Optimist Case Study

One Good Thing: Sweet P’tate

To say it’s been a hard year is a vast understatement. Columnist Owen Egerton reflects on the many hardships of 2020 and how we can move forward into the new year, finding optimism in our choice to grow rather than give up.

GALLERY: Finding Forever Homes A Plane Ride Away

Meet some of the adorable dogs and cats up for adoption at Austin Pets Alive!, along with the shelter’s incredible staff and Dog Is My Copilot, an animal transport nonprofit that is changing the lives of thousands of animals across Texas and the rest of the country.

One Good Thing: Beyond the Vote

November 3rd has come and gone—but life carries on. Columnist Owen Egerton reflects on the 2020 election and how, after we take the time to recover from the work we’ve put in as a nation to make this election possible, we can all continue to strengthen our civic engagement.

GALLERY: Voting in Texas

Meet seven Texans who are optimistic about the 2020 election and its turnout, as more and more people exercise their right to vote.

One Good Thing: My Favorite Teacher

As we kick off the new school year, columnist Owen Egerton reflects on the many unique challenges our students and teachers are facing in what he calls the “new normal” that is no longer new and still not normal. His favorite teacher reminds him how to stay optimistic as we tread these uncertain waters.

GALLERY: Portraits of Everyday Heroes

Meet the H-E-B employees who are making optimism essential.

One Good Thing: Who is in Need, and How Can I Help?

As we navigate our own new normal under the current Stay Home order, columnist Owen Egerton reflects on all the great Texans serving our communities. A big part of staying positive, Egerton says, is being present to our own needs, as well as those of the people around us.

GALLERY: Alan Graham on Optimism, Innovation, and Homelessness

Meet Alan Graham, founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, a social outreach ministry that provides food and clothing, cultivates community, and promotes dignity to homeless men and women in need.

One Good Thing: At Home

Texas Optimism Project is proud to introduce a new essay series from a familiar voice. Owen Egerton, host of the Good Newscast, will spotlight those who are doing good in the world, and in these unusual times, Owen’s journey begins at home.

VIDEO: Deborah Mouton & The Moment When A Community Holds You Up

Houston poet Deborah D.E.E.P Mouton reflects on her “Moving to Texas” story and the community she found when she needed it most.

Faces of Optimism: Community Builders

Optimism isn’t just a state of mind, it’s a practice. We’ve spotlighted six Texans creating optimism in their communities—with the help of the communities themselves.

VIDEO: Shakey Graves & The Moment When Perspective Changes Everything

The Texas Optimism project interviews Alejandro Rose-Garcia, musician under the name Shakey Graves, on the magic of an existential crisis.

VIDEO: Amy Brown & The Moment When Optimism Is a Choice

The Texas Optimism Project interviews Amy Brown, host of the “Bobby Bones” radio show, on grief and “Pimpin’ Joy.”