Founder & Executive Director of Brave Enough To Fail Inc.
At age 14, I was living in an orphanage
in Cleveland Ohio, had failed eighth grade the previous year, and
basically given up on school. I was a poor black kid who, the experts
would say, had given up on my future and was too set in my ways to be
motivated to change. I was destined for one of two places, behind bars
or dead.
One day, a friend of mine’s dad was
disappointed with his report card and began to lecture him. Without
intending to, without even realizing that I was in the room, his dad
said the words that changed my life forever.
“Always strive for excellence no
matter what you do. Excellence will overcome, poverty, prejudice, and
adversity every time. Just be excellent at whatever you choose to do.”
That simple message motivated me to make the choice that saved my life.
I chose to go back to school and do the
absolute best I could. Because of that choice, I didn’t wind up behind
bars or dead. Instead I went on to serve my country honorably in the
United States Navy which honed my discipline, self-confidence, and work
ethic. Those tools gave me the courage to pursue my dream of being a
standup comic which in turn led to a two decade career as a radio
broadcaster. The communication skills I developed over that time
prepared me to become what I am today, a teacher, and a multi
award-winning motivational speaker.
I know first hand that even without intention, a word can change a child’s life.
That is why I’ve dedicated the rest of my
life to delivering a message of inspiration and motivation to as many
young people as possible through my organization.
Brave Enough to Fail Inc. is a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit that provides motivational programs and scholarships to high schools.
The mission is to raise student
achievement by inspiring kids with the courage to achieve their dreams
and to help students see their education as a way to get what they want
from life. To narrow the education achievement gap by focusing on
the student end of the equation with a message of courage, hard work,
self-discipline, and determination.
High schools nationwide are requesting this message for their students.
This summer
we have received unsolicited requests for the Brave Enough To Fail
program, for the 2017-2018 school year, from schools in over ten states.
(See the list below)
Rather than saying, “No we can’t help you.” We
are taking a leap of faith and committing to raising the funds needed
to deliver the message to the thousands of students at these schools
that, Their Dreams Are Important And Achievable!
That is why I am asking the questions,
Is there at least one corporation in
this great nation that would like their brand to be known for motivating
and inspiring youth across America?
If you are that corporation, please contact us at info@BraveEnoughToFail.org
Are there fellow citizens willing to sow seeds of success into the youth of our communities?
Partial list of schools that have reached out and requested Brave Enough To Fail
Crest High School, Shelby NC.
Cathedral High School, New York NY.
Urban Assembly of Media Studies, New York NY.
Whitestone High School, Delta Junction Alaska
Sultan Sr High, Sultan Washington
Cicely Tyson High, East Orange New Jersey
St. Timothy’s School, Raleigh NC
Briar Woods High School, Ashburn VA.
Ferndale High, Johnstown PA.
Scottsburg High, Scottsburg IN.
Little Rock Arkansas School District
Martin County School District, Stuart Florida
Integrated Arts Academy, Chaska MN.
Frederick Banting School, Ottawa Ontario
Author
Wayne Winsley
@BraveNuff2Fail
wayne@BraveEnoughToFail.org
No comments:
Post a Comment
Authors of comments and posts are solely responsible for their statements. Please email MiddletownInsider@gmail.com for questions or concerns. This blog, (and any site using the blogger platform), does not and cannot track the source of comments. While opinions and criticism are fine, they are subject to moderator discretion; slander and vile attacks of individuals will not to be tolerated. Middletown Insider retains the right to deny any post or comment without explanation.