EDDIE’S TOUR JOURNAL
Top Youth Speaker in AL
I’ve been teaching 19 years, that is the greatest speech I have ever heard at a school assembly.
The Power of the I’m Possible Mindset: A Day to Remember with Top Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés
Let me tell you, there are few things more rewarding than seeing the spark in a student’s eyes when they realize they’re capable of achieving their BIG dreams. Last week, I had the honor of visiting Riverchase Elementary in Birmingham, AL to bring the I’m Possible school assembly program to their students. I’m still buzzing from the incredible energy, the conversations, and one moment in particular that left me speechless.
A Moment I’ll Never Forget
After the assembly wrapped up, as the students were filing out with excited chatter and wide smiles, a teacher named Blake made his way over to me. He looked like he had something important to say, and when he finally spoke, his words hit me like a wave.
“I’ve been teaching for 19 years,” he said, “and that is the greatest speech I have ever heard at a school assembly.”
Whoa. Talk about a compliment that will stay with me forever. His enthusiasm was contagious, and it reminded me of why I do what I do. The I’m Possible program isn’t just a motivational pep talk—it’s a shift in mindset, a reminder that our potential is far greater than anyone’s opinion of us, and that we are truly worthy of our dreams. Hearing that from a seasoned teacher like Blake was the ultimate validation.
The Magic of the I’m Possible Mindset
So, what makes the I’m Possible mindset so powerful? It all comes down to these main takeaways:
1. Resilience: The Superpower for Life
One of the biggest lessons I hope to impart through the I’m Possible school assembly program is the importance of resilience. Life is full of challenges—big and small—and the ability to bounce back from them is what sets resilient students apart. And it’s not just about the big picture; resilience can make the difference between giving up on a difficult math problem and sticking with it until you get that “aha!” moment.
Research even backs this up: resilient students tend to perform better academically, often earning a full letter grade higher than their peers. But more than that, resilience helps students on the field, in the arts, and when navigating friendships. It’s the secret sauce to tackling life’s curveballs and coming out stronger.
2. Potential > Opinions
If there’s one thing I want students to remember from our time together, it’s this: your potential is far greater than anyone’s opinion of you. When I was younger, I let too many people’s opinions dictate what I thought I was capable of. It’s so easy for students to believe they’re not good enough, smart enough, or talented enough just because someone said so. But the truth is, our potential is limitless, and the only opinion that truly matters is our own.
3. You Are Worthy of Your Dreams
During the assembly, I love sharing stories that drive home the point that we’re all worthy of our dreams. No matter how big or small those dreams may be, each student has the right to chase them with their whole heart. That’s what the I’m Possible mindset is all about. Seeing the realization sink in on their faces—that they are more than enough—is priceless.
The Assembly That Sparked a School
Riverchase Elementary was buzzing from the moment I stepped into the gymnasium. The students were excited, the teachers were engaged, and you could feel that this was a school that cared deeply about nurturing its kids. A special shout-out to School Counselor Patti and Principal Posey for their leadership and for creating an environment where students feel encouraged and supported.
As I shared stories, asked questions, and encouraged them to shout out their own dreams, I could see the wheels turning in their minds. There was one moment when I looked out into the audience and saw a little girl with a huge smile on her face, yelling out her BIG dream. Moments like that remind me why this work is so important.
Why the I’m Possible Mindset Matters
The I’m Possible mindset isn’t just about feeling good for a day—it’s about changing how students see themselves and their abilities for the long haul. The belief that they can do hard things and that their potential is boundless doesn’t just help them today; it helps them every day. When students leave my assemblies, I want them to walk away feeling like they’re ready to face whatever comes their way, knowing that they are full of possibilities.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Resilience is the ultimate academic and life superpower. It’s what helps students push through tough times, both inside and outside the classroom.
- You are worthy of your dreams. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
- Your potential is far greater than anyone’s opinion of you. The only one who gets to decide what you can achieve is you.
- The I’m Possible mindset empowers students to believe they are capable and full of possibility.
Until Next Time, Riverchase
I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the week than with the incredible students and staff at Riverchase Elementary. Thank you again, Blake, for your kind words—they mean more than you know. And to School Counselor Patti and Principal Taylar, your dedication to your students’ success shines through in each student.
This day was full of moments that reminded me why I started this journey in the first place. Here’s to dreaming big, building resilience, and remembering that we are all full of possibilities.
Until next time, friends—keep chasing those 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. 29 – Norfolk, VA
- Oct 30 – Medford, MA
- Oct 31 – Hoover, AL
- Nov 4 – Lewistown, IL
- Nov 4 – Cuba, IL
- Nov 15 – Kissimmee, FL
- Nov 25 – Rutherford, NJ
- Jan 7 – Houston, TX
- Jan 13 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 14 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 15 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 16 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 27 – Escondido, CA
- Jan 28 – Racine, WI
- Feb 11 -Berlin, MD
- Feb 25 – Mount Laurel, NJ
- Feb 28 – Parkville, MO
- Mar 6 -Panorama City, CA
- Mar 13 – Falls Church, VA
- Mar 31 – San Antonio, TX
- Apr 22 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 22 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 22 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 23 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 23 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 23 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 24 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 24 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 25 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 25 – 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.
Follow Eddie Cortés on social: Instagram | Facebook | Linked In
© 2020 Emerging Students | PRIVACY POLICY
