Student made book on a visionary from Opal School, Portland, Oregon

These days, it seems more important than ever to keep our heroes, visionaries, and courageous leaders clearly in our minds and hearts…to inspire our own vision and action, to give us courage, and to sustain the dream of a just, peaceful, and kind world. Jane Goodall is one visionary the world will not forget. She died of natural causes in her sleep on October 1st, 2025, while on a speaking tour in California.

The other day I was looking through the Curriculum Guide that Ashley and I wrote based on 5 student made books as examples of exemplary work featuring the understanding, skills, and action of sustainability education. In the back of each book (copies of originals) we wrote: Cadwell Collaborative works with schools to build on and integrate traditional disciplines, to design and implement authentic, real-world projects that align with Standards and engage and lead their communities toward a positive, regenerative future.

One of the student-made books that we included was written some years ago, by Anna Wolfe, a third-grade student at Opal School in Portland, Oregon. The book was one of many created by the class when they were asked to choose a visionary to research and write about. Anna chose Jane Goodall. Jane Goodall has been a part of this collection for fifteen years, and she and Anna, who tells her story, have inspired many students and teachers during that time. I love the way Anna tells her story. See the images below for examples.

Over her 91 years Jane was a leading scientist, activist, author of books for adults and children, featured in many films, recipient of many awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom presented by President Joe Biden in January, 2025.

Jane Goodall spent her life showing how deeply connected we are to the natural world. Born in 1934 in London, she followed a childhood dream to live among animals in Africa. In 1960, she began studying wild chimpanzees in Tanzania and made discoveries that transformed science — showing that chimpanzees use tools, express emotions, and have rich social lives.

Her work redefined what it means to be human and inspired millions to care for the Earth. Through the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots & Shoots, Jane’s legacy will continue to encourage people, especially young people, to protect animals, the environment, and each other.

Last week. I listened to a conversation that she had a few years ago with Krista Tippett on On Being… a lovely way to hear her voice, witness her joy, and take in her message of hope in action.

I also discovered her last words that are now published on the website of The Jane Goodall Institute and available to listen to on this site.

I leave you with excerpts from her message of hope for us to take to heart.

In the place where I am now, I look back over my life. I look back at the world I’ve left behind. What message do I want to leave? I want to make sure that you all understand that each one of you has a role to play. You may not know it, you may not find it, but your life matters, and you are here for a reason.

And I hope that reason will become apparent as you live through your life. Every single day you live, you make a difference in the world. And you get to choose the difference that you make.

I want you to understand that we are part of the natural world. And even today, when the planet is dark, there still is hope. Don’t lose hope. If you lose hope, you become apathetic and do nothing. And if you want to save what is still beautiful in this world – if you want to save the planet for the future generations, your grandchildren, their grandchildren – then think about the actions you take each day.

Because multiplied a million, a billion times, even small actions will make for great change.

Above all, I want you to think about the fact that we are part of Mother Nature. We depend on Mother Nature for clean air, for water, for food, for clothing, for everything. And as we destroy one ecosystem after another, as we create worse climate change, more loss of diversity, we must do everything in our power to make the world a better place for the children alive today, and for those that will follow.

You have it in your power to make a difference. Don’t give up. There is a future for you. Do your best while you’re still on this beautiful Planet Earth that I look down upon from where I am now.

God bless you all.

Jane Goodall

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