Top Education Speaker in Grand Prairie, TX

An Empowering Day at Ellen Ochoa STEM Academy with Top Education Speaker Eddie Cortés

I had the incredible privilege of speaking at Ellen Ochoa STEM Academy on April 10th, where I led my signature “I’m Possible” school assembly program. Let me tell you, these students absolutely blew me away with their energy, their curiosity, and their resilience! But there was one moment, one conversation, that hit me right in the heart and reminded me why I do what I do.

A Fist Bump Full of Resilience

After the assembly wrapped up, this absolutely adorable third grader approached me. She was small for her age, had the cutest curly hair, rosy cheeks, and a pair of round glasses that made her look like a little professor in training. She walked right up to me, extended her fist for a bump, and with the most serious look on her face, she said:

“Don’t let anyone bully you— you can become anything you want.“

I was floored. Seriously, this little powerhouse of a student nailed it. She got the message. Loud and clear. She understood what I had shared during the assembly. And then, when she smiled, her dimples popped, and my heart completely melted.

But before we get to the part where this cutie completely reminded me of my own worth, let me rewind a bit to what the “I’m Possible” message is all about.

The Message: Resilience and Self-Worth

The “I’m Possible” school assembly program is all about helping students realize that they are more than what they think they can’t do. I want them to know that their potential is way greater than their limitations. Through a mix of humor, stories, and a whole lot of energy, I teach students some major life lessons—lessons that will stick with them long after the assembly ends.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the day:

• Resilience is a Superpower: Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from hard things—it’s also a secret weapon in sports, friendships, creativity, and even school. Resilient students get better grades because they don’t quit when things get tough. They keep trying and learning, even from failure.
• You Can Do Hard Things: I remind students that they’re capable of so much more than they think. We all face hard things, but those hard things are what help us grow and get closer to our dreams.
• Fail Forward: Failure isn’t the end—it’s a stepping stone. When we fail, we’re really just learning, and each time we learn, we’re getting closer to our goals. Even when we stumble, we have the opportunity to get back up and keep dreaming.
• You Are Worthy of Your Dreams: This is the big one. I want every student to walk away knowing that they are worthy of their dreams. Their potential is greater than anything they can’t do. That’s the core of the I’m Possible Mindset—you are full of possibilities. You are possible.

My Story: The Dream I Almost Gave Up On

During the assembly, I shared a story from my own life. A story that, to this day, stings a little bit.

When I was young, I had a dream. I wanted to play professional baseball for the New York Yankees. It was all I thought about. But when I shared this dream with my cousin, who I looked up to so much at the time, he laughed at me. He told me that I wasn’t athletic enough. That I wasn’t talented enough. That I would never be enough.

I was devastated.

I carried those words with me for a long time. I let them crush my self-worth. But over time, I learned something important: I am enough. I may not have become a professional baseball player, but that doesn’t mean I’m not capable of chasing my dreams. My potential is greater than anyone else’s opinion of me—and the same is true for every single student I speak to.

I shared this story with the students at Ellen Ochoa STEM Academy to remind them that they are enough, too. In spite of what they can’t do, they are full of possibilities. And that’s what makes them unstoppable.

Full Circle Moment: I Am Enough

So when that tiny third grader gave me a fist bump and told me I could become anything I wanted, I realized something. The message I had been pouring into these kids—this message of resilience, self-worth, and possibility—was also a message I needed to hear myself.

This little girl, with her bright eyes and rosy cheeks, brought everything full circle for me. I am enough, just like they are. We’re all worthy of our dreams.

It was an emotional and humbling moment. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.

The Power of Possibility

This experience reminded me that the power of possibility is real. Every student I meet is full of potential. Whether they’re in sports, music, academics, or dreaming up their own future career paths—they have the resilience and the ability to do hard things and make those dreams happen.

I want every student to know this: You are worthy of your dream. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. You are possible.

Shoutout to the Leadership

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible leadership at Ellen Ochoa STEM Academy. A huge thank you to Principal Joel Hernandez for the invitation and for fostering a school environment where students feel empowered to dream big and chase those dreams with everything they’ve got. His passion for helping students reach their potential is inspiring, and it’s reflected in the positive, energetic culture of the school.

Until Next Time, Ellen Ochoa STEM Academy!

I left Ellen Ochoa STEM Academy feeling grateful and inspired. The students were so engaged, so full of energy and life, and so open to learning what it means to be resilient. They showed me that they’re ready to do hard things, face challenges, and bounce back stronger every time.

Until next time, Ellen Ochoa—keep believing in yourselves, because you are full of possibilities.

Eddie Cortés’ School Assembly Program

In his a fun, interactive school assembly, Eddie Cortés empowers elementary and middle school students to build resilience, a positive self-worth, and chase their “I’m Possible” dreams.

2024-2025 TOUR DATES

• Aug 29 – Mansfield, CT
• Aug 29 – Willington, CT
• Sept 9 – Grand Prairie, TX
• Sept 12 – Fresno, CA
• Sept 16 – Danbury, CT
• Sept 17 – Waterbury, CT
• Sept 17 – Waterbury, CT
• Sept 18 – Phillipsburg, NJ
• Sept 19 – Waterbury, CT
• Sept 20 – Woonsocket, RI
• Sept 23 – Elk Grove, CA
• Sept 24 – Elk Grove, CA
• Sept 26 – Somerville, NJ
• Oct 2 – Rancho Cordova, CA
• Oct 4 – Rochester, NY
• Oct 8 – Rancho Cordova, CA
• Oct 9 – Idyllwild, CA
• Oct 24 – Panorama City, CA
• Oct 30 – Medford, MA
• Oct 31 – Hoover, AL
• Nov 4 – Lewistown, IL
• Nov 4 – Cuba, IL
• Nov 22 – Kissimmee, FL
• Jan 13 – Waukegan, IL
• Jan 14 – Waukegan, IL
• Jan 14 – Waukegan, IL
• Jan 15 – Waukegan, IL
• Jan 28 – Parkville, MO
• Jan 31 – Lodi, CA
• Feb 25 – Mount Laurel, NJ
• Feb 28 – Parkville, MO
• Mar 28 – San Antonio, TX
• Apr 22 – Centreville, MD
• Apr 23 – Centreville, MD
• May 12 – Barbourville, KY
• Jul 28 – Virtual – EB Academics

Invite Eddie Cortés to be a guest speaker at your elementary or middle school. Click here or email info@eddiecortes.com to schedule a conversation to learn more about his school assembly.

SCHOOL ASSEMBLY
TOPICS

• Youth Motivation & Inspiration
• Character Education
• Youth Leadership Development

AUDIENCES

• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School
• Virtual School Assembly
• Digital Presentation