Today’s generation is facing a lot of problems, leaving many students feeling despair and like it will never get better. But the truth is, today’s problems are temporary. If we can begin to heal despair, provide help in times of pressure, and equip students to be the solution, the result will be compassionate students and a positive school atmosphere. That’s exactly what this school assembly is designed to do.
I share with students often, “We might not be able to change the world, but we can change the small part that we influence.” I believe the next generation is the solution to today’s challenges. They are the answer. They just need some guides to provoke the purposes within, tell them that they matter, and help them discover hope.
mission
will's
story
Growing up, Will never met his dad. He didn’t even see a picture of him. With his dad on the run, his mom was left with three boys to provide for and try to keep on the right track.
But poverty always has a way of trying to rob tomorrow’s future.
As a teenager, Will faced challenges from gang violence to drugs and alcohol. It wasn’t until a coach and teacher saw beyond the behavior of today to see the potential of who he was meant to be tomorrow. This coach helped him to see he didn’t have to be the result of his problems but could choose to flip the script and change his story.
At the age of 18, Will began making positive choices and leading his peers to a better way of life. He stopped drinking and partying and started helping other students discover a greater purpose in life.
While attending college, Will began to pursue public speaking. In 2008, through a partnership and mutual friend, Will was invited to share at a high school assembly on suicide prevention. From that day, Will has spoken to thousands of students around the world on various topics with one common thread… HOPE. There is always hope.
Will’s message is that no matter what you’re facing today and no matter what people are saying about you, you are MORE than the story that’s been written. You have a choice to flip the script and step into the hope and purpose that are available to you.