EDDIE’S TOUR JOURNAL
Top Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés in CT, NJ, AL, TX
I’ve been teaching 19 years, that is the greatest speech I have ever heard at a school assembly.
Top Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés Reflecting on a Year of Impact: Empowering Resilient Students Across the Nation
As 2024 winds down, I can’t help but reflect on what an extraordinary year it’s been. Traveling from school to school, meeting thousands of incredible students and educators, and sharing the I’m Possible mindset has been nothing short of life-changing—not just for the 23,000 students reached this year, but for me as well.
This year, I had the privilege of bringing the I’m Possible school assembly program to schools 46 schools across the country. From the bustling halls of Riverchase Elementary in Birmingham, Alabama, to the inspiring classrooms at Phillipsburg Elementary in New Jersey, I met dreamers, doers, and future world-changers. Along the way, I witnessed resilience, empathy, and courage unfold in real time—proof that these students are ready to chase their dreams and redefine what’s possible.
Let’s take a look back at four of the most powerful moments from this year and the impact we’ve created together.
Empowering Moments: Stories That Touched My Heart
“Yo, Eddie! Believe in Yourself” – Sprague Elementary, CT
Sometimes the roles get reversed, and the students become the teachers. At Sprague Elementary in Connecticut, a charismatic 5th grader with fresh Jordans and an infectious smile came up to me after the assembly. With a big grin, he said, “Yo, Eddie! Believe in yourself—you can do anything!”
His confidence and enthusiasm were contagious. It reminded me of a point I’d made during the assembly: resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about bouncing forward. It’s about taking the lessons we’ve learned from challenges and failures and using them to build confidence in ourselves and our abilities.
“You Can Do Hard Things” – Riverchase Elementary, AL
One moment I’ll never forget happened at Riverchase Elementary in Birmingham, Alabama. At the end of the assembly, a teacher named Blake approached me with a huge smile on his face. He said, “I’ve been teaching for 19 years, and that is the greatest speech I have ever heard at a school assembly.”
Hearing those words filled my heart with gratitude and reminded me why I do what I do. Blake’s comment wasn’t just about me—it was about the message. The I’m Possible mindset resonated with him, just as it did with the students in the room. This moment reminded me that the lessons of resilience, self-worth, and perseverance aren’t just for kids—they’re for all of us.
”Don’t Let Anyone Bully You” – Ellen Ochoa STEM Academy, TX
Sometimes, the smallest voices make the biggest impact. At Ellen Ochoa STEM Academy in Texas, a 3rd grader with curly hair, rosy cheeks, and big round glasses approached me after the assembly. With a serious expression, she gave me a fist bump and said, “Don’t let anyone bully you—you can become anything you want.”
I couldn’t help but smile at her conviction. During the assembly, I had shared a vulnerable story about my own self-worth being crushed as a kid. I told the students about how my dream of playing for the Yankees was laughed at by someone I looked up to, and how that moment made me doubt myself for years. But I also shared how I learned to rise above those words and realize that my potential was far greater than anyone else’s opinion of me.
This young girl heard that message loud and clear. Her words reminded me that no matter how young or small, we all have the power to inspire and encourage those around us.
“You’re Full of Possibilities” – Phillipsburg Elementary, NJ
At Phillipsburg Elementary in New Jersey, I asked students to share one thing they learned during the assembly. A 4th grader with pink braids and a plaid sweater stood up with confidence and declared, “I learned to never give up and to never allow anyone to tell me I can’t chase my dreams!”
Her voice was filled with conviction, and I could see that she truly believed in what she was saying. It was a powerful reminder of the impact these school assembly programs can have. The I’m Possible mindset isn’t just about saying, “I can do it.” It’s about truly internalizing the belief that you are worthy of your dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Empathy in Action – Rogers Park Middle, CT
At Rogers Park Middle School in Connecticut, I was leading an illustration on bullying when an eighth grader stood up and said, “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 empathy and emotional awareness were truly inspiring. In that moment, he showed his classmates what it means to stand in someone else’s shoes. It was a reminder that resilience isn’t just about pushing through our own challenges—it’s also about showing up for others and being a source of strength and kindness.
What the I’m Possible Mindset Teaches
At the heart of every assembly this year was one core message: You are possible.
The I’m Possible mindset is about helping students realize their potential, build resilience, and believe in their dreams. Here’s a breakdown of the key lessons we’ve shared with students across the country:
- Resilience Is an Academic Superpower: Resilience isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a game-changer. Research shows that resilient students perform better academically, earning grades that are a full letter higher on average. Resilience helps students bounce back from challenges in sports, the arts, friendships, and school.
- You Can Do Hard Things: Life isn’t always easy, but that’s okay. Challenges are opportunities to grow. Every time you try something hard—even if you fail—you’re learning and getting closer to your goals.
- Your Potential Is Greater Than Anyone’s Opinion: No one gets to define your worth except for you. Your potential is limitless, and it’s far greater than what anyone else thinks of you.
- You Are Worthy of Your Dreams: Whatever your dream is, you’re worthy of it. Don’t let anyone (not even yourself!) tell you otherwise.
- You Are Full of Possibilities: With the I’m Possible mindset, students learn to see themselves as capable, courageous, and full of potential.
Gratitude for the Journey
This year, I had the privilege of working with incredible educators and leaders who are just as passionate about empowering students as I am. From principals to counselors to teachers, these individuals are the backbone of our schools, and their dedication is nothing short of inspiring.
A special shoutout to:
- Sprague Elementary, CT: Thank you, Stephanie and Vjollca, for welcoming me into your school community.
- Riverchase Elementary, AL: Thank you, Patti Tanner and Taylar Posey, for your hospitality and leadership!
- Ellen Ochoa STEM Academy, TX: Principal Joel Hernandez, your commitment to your students shines brightly.
- Phillipsburg Elementary, NJ: Dr. Darlene, your leadership creates an environment where students feel empowered to dream big.
- Rogers Park Middle, CT: Kristy, your school is a beacon of hope and empathy.
Looking Ahead To 2025
As I reflect on this year, I’m filled with gratitude for the students, educators, and communities I’ve had the privilege to connect with. Each assembly, each handshake, each story has left an indelible mark on my heart.
2024 has been unforgettable, but I know the journey is just beginning. Here’s to a future filled with more resilience, more possibilities, and more dream chasers who know that they are possible.
Until next time, my friends—dream big!
This year, the I’m Possible mindset wasn’t just a message—it was a movement. Thank you for being a part of it.
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
2025 School Assembly Tour Dates with Top Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés
- 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 14 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 15 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 16 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 24 – Escondido, CA
- Jan 28 – Racine, WI
- Jan 29 – Cypress, TX
- 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
- Jun 11 – New Port Richey, FL
- 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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