Play Book Tag discussion

So, I've been asked by my high school to be the keynote speaker at career night. Like so many things in my life when I'm first asked I immediately agree and as it gets closer I start doubting myself (Dancing with the Stars gig was a perfect example). For the former Shelfarians you'll be more familiar with my story than the GR folks. It's not the speaking part. I do that all the time. But, usually I'm speaking as a subject matter expert, very impersonal. When I got the invitation it was from a girl (I guess woman now) who went to high school with me that is now a teacher there. So, she's familiar with my cancer, my other health struggles, and some other things. So when she reached out she prefaced it with, "you graduated here, you've gone on to a great career, but you've had real struggles. If you are comfortable talking about those that would be great." I agreed. I don't think my story is unusual without those struggles and I'm pretty open about my health journey. I also have to say this is a VERY rural school district. It is a minority majority district and 2-1/2 hours from any kind of post-secondary education opportunities. There were 30 people in my graduating class.

Teachers, psychologists, and others: I get that as adults looking back my story is unusual. But, how do you make that meaningful to teenagers? Before my diagnosis I thought I had it all figured out and I thought I was invincible. I've tried to put myself back in my teenage self and quite honestly I don't know that hearing my story as a 16 year old would have made an impact. My 17 year old self is a different story but I'd been slapped in the face with evidence that I wasn't invincible. There's a lot beyond the health stuff I'd love to tell my 16 year old self, some of that I don't think the district would want me saying (the superintendent needs to sign off on my topics, which I totally get). I'm just used to talking to business owners and not teenagers. I'm so honored they asked me to do this, and I want those kids to know that there are options for them. I just feel wholly inadequate to do this. But, I have seriously gotten 7 phone calls asking me to do this. So, I feel I have a responsibility to do so.

Any help would be appreciated. I'm at a complete loss.

Regina wrote: "Before my diagnosis I thought I had it all figured out and I thought I was invincible"

I think that you have so much to offer adolescents and I think part of it is putting it in their perspective and the statement above i so much of the way they think they are invincible.

I see an approach and recognition to the bright futures and the preparation and work to guarantee it and than the drop back and punt along with the hard work the regrouping it takes.

I think also, you should bring to the table the importance of developing a family/support group to help you through when odds are against you.

I'm just going to throw out some other things which I see as your strengths that could be recognizable to teens.

Ability to cut losses.

Making the most of what you love.

Grabbing life by the horns.

Keeping what you love in the forefront of your life.

Never giving up on learning even though you might not have the degree.

Hmm... I guess I have a few thoughts to offer. First, you have to speak from the heart about the messages that are most important for you to share, and then to tailor that to your audience. I wouldn't worry so much about whether or not it hits them, or they can relate. Some teens are wise beyond their years and you never know which part of it will strike them, and be meaningful. Also, its like planting seeds. Imagine your message is part of a seed planting that they will get from a number of experiences. You just have to figure out which seeds you want to plant.

I don't know much to any of your story, but I feel you through your words. I am sure you will provide them with something meaningful and moving and rich. I know you will find just the right tone and personal touch that will fit into a framework you can stand for, and that the school system will appreciate too. You got this!

What was the gig with Dancing With the Stars?

What was the gig with Dancing With the Stars..."

Ha!

A local non-profit did Dancing With the Stars as a fundraiser. I was asked last August to be one of the dancers, which at the time sounded like lots of fun. The competition was March 2. March 1st it all of a sudden became the stupidest thing I ever agreed to. :-)

Booknblues wrote: "Regina wrote: "Before my diagnosis I thought I had it all figured out and I thought I was invincible"

I think that you have so much to offer adolescents and I think part of it is putting it in the..."


Francine, what I love most about your response is how well you know me :-)

Regina -- The best advice I can give you is to be sincere and open yourself up to the kids. Kids are amazingly empathetic and yet at the same time are completely turned off by someone stuffing BS down their throats. Don't try too hard to script the message. Tell them your story, tell them what you have been through, tell them not just how you have come through it but how at times it was a struggle, you were confused, heartbroken, etc.. If you do those things, you won't need to come up with some amazing message, the kids will create the message for themselves.

Separate from this incredibly meaningful conversation, I think I would jump at the chance to do a dancing with the stars gig. I love that you had that opportunity to.

Yes to speaking from the heart about your journey. No to making a lesson out of it on purpose or saying "you're not invincible"--my teens just hear that second part as "Blah, blah, blah." Most teens will be empathetic.

I think of Sissy Spacek's memoir; when her brother died of leukemia her parents finally let her go to NYC because life is to be lived in the present. (my loose paraphrase as I listened to that a couple of years ago).

Regina wrote: "A local non-profit did Dancing With the Stars as a fundraiser. I was asked last August to be one of the dancers, which at the time sounded li..."

I don't suppose you have a video to share? :)