Submitted by: Lisa Bergamotto
On Thursday, June 15th, Kawameeh Middle School students attended an assembly provided by the School Counseling Department in conjunction with the Municipal Drug Alliance in which students heard motivational speaker Gian Paul Gonzalez talk about being “All In”. This is a phrase that has become popularized over the past few years as Gonzalez has talked to several sports teams, including the New York Giants, various corporate companies, including WalMart, and visited several schools throughout the area. His main message is that everything you are doing should be one hundred percent and you should try your hardest at everything despite mistakes or obstacles along the way.
The assembly addressed various topics including doing your best not only in school but in daily life. Students enjoyed listening to Gian Paul as he illustrated his point by telling them stories of his experiences growing up, including being drafted for the NBA. He said, “being all in isn’t about the time you have but what you do with the time you put in. Even if it’s only five minutes a day.” He explained that there will always be excuses or people to blame but ultimately it is up to you to be all in. One student stated, “I learned that when I start something I need to finish it. Like I thought about quitting soccer but then I realized how far my team had made it so I decided to finish out the season with them.”
It is the hope of the staff and administration that the assembly will not only encourage students to try their best but also to avoid missteps such as illegal drug and alcohol use. In the event that students do stumble, Gian Paul reminds the students tha, “You can make a mistake, but you being born is never a mistake,” and to refocus on what is important to them. It is important for the youth in schools to understand that although they are constantly exposed to drugs and alcohol that this is not the route to chose and they can be as successful as they chose in life if they avoid these negative influences.
In addition to the regular assembly that was presented to all students, chosen seventh grade students participated in a small leadership session in which students discussed the importance of being a leader in addition to the hardships that may come with such a position. He explained that it is not always easy to do the right thing and expect others to follow but to stay committed to what is important and proceed down the path which is of interest to them.
Overall, the assembly was a success, not only stressing the importance of avoiding drug and alcohol use but also by motivating the students in other areas of their lives. Additionally, many of the staff members felt moved by the stories and lessons provided and are hoping to incorporate Gian Paul’s “All In” into their classrooms during the next school year.
(above) Kawameeh Middle School 8th graders with the guest speaker, Gian Paul Gonzalez.
