As I land at O’Hare after 5 campuses in 6 days, I am filled with gratitude (SC, PA, NJ, IA, MO).
The last 2 days were speaking at campuses where I’ve been speaking for at least 20 years to the incoming classes. Almost everyone I first worked with has retired. Yep that ages me. I am grateful for continuing to get that opportunity.
Yesterday included a survivor driving over 2 hours to see the program again since she first time saw it as a student 20 years ago in the same theater (and she shared her book with me).
I remember when people told me that the older I got, the harder it would be for students to relate to me. Our post-event surveys prove that wrong. I’ve always known one important factor: my program has NEVER been about me. When you make it about the audience, YOU are not the focus and neither is your age. LOL.
98% are more likely to ask first afterward.
98% are more likely to intervene for others.
96% are more likely to reach and proactively support survivors.
This is across all demographics!!
Reading the students comments fills my soul. Comments like:
“Life Changing”
“Moving”
“Enlightening”
“Unfiltered”
“Fun”
Now, lets keep it going. Want to bring this to your school, campus, organization, community, or military installation, reach out. Let’s make it happen!!
