone.”

A Future Built on Tradition

The work of Acción Andina reminds us of the wisdom of past generations. The Inca civilization thrived by living in harmony with nature, a philosophy that resonates today. With millions of trees already planted and millions more to come, polylepis forests are slowly being restored, ensuring a sustainable future for the Andes and the people who call them home.

By honoring traditions, empowering communities, and embracing collective action, these ancient cloud trees are once again nurturing life across the mountains—one sapling at a time.

A family of beavers has been reintroduced to the wild at Loch Ard Forest near Aberfoyle in a heartwarming step for Scotland’s ecosystem restoration efforts. The group, consisting of two adults and three kits, was released into a carefully restored wetland habitat in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. A video of the beavers taking their first swim has captured the imagination of conservationists and nature lovers alike.

A Collaborative Conservation Effort

The release was the result of a partnership between Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), the Beaver Trust, and the Loch Lomond park authority. Over the past 13 months, FLS has relocated 24 beavers to lands it manages, demonstrating its commitment to rewilding and biodiversity.

At the release site, FLS has spent decades creating a wetland environment designed to support diverse wildlife. Katy Anderson, Central Region Environment Forester for FLS, shared the project’s history:

“The ponds we created back in 2006 had already shown their suitability when we successfully introduced water voles to the area in 2008. This mix of extensive wetlands, wet woodland, and new native woodland makes an ideal setting for the beavers to adjust to their new life.”

To make the transition smoother, the team left piles of freshly cut willow—one of the beavers’ favorite foods—by the water’s edge.

The Return of Beavers to Scotland

Beavers were hunted to extinction in Scotland during medieval times, but their reintroduction began in 2009. Since then, their population has steadily grown, and they are increasingly being recognized for their role as ecosystem engineers. By building dams and creating ponds, beavers enhance biodiversity and improve water quality in their habitats.

The area around Duchray Water, where the family was released, features a network of ponds and native woodlands that has been in development for over 30 years. This environment not only benefits the beavers but also supports numerous other species, such as water voles, birds, and aquatic insects.

A Step Toward Ecosystem Recovery

The release of this beaver family is part of broader efforts to restore Scotland’s natural landscapes and wildlife. Wetlands, like the one at Loch Ard, are crucial for mitigating climate change impacts, reducing flooding, and providing habitats for diverse species.

FLS and its partners hope that the beavers will thrive in their new environment and contribute to the ecological recovery of the region. Their presence is a reminder of how nature, given the right conditions, can reclaim its place and flourish once again.

As the beavers settle into their new home, their activities will undoubtedly shape the environment, benefiting a wide range of species and bringing new vitality to the restored wetlands.

Not all heroes wear capes—some wag their tails or purr softly after life-saving blood donations. At the DoveLewis blood bank in Portland, Oregon, dogs and cats are quietly helping to save lives by donating blood for pets in need of emergency transfusions.

How Pet Blood Donation Works

Dogs, with their generally cooperative natures, often make excellent blood donors. To qualify, donor dogs must weigh at least 55 pounds, be between 1 and 6 years old, and maintain good health. They also need to tolerate—or even enjoy—the donation process without requiring sedation. Cats, on the other hand, are less willing participants and must be sedated during the procedure, which is why DoveLewis limits its feline donors to those owned by veterinary professionals.

The donation process for dogs involves a quick draw of about a pint of blood from the jugular vein. It takes less than 10 minutes, and donors are comforted with weighted blankets, gentle handling, and plenty of love from their owners.

Rewards for Donors

While dogs like Dolly, a 7-year-old Labrador retriever, may not understand the full impact of their donation, they clearly enjoy the perks. Participating pets receive free annual lab work, discounted parasite prevention medications, and urgent care visits. After each session, they’re rewarded with baby food treats, toys, and trading cards featuring their photos and fun facts.

These cards, shared with the families of recipient pets, highlight the connection between donors and those they save. Dolly’s blood, for instance, has helped a terrier mix with post-birth complications and a border collie poisoned by ibuprofen. Her donations have even traveled as far as Florida and Texas to save lives.

The Growing Need for Pet Blood Banks

Pet blood is vital for treating trauma, anemia, immune diseases, and surgical complications. According to Kelsey Reinauer, DoveLewis’s blood bank manager, there’s a significant shortage of veterinary blood in the U.S., especially for cats.

“Many small practices rely on in-house donors from employees’ pets,” Reinauer explains. “But with dogs having more than a dozen blood types and cats having three, finding the right match can be challenging.”

Universal blood donors are particularly valuable because their blood can stabilize cats in emergencies until a feline donor can be found. Reinauer recalls a case where cat blood was used to stabilize a ferret until another ferret could serve as a donor.

Community Participation and Other Programs

DoveLewis isn’t the only organization welcoming pet donors. Blood banks at VCA Northwest in Clackamas, Willamette Veterinary Hospital in Corvallis, and the Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon in Bend also accept canine and feline donors. These programs provide similar benefits, including free exams, lab work, and discounted medications.

For pet owners, the donation process is more than just a transaction—it’s a partnership. Reinauer emphasizes communication between staff and owners to ensure that pets are comfortable and stress-free.

Why It Matters

Blood donation in pets saves lives and highlights the bond between humans and their animal companions. Whether stabilizing a trauma patient or treating chronic illnesses, the gift of blood extends the lives of countless animals. For owners like Denise Duncan, whose dog Dolly loves the baby food treats and toys, the act of donating is a way to give back to the pet community.

If you’re interested in learning whether your dog qualifies as a donor, visit dovelewis.org to make an appointment. By donating, your pet could join the ranks of these unsung heroes, bringing wagging tails and life-saving blood to those in need.