The Starfish Story

I would like to share a story that inspires me and gives me strength.

 The Starfish Story - Author Unknown

A man was walking along the beach when he noticed a girl picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the girl, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The girl replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out.  If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Child,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the girl bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf.  Then, smiling at the man, she said… ”I made a difference for that one,” and continued down the beach.

~ ~ ~

I recently found a YouTube video by Jostens of the Starfish Story.  Check it out below.




I have adopted the message from the story as my personal mantra. Anytime I am feeling like I am not making a difference, I remind myself of the Starfish Story.  I also have a framed starfish in my office to remind that I make a difference every day in the lives of children.


Have you used the Starfish Story in your work with students? Comment below, email me, tweet, or share on the School Counselor Blog Facebook Page!

Danielle is a K-12 Certified School Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and blogger at School Counselor Blog, a place where school counselors share innovative ideas, creative lesson plans, and quality resources.  Contact Danielle via email, follow her on twitter, and become a fan of the School Counselor Blog Facebook Page.

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