TOUR JOURNAL
Youth Motivational Speaker Eddie Cortés in NJ

Eddie Cortés was absolutely phenomenal. He engaged the students, they were listening and participating. He opened their eyes to many things–most of all–that they can do hard things.
Resilience on Tour in Newark, NJ: Inspiring Students with Youth Motivational Speaker Eddie Cortés
What happens when you step into a room full of middle school students with a message about resilience, grit, and the power of possibility? You witness a spark—a moment when young minds begin to realize that their dreams are worth chasing and that they are capable of overcoming life’s toughest challenges. That’s exactly what happened during my recent multi-school tour in Newark, NJ!
Newark Public Schools invited me to speak at 10 middle schools, sharing the I’m Possible message with hundreds of students. And let me tell you, the energy, engagement, and enthusiasm were unreal.
Doing Hard Things: More Than Just a Phrase
Life is full of challenges. Some we expect, and others catch us off guard. But the truth is, success doesn’t come from avoiding the tough stuff; it comes from facing hard things head-on and choosing to push through anyway.
That’s why this week’s focus was all about doing hard things regardless of life’s circumstances. Whether it’s pushing through a difficult test, working towards a big dream, or dealing with life’s unexpected setbacks, I wanted these students to walk away believing that they are stronger than they think.
And let me tell you—they got the message! One student, Sara from Wilson Avenue School, shared this incredible takeaway:
“Your speech today was truly inspiring, showing me that anything is possible if you take a chance and put in the effort. It made me realize that life is full of opportunities, and success comes to those who believe in themselves and are willing to try.”
That. Right. There. That’s why I do this. Because somewhere in that audience was a student who needed to hear that they are capable, that they are worthy, and that they have what it takes to succeed.

Creating Engaging and Impactful School Assembly Programs
One of the biggest compliments I received this week came from Principal Isabel of Ann Street School:
“Eddie Cortés was absolutely phenomenal. He engaged the students, they were listening and participating. He opened their eyes to many things–most of all–that they can do hard things.”
This meant so much because my goal isn’t just to talk at students, but to bring them into a conversation about their potential, resilience, and ability to reimagine their future. A great school assembly program should be more than words; it should be an experience that leaves a lasting impact.
A Huge Thank You to Newark Public Schools
I couldn’t have done this without the incredible leadership and educators who made this possible. Thank you to:
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Isabel, Principal at Ann Street School
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Margarita, Wilson Avenue School
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Jessica, Newark Public Schools
Your dedication to empowering students and creating opportunities for them to grow is truly inspiring.
Final Thoughts: Keep Dreaming, Keep Pushing
This week was a reminder that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about bouncing forward. It’s about understanding that your potential is greater than anyone’s opinion of you and that you are worthy of chasing your biggest dreams.
To all the students I met in Newark: keep pushing, keep believing, and never stop doing the hard things that lead to great things. Because YOU are possible!
Invite Youth Motivational Speaker Eddie Cortés
To invite Eddie to be a guest speaker at your next elementary or middle school assembly program call (800) 799-1460 between 8 AM-5 PM CT from Monday-Friday.

Look for Top Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés in NJ
In his a fun, interactive school assembly program, top youth speaker Eddie Cortés empowers elementary and middle school students to build resilience, a positive self-worth, and chase their “I’m Possible” dreams.
2024-2025 SCHOOL ASSEMBLY 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 6 – Tinley Park, IL
- Jan 7 – Houston, TX
- Jan 9 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Jan 10 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Jan 11 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Jan 12 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Jan 13 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 13 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 14 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 15 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 16 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 24 – Escondido, CA
- Jan 28 – Racine, WI
- Jan 29 – Cypress, TX
- Feb 20 – Bedford, NH
- Feb 24 – Berlin, MD
- Feb 25 – Mount Laurel, NJ
- Feb 28 – Parkville, MO
- Mar 5 – Hilton Head Island, SC
- Mar 6 – Burns, OR
- Mar 10 – Lovelock, NV
- Mar 13 – Falls Church, VA
- Mar 18 – Tabor, IA
- Mar 20 – Panorama City, CA
- Mar 24 – El Monte, CA
- Mar 27 – Elsa, TX
- Mar 31 – San Antonio, TX
- Apr 2 – Newark, NJ
- Apr 2 – Newark, NJ
- Apr 7 – Georgetown, TX
- Apr 14 – Washington, NJ
- 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 9 – Clarksburg, MD
- May 15 – Hamilton Square, NJ
- May 19 – Barbourville, KY
- May 21 – Maynard, MA
- May 23 – Briarcliff Manor, NY
- Jun 2 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 2 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 3 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 3 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 5 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 5 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 6 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 6 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 11 – New Port Richey, FL
- Jun 17 – Kingsburg, CA
- Jul 14 – Charleston, IL
- Jul 28 – Virtual – EB Academics
- Aug 11 – Santa Maria, CA
- Aug 12 – Santa Maria, CA
- Sept. 2 – Le Roy, NY
Invite Eddie Cortés to be a guest speaker at your elementary or middle school in New Jersey. Click here or email info@eddiecortes.com to schedule a conversation to learn more about his school assembly program.
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
Youth Motivational Speaker in NJ
ABOUT ELEMENTARY 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 Top Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés click here.
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