EDDIE’S TOUR JOURNAL
Top Education Speaker in Mansfield, CT
“Eddie’s message on resilience and learning from failure resonated with our students!”
The Power of Resilience at Mansfield Middle School with Top Education Speaker Eddie Cortés
As a motivational youth speaker, I’m always excited to connect with students and share a message that can inspire them to see beyond their limitations and embrace their potential. But every now and then, something truly remarkable happens during a school assembly program that leaves a lasting impression on me as well. That’s exactly what happened during my visit to Mansfield Middle School.
A Memorable Challenge: The Shoelace Showdown
Let me start by sharing a story that really encapsulates the spirit of resilience. During one of my segments, we decided to engage in a fun, yet challenging activity—the “Shoelace Challenge.” The idea was simple: teams of teachers and students would compete to see who could tie their shoelaces the fastest, but with a twist—only one hand was allowed!
The students were buzzing with excitement, eager to outsmart their teachers. But what happened next was truly unexpected and showcased the power of critical and creative thinking. The teachers, with all their experience and wisdom, realized they needed to get creative. They ended up using their teeth to tie their shoelaces! The students were both amazed and impressed by their teachers’ resourcefulness, and they learned an important lesson: sometimes, you need to think outside the box to overcome challenges.
The Shoelace Challenge was a perfect metaphor for one of the key messages I aim to share in my “I’m Possible” school assembly program: You can do hard things. This isn’t just about tying shoelaces or winning a competition—it’s about the resilience and creative thinking that help us navigate life’s challenges, whether in sports, academics, or life.
The “I’m Possible” School Assembly Program
My visit to Mansfield Middle School was part of my “I’m Possible” school assembly program, a motivational initiative designed to help students build resilience and self-worth. Resilience is not just a soft skill; it’s an academic superpower that can significantly impact a student’s life in numerous areas. From getting better grades to excelling in sports and creative arts, resilience is the foundation for student success.
Resilience: Your Academic Superpower
One of the main takeaways from the program is that resilient students get better grades. When students learn to bounce back from setbacks, they become more determined and focused on their goals. They understand that failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone towards success.
Resilience also plays a crucial role in other areas of life, such as navigating friendships, participating in creative arts, and improving in sports. By developing resilience, students are better equipped to handle the ups and downs that life inevitably throws their way.
You Can Do Hard Things
The central message of the “I’m Possible” program is this: You can do hard things. It’s a simple statement, but one that carries profound meaning. Life is full of challenges, and students need to know that they have the strength, intelligence, and courage to overcome them. Whether it’s mastering a difficult subject, pushing through a tough sports practice, or dealing with personal struggles, students are capable of more than they often realize.
Trying Hard Things + Failure = Learning
Another key lesson I share with students is that failure is not something to be feared. In fact, failure is an essential part of the learning process. When students try hard things and fail, they gain valuable insights and experiences that bring them closer to their goals and dreams. The important thing is not to give up, but to keep trying and learning from every setback.
You Are Worthy of Your Dreams
Perhaps the most important message I share is this: You are worthy of your dreams. Every student has dreams and aspirations, but sometimes they feel like they’re not good enough or that their dreams are out of reach. My goal is to remind them that their potential is greater than their limitations. They have everything they need within them to chase their dreams and achieve what might seem impossible.
You Are Full of Possibilities
Finally, I want students to leave the assembly knowing they are full of possibilities. Each student is a unique individual with their own set of talents, strengths, and potential. By embracing who they are and what they can become, they open the door to endless opportunities and possibilities.
Mansfield Middle School: A Culture of Resilience and Creativity
My experience at Mansfield Middle School was truly inspiring, not just because of the students, but also because of the leadership that fosters a culture of resilience and creativity. Principal Larry Barlow and Assistant Principal Danielle Vliet are both passionate about helping their students realize their full potential. They understand that education is not just about academics, but about equipping students with the life skills they need to thrive.
It was evident from the moment I stepped into the school that Mansfield Middle is a place where students are encouraged to be resilient dream chasers.
Their commitment to their students’ growth and success was clear in every interaction, and it was an honor to partner with them. The students were full of energy and enthusiasm, and their willingness to engage in the activities and lessons I presented showed that they were already on the path to achieve the “I’m Possible”.
The Ripple Effect
One of the things I love most about being a motivational youth speaker is seeing the ripple effect of the messages I share. At Mansfield Middle School, I saw firsthand how the lessons of resilience and possibility were not only being embraced by the students but also by the teachers and staff.
The Shoelace Challenge was a lighthearted activity, but the lessons learned from it were deep and lasting. The students saw their teachers model resilience and creative problem-solving, and that’s a powerful example for them to carry forward. It’s moments like these that remind me of the importance of what I do and the impact it can have on a school.
Final Thoughts
My visit to Mansfield Middle School was a memorable experience, and I’m grateful to Principal Larry Barlow, Assistant Principal Danielle Vliet, and all the students and staff who made it so special. Their commitment to building a culture of resilience and creativity is truly inspiring, and I’m honored to have been a part of it.
As I continue my journey as a motivational youth speaker, I’m more motivated than ever to keep spreading the message that you can do hard things, that failure is a part of learning, and that every student is full of possibilities. Together, we can help students build the resilience they need to chase their dreams and achieve the impossible.
Until next time.
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
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Oct 24 – Panorama City, CA
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Oct 30 – Medford, MA
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Oct 31 – Hoover, AL
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Nov 4 – Lewistown, IL
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Nov 4 – Cuba, IL
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Jan 13 – Waukegan, IL
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Jan 14 – Waukegan, IL
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Jan 14 – Waukegan, IL
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Jan 15 – Waukegan, IL
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Jan 28 – Parkville, MO
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Jan 31 – Lodi, CA
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Feb 25 – Mount Laurel, NJ
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Feb 28 – Parkville, MO
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Mar 28 – San Antonio, TX
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Apr 22 – Centreville, MD
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Apr 23 – Centreville, MD
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May 12 – Barbourville, KY
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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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