We often see the rich as power hungry individuals who squander money that they often don’t do… We often see the rich as power hungry individuals who squander money that they often don’t do half of what the working class does to obtain. The stereotypes aside, it’s encouraging to see that 2005 was a year of philanthropy and monetary contribution.

Thanks to the spending habits of two individuals, there is much to recognize and much to look forward to in 2006.

By far, Bill and Melinda Gates have been among the most charitable individuals of 2005. While it helps that they also happen to be the richest people in the world, they have dedicated one-third of their net worth to helping those who are far less fortunate, according to an article on abcnews.com.

The article also goes on to say that in 2005, through The Gates Foundation, the Gateses have “donated more than $1 billion to malaria immunization, HIV/AIDS prevention, education and other causes.”

Not only have they funded the education of roughly 9,000 minorities invested in scholarship in the United States, they also have contributed heavily to global matters. It is estimated that they have saved more than 700,000 lives in their efforts.

An article in Time magazine reports that they spend just as much as the World Health Organization each year on improving the quality of life all over the planet. It’s undeniable that the collective impact they have with their organizations and as a family are immeasurable.

But believe it or not, even with the spending power of the Gateses, there is impoverished territory that has been left untouched. There are contributions – even ones that don’t involve money – which we all can make that are just as valuable.

It’s a new year full of promise and passion. There are goals to meet and a wide span of time to achieve them. But, more often than not, our resolutions become words of inactivated potential.

So this year, let’s ditch the resolutions. Let’s forget about however many pounds we’re not going to trim or how many promises of “We’ll keep in touch” we’re not going to honor. Let us instead resolve to make an honest commitment through action to our personal goals and to being a positive contributor in our community.

Start with the little things. Marian Wright Edelman once said, “We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.”

It’s freezing outside. Do you really need all three pairs of gloves you own? Or could someone less fortunate than you put them to better use?

Have you logged any service hours at a soup kitchen lately? Jubilee Kitchen located at 2005 Wyandotte St. in Pittsburgh always needs an extra hand. There are also homeless shelters and even battered women’s shelters not necessarily in need of money but of energy, time and a smile that will help lift downtrodden spirits.

While you are on campus, keep in mind that Student Volunteer Outreach and Habitat for Humanity need volunteers. And while we are lowly college students, our reach can always extend our grasp. Studying abroad isn’t only an opportunity to enlighten oneself but to help others. Many of the programs offer students a chance to receive much overseas yet give much in return to the inhabitants of the country they sojourn. Spring break is coming and the alternative spring break trip is another option.

This year, do not just speak your goals into existence – act them. The real world hasn’t dawned on many of us yet, so give the time you have now.

It’s Wednesday, four days into the New Year. What is your contribution?