EDDIE’S TOUR JOURNAL
Top Youth Speaker in CT, NJ, & RI
“It was such a great message. Eddie speaks their language, students relate to him, and he made an impact!”
North Eastern School Tour: Resilience and Dream Chasing with Top Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés
This past week has been an absolute whirlwind—and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Over five days, I had the privilege of speaking at six schools in three states, empowering over 3,000 students to chase their I’m Possible dreams and build the resilience they need to overcome challenges. Oh, and I also got locked out of my rental car at one point, but hey, it wouldn’t be a tour without a little adventure, right?
Let me tell you about three of my favorite moments from the week. These experiences made me reflect on just how powerful this journey has been and how inspiring these students are.
Empathy in Action: Rogers Park Middle School, CT
One of the most powerful moments happened at Rogers Park Middle School in Connecticut. During an illustration on bullying, I noticed this eighth grader, round face, straight blonde hair, and eyes that spoke volumes of empathy. He was visibly shaken as we talked through how words can impact someone’s self-worth. His hand shot up and he said, almost pleading, “I couldn’t stand the mean things being said—I kept imagining it was my friend that was being bullied—they were hurting my friend!”
His emotional awareness was off the charts. You could feel the entire room shift in that moment. This young man was a beacon of empathy in a world that often feels too harsh. He wasn’t just learning about resilience—he was embodying it. He reminded all of us that standing up for someone else, especially a friend, is one of the most courageous and resilient things we can do.
That empathy? It gave me hope—not just for him, but for everyone in that room. Rogers Park, you’ve got some serious lights shining in your halls.
“Yo, Eddie! Believe in Yourself!”: Sprague Elementary, CT
Now, let’s switch gears to Sprague Elementary. For the second time in two weeks, I had a student come up to me after the assembly with a message that made me pause. This time, it was a 5th grader with athletic build, spotless Jordans, and serious charisma. He walks up, gives me a dap, and says, “Yo, Eddie! Believe in yourself—you can do anything!”
I had to laugh because the confidence this kid had was next level. And the way he said it? Man, it hit me. For a split second, I was rethinking my entire life plan, like maybe I should show up at Yankee Stadium for open tryouts and chase that childhood dream I’d told them about during the assembly.
But on a serious note, his words reminded me that the message I’m giving these students isn’t just for them—it’s for all of us. We all need to believe in ourselves, no matter how old we are or how many dreams we’ve chased and caught (or missed). Sprague, you’ve inspired me in ways you’ll never know.
“I Learned to Never Give Up”: Phillipsburg Elementary, NJ
Finally, let’s head over to Phillipsburg Elementary in NJ. At the end of the assembly, I always like to ask students to share something they learned. This 4th grader stood out—she had pink braided hair, a plaid sweater, and a fierce look of determination. When I called on her, she didn’t hesitate for a second. She stood up tall and said in a voice full of conviction, “I learned to never give up, and to never allow anyone to tell me I can’t chase my dreams!”
Her words echoed through the room, and honestly, the conviction in her voice gave me chills. This girl wasn’t just talking—she believed it. And that’s the magic of resilience. It’s not just about bouncing back from challenges; it’s about knowing that you are worthy of your dreams and that nobody gets to tell you otherwise.
Her strength? That’s the future of resilience. That’s what the “I’m Possible” message is all about—knowing that your potential is greater than anyone’s opinion of you.
Resilience: More Than a Soft Skill
Throughout my “I’m Possible” school assembly program, I focus on one key message: you can do hard things.
It’s easy to look at resilience as just another soft skill, but I wanted the students at every school this week to understand that resilience is so much more. It’s an academic superpower. It’s what helps you bounce back when you get a bad grade, when you miss a shot on the basketball court, or when friendships get tricky.
Resilient students don’t give up. They keep pushing. They understand that failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the journey toward success. When students realize this, they start getting better grades, they start believing in their creative talents, and most importantly, they start believing in themselves.
The Lessons We All Need
Over the course of these five days, at every school, I reminded students that their potential is far greater than anyone’s opinion of them. No matter what life throws at them, they are worthy of their dreams. The learning outcomes of my “I’m Possible” school assembly program focus on exactly that:
- Resilience: It helps students bounce back from hard things and succeed in every area—whether it’s school, sports, the creative arts, or friendships. Resilient students get better grades because they don’t give up.
- You Can Do Hard Things: Life throws challenges at all of us, but those hard things help us grow. The more we face them head-on, the closer we get to our goals.
- Failure = Learning: Trying hard things and failing isn’t a setback—it’s a stepping stone. Every failure is an opportunity to learn, grow, and get closer to success.
- You Are Worthy of Your Dreams: Each and every student has limitless potential. What they can become is far greater than what they can’t do.
- The “I’m Possible” Mindset: These students are full of possibilities. They are possible. The world is waiting for what they’ll bring to it.
Locked Out… and Locked In to the Message
And yes, while I may have gotten locked out of my rental car, the message of resilience was very much locked in all week. These students showed me what it means to take the words “I’m Possible” to heart.
A Quick Shout-Out to Leadership
Before I wrap up this wild week, I need to give a massive shout-out to the amazing school leaders who welcomed me with open arms. You guys are the real MVPs.
- Rogers Park Middle School – Thank you, Kristy, for believing in this message and helping create a space for empathy and growth.
- Sprague Elementary – Principal Stephanie and Vjollca, you’ve got some seriously inspiring students, and it’s clear they’re a reflection of your leadership.
- Bucks Hill Elementary – Principal Maria, your school is buzzing with positive energy, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.
- Phillipsburg Elementary – Dr. Darlene, I felt the strength and determination in your students, and it’s a testament to the culture you’ve cultivated.
- Kevin Coleman Elementary – Thank you, Karen and Leslie, for welcoming me into your school and sharing the “I’m Possible” message with your students.
Until Next Time, My Friends!
So yeah, it was a week full of inspiration, heart, and a few hiccups (looking at you, car rental). But I wouldn’t change a thing. To every student, teacher, and principal I met this week—thank you for reminding me that we’re all in this together.
Until next time, my friends—remember, dream big, because you are worthy of your dreams.
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. 29 – Norfolk, VA
- Oct 30 – Medford, MA
- Oct 31 – Hoover, AL
- Nov 4 – Lewistown, IL
- Nov 4 – Cuba, IL
- Nov 15 – Kissimmee, FL
- Jan 7 – Houston, TX
- 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.
ABOUT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ASSEMBLY
In his fun and interactive presentation titled “I’M POSSIBLE,” youth motivational speaker Eddie Cortés will help students realize that they are not defined by their limitations but by their potential. He uses humor, thought-provoking stories, and object lessons to teach elementary and middle school students to build resilience. Eddie empowers them to do hard things and chase their dreams.
Click here or call Top Youth Speakers at (800) 799-1460 between 8 AM-5 PM CT from Monday-Friday to invite Eddie Cortés to be a guest speaker at your next school assembly.
EDDIE CORTÉS
Elementary School Youth Motivational Speaker in Florida
ABOUT SCHOOL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER EDDIE CORTÉS
With over 20 years of experience, Eddie Cortés is regarded as one of the most engaging elementary and middle school speakers in the youth market. His mission is to empower students to build resilience and a positive self-worth.
This mission is personal. As a middle schooler, Eddie stopped believing in himself. In fact, his negative self-view impacted his grades, relationships, choices, and ultimately his dreams.
This experience is what fuels Eddie’s mission. He wants every elementary and middle school student to know that they are worthy of their dreams and have the tools to chase them.
To learn more about Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés click here.
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