The Speakers Bureau Special Guest at Dan McCarty Middle School was Joseph Dillard, a consultant, author, and motivational speaker. Mr. Dillard shared in depth his testimony, and a story of triumph, persistence, tenacity, and willingness. Questions he would ask himself when he was younger included: “How can I survive in a world that’s so cold and lonely?” and “Why me?”
He told the students that, “Life will be tough, challenging, and difficult. But there’s HOPE! Without an education, life becomes complicated; it’s up to you to ask questions. Your current circumstances do not define your accomplishments or ability to succeed.”
He also shared a quote by Muhammad Ali. “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” Mr. Dillard emphasized to students the need to understand that true success comes from within, and he also stressed that the choices students make will determine their success in life. Mr. Dillard posed a question to the students, “What are you doing to raise the bar?” You must be willing to fail at something, until you get it right, and he pointed out to the students throughout his presentation “I CAN, I WILL, I MUST!”
