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| Dominic Carter with young People outside Toronto Canada May 30, 2015 |
A letter came just last week from a NYC public school official asking me to be their Graduation Speaker, but this letter stood out.
The second paragraph of the letter from the school official –that will remain nameless— pointed to the sad reality in urban america.
“Our students have seen more failures than possibilities.”
My God, we are talking about students in the 8th Grade, and the words stood out like a sore thumb. I had to read it again.
“Our students have seen more failures than possibilities.”
The letter went on:
“As the writer, Asha Bandele says “When you consider the intelligence and breadth of your writing and activism, you come to the conclusion that there may be no better spokesperson and representative for a generation that has too long been counted out.”
I am thankful the letter ended with promise.
“Your participation at our graduation will be a life altering experience to help the students understand that when they “Look into the future,” they see purpose.”
It is humbling to think that we can result in a “life altering” experience for another human being.
We can all change lives and motivate young people, if we just stop and spend a little time with them.
It takes five minutes to show interest in a young person that can make the difference with them having a promising life or going down the wrong path.
That letter is why I do, what I do.
Please spend some time with a young person.
#Youth Mentoring #Youth Conferences