The "Shoot for the Stars: Going after your Dreams with Confidence Program" was created two years ago, when I realized that if someone just went out to the schools and told them what real life was really like, and how if they were just themselves they would be fine, it could be beneficial. So I started doing just that. I went to my mom's daycare, old teachers, classrooms I never knew exsisted and went to every place I could get into. When I go into a classroom I usually tell a part of my story, which involves being bullied in middle school, self-image, finding the place I belonged, and the difference it made when I believed and applied myself to what I loved. These are events that occur in many young adults lives, I tell my story, and then explain what I did that helped. It is 10 points that changed my life.
I also take a survey, which is an ongoing part of my program that I love, and I ask, "How many of you have ever been bullied?", "How many of you don't think your good enough?", "How many of you have ever been told you don't have what it takes?" The answers to these questions are astounding and students find they are more alike than they think. I then go on to points about 'why you need to do what you love, and not what someone else thinks you should do', or 'smiling' and how it makes the biggest difference in the world to someone. We go through giving each other compliments, interactively using the students as examples of what they've done in their life to do what they wanted, or what their dreams are. It is about 45 minutes long to an hour depending on how long of a time period I recieve.
I alter my points for age levels, so it is six basic points for elementary school, and then ten older than that. For preschoolers and elementary kids I talk about the four core values that I learned from being a YMCA camp counsler at the Des Moines Y-Camp; Respect, Honesty, Caring, and Responsibility. Teaching them these with songs and colors help them remember, and these four core values can help carry you through life. Self-confidence is the biggest thing I have ever learned in my life, and has helped me acheive so many dreams such as being captain of teams, president of a speech team, teaching at Sturgis, and many more. I love who I am today, and what I teach and give to other generations can give them the same respect for themselves.
If interested to have me come to your classroom or activity please go to my 'Contact Me' page, and we can figure out a time. Thank you!
