Student Endorsements

 

 

 

What students are saying about Chad…

“Hey, you came to my Middle School Monday afternoon and it was your last speaking event of the day. I kind of understand what you went through as a child. When I was younger, I saw my mom get beat up by her boyfriends all the time. I couldn’t even give her a hug because she had so many bruises, cuts, and injuries. I have a scar on my foot from my mom’s old boyfriend from him getting a nail and scratching me. My real dad doesn’t even care about me. Never really has. I got bullied a lot in elementary school cause I lived with my dad. I went to school with bad breath, greasy hair, torn up jeans and an oversized shirt everyday, and smelled like smoke. I would tell you more but it gets way worse. On the outside I am a normal happy girl. But really I cry myself to sleep every night because I don’t know what to do with my life. I fake a smile everyday so people don’t see my hurt. My mom says I’m worthless, stupid, and a bad child all the time because I never do anything right. And the rest of my family agrees. So I just wanted to thank you for telling your story and showing me there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am going make it out, just like you did.”
Aspen, 8th Grade, Wyoming
“I just wanted to say you’re my hero. Everything that happened to you and you’re still successful. I look up to you so much. You’re the most real, honest person I’ve ever met. You honestly changed my life. Thank you for coming to my school!”
Jessica, 10th Grade, Iowa
“Chad, I have been bullied all my life for being different. I guess being the way I am is not cool to some people. It got so bad that I thought about suicide and I never told anyone, not my parents or my friends. I really wanted to let you know that because of you I have stopped thinking that way and have opened up to my parents. You have helped me more than you’ll ever know.”
Jame, 9th Grade, Georgia
“Your speech really inspired me… I cried almost the whole assembly. I am really going through some hard times. My parents just got divorced and I’ve been giving in to some peer pressure from friends. I just wanted you to know that you put a smile on my face and reached me today and not a lot of people have ever done that for me.”
Brittany, 11th Grade, West Virginia
“That was one of the best things that has ever happened to our school. It was amazing and I’ll never forget your speech. I needed to hear that. Just forty minutes changed a lot of people’s outlook toward life.”
Nikki, 10th Grade, California
“Chad, thank you for coming to our school today. I loved every minute of it. I can kind of relate to you because my mom was on drugs real bad and she overdosed because she was sick of us. It’s been real hard on me this past year. I lost my dad and my grandma. Thank you for talking to all of us. Because of you, I will never give up.”
Jackson, 8th Grade, Illinois
“When I heard we were going to have an assembly, I thought it would be the typical boring kind. Little did I know how wrong I was—as soon as you started speaking, I knew you could understand what I was going through.”
Stephen, 11th Grade, Indiana
“Thank you for your speech today. It has really inspired me! I don’t have problems at home but I have had problems at school with boys telling me bad stuff and treating me bad. I have tried to run away and I even tried cutting myself. I realized today that I want to be successful no matter what people say and you taught me that! You are truly inspirational and you are amazing for doing what you do and giving me hope!”
Serena, 11th Grade, Mississippi
“I know I am just another kid sending you a message, but I want you to know that you changed my life today. I listened to every word you said and I couldn’t take my eyes off of you. When I’m older I want to help kids all over the world just like you. You are my role model.”
Jerrick, 9th Grade, Florida
“I know I am just another kid with another message but I want you to know you have changed my life today. I was at your assembly and I couldn’t take my eyes off you. I listened to every word you said. That was the most incredible story I’ve ever heard. To be honest, I thought that it would be something boring but you proved me wrong. I was shocked the way you grabbed everyone’s attention. It impacted me greatly and changed everything about me. It has made me a better person. Today I have realized I want to help kids all over the world just like you do.”
John, 11th Grade, Maryland
“Chad. I just wanted to let you know that you changed my life today.  I’ve never felt or experienced anything like I did today in our assembly.  I’ve been bullied pretty much non-stop for the past 2 years and have thought about suicide many times.  Today, I felt like all of that changed and I can think clearer.  I realized that if you could get through your past so can I.  I met with my counselor, like you told me to and shared with her how I have been feeling and what’s going on.  I feel like the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders and I’m back on track.  Thank you for all did for our school.”
Anna, 10th Grade, New York
“Your speech today gave me hope that I can reach my dreams.  I’ve never cried in an assembly before, but your story brought up so much of my past and I can totally relate to what you’ve been through. Our childhoods are very similar and after listening to you I’ve made up my mind that I’m going to be the first in my family to got to college and earn a degree.  I can’t wait to read your book!”
Brittany, 8th Grade, Connecticut
“You were by far the best speaker our school has ever had.  I have never seen out entire school that captivated.  Thank you for sharing your story with us, you really helped a lot of people. ”
Jessica, 12th Grade,    Georgia