Meeting a social and economic need-the empowering message behind each of the 4 tenants of PRESS FORWARD…™ (PRESS FORWARD>>RELEASE MY GREATNESS>>UNCOVER MY PASSION>>BELIEVE IN MY VISION), and their inspired connection to the proven qualities of great leadership which may begin to change young lives one at a time starting today! A powerful message for individuals of all ages, professions, and aspiri
ng organizations to cling to. This all began with an impassioned commitment of educators. They are fueled by an unshakable desire to serve the mind, body, and spirit of students in jeopardy of falling through the cracks of society. They realize the scope of vision for most of their students is limited to the three of four blocks within which they live, play, often fight to survive, and go to school each day or as often as they are physically and/or emotionally able. The journey of these children from the spaces they call home unto the safe haven of their school is riddled with seemingly insurmountable obstacles of abject poverty, improper nutrition, gangs & crime, single parent homes, and the weighted uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring. Before a book was opened, a word read, or pencil pressed against paper unbearable burdens weighed down heavily upon their fragile shoulders and spirits. Notwithstanding, within each of them shone smoldering white-hot embers of hope-transformative potential, untapped commitment, innate desire to serve others, willingness to discover their inner passions, and herculean courage to believe in their dreams in the midst of their pain and struggle. You can see the fire in their eyes to perserver. It is unnatural for a child to be forced to endure so much before school lessons even begin. Before life begins. For a child to learn he and she must be well and inspired. Their environment must be well. Circumstance of abject poverty and challenges with similar effect circumvent learning processes, and/or may totally obliterate real potential. As a result we have innocent young minds, children and young adults, lacking both the means and wellness to envision the breadth and scope of opportunities before them and beyond their sphere of vision, that which may have otherwise inspired them or instilled desire to rise above and out from under adverse conditions and circumstance of society. These are opportunities they are each capable of more than conquering if only given a chance or, greater still, an inspiration to eagerly pursue and subsequently realize their passions. PRESS FORWARD>>RELEASE MY GREATNESS>>UNCOVER MY PASSION>>BELIEVE IN MY VISION ™ is a road map forward. It is also an inspired and [transformative message] that can invoke the kinds of behaviors that create change in the trajectory of ones future. It is also a mentorship program supported by seasoned career professionals who volunteer their valuable time and share their wisdom and passions. Some among who may have come from circumstance similar to the middle school children and young men and women (mentees) they serve through the program. And, yet all have worked hard and continue to work hard to educate themselves, overcome, and serve their communities. They are great leaders. Collectively and in part these professionals and aspiring college students impart inspiration. If I were to sum up that which we strive to instill it would be such as these:
• “There is no passion to be found in settling for life that is less than the one you are capable of living” ~ President Nelson Mandela.
• “The new definition of greatness-everyone can be great, because everyone can serve…” ~ Rev., Dr., Martin Luther King, Jr.
• “No man is an island unto him (or her) self” ~ John Donne
