Beginning With the End in Mind

“I want to live to be 96 years old,” claimed sixteen year old Josh.  “I want to go to college and become a detective in New Jersey.”  Everybody in the room applauded.

“I want to live to be 89 years old,” added Shanice.  “I want to go Eastern Maryland Shore University, study sports medicine, and play basketball in Spain.”  All the students in the room raucously clapped their hands.

One after another the students at the UrbanPromise Academy stood up, shared how long they wanted to live, and laid out details for their life vision.  After everyone shared, the morning speaker took the podium.

“This was great,” began Eric Thomas.  Eric is a motivational speaker who works with students at the Michigan State University—helping entering freshman reach their academic potential.  

“It’s important to remember that you can reach your goals from here,” he continued.  “It doesn’t matter where you’re coming from.  It matters what kind of commitments you make with your time. Choices matter.”

Eric shared his personal story with an enthralled audience.  He grew up in the inner city of Detroit.  With no father in his life, he was kicked out of the Detroit public schools.  Eventually he got his GED—then went to college.  “It took me 12 years to get a 4 year degree because I wasn’t focused.  I didn’t know when to stop joking around.”  He is now a PhD candidate.

Our students listened to Eric with rapt attention.  As Eric shared about his life, he was sharing the story of so many of our Academy teens—teens that have gotten off track educationally and are trying to find their way back.  Eric connected!

In the words of Eric, it’s important that our students know that “…you can reach your goals from here”—Camden, NJ.  It is important for our young people to know that adversity and obstacles can strengthen, not weaken, one’s ability to succeed.