These last couple weeks were absolutely mind-boggling:

Thursday, March 31st, I spoke all day in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to about 1500 high school students about their power to make their future better than their pasts. Then I had a couple of smaller groups to whom I talked to about How to Make Your Dreams a Reality. They were absolutely wonderful!

Friday morning, on April 1st, I spoke to some wonderful 8th Graders from South Middle School about Using their Words Wisely, Bullying, and Success. Chelsea Truttman and a young guy named Juan Pablo ("P.J."), and their leadership team made my time there amazing. I only wish I would have had more time to hang out with them.

Friday at noon I had to rush over to the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire to speak to Faculty at about Preparing Teachers to Reach Today's Youth.  A big thanks to Dr. Gail Scukenek for making this possible. They were a wonderful group who asked astute questions that I'm sure will benefit me and any future presentations I make to Faculty.

Then, Friday afternoon I delivered a lecture in honor of Martin Mogensen, a servant-leader in education who was tragically gunned down by a student in his school in 1969.  The turnout was amazing!  We had to move to a much larger room to accomodate everyone who showed up.  At the lecture, I had the privilege of meeting his daughters who posted these messages on my Facebook Page:

"Mr. Scott, Thank you very much for speaking at the Martin Mogensen Lecture in honor of my father. You are truly an inspiration to us all. Thank you also for acknowledging the work and life of my father to the audience. I think you are the first speaker to do so. I am looking forward to getting your book and seeing the movie."

"Manuel--We were so honored to have you give the Martin Mogensen lecture in honor of our father. You really inspired everyone--the teachers and soon-to-be teachers and all who want their lives to count, to be not in vain. You talk about the things that matter in life and I hope your audience is ever-growing. All the best, Margaret."

All I can say is it was a tremendous honor, and I am thankful.

Saturday morning, April 2nd, I spoke to teachers-in-training at the Wisconsin Education Association's Professional Development Day.  Tyler Edmundson is the person I need to thank for making all of my time in Eau Claire so meaningful.  He was the one who made the initial call, who had the vision, and who wanted to bring me to Wisconson.  So Tyler, THANKS again!  The teachers-in-training were quite impressive. 

Sunday I enjoyed the Sabbath as much as I could.

Monday, April 4th, I made a presentation to doctoral students on How Color Became a Symbol of Social Status. Since it was the 43rd anniversary of Dr. King's Death, when hate killed the Dreamer, I thought it would be appropriate to discuss the history of the idea of race in the world, and how race became linked to status and class. I look forward to developing this presentation for broader audiences.

Tuesday, April 5th, I made a presentation in Chicago on The Limitations of Appealing to Self-Authenticating Experiences in Interfaith Dialogue. Then Tuesday afternoon I had to finish a 6 page book review that I had been working on. 

Wednesday, April 6th, I spoke in Aurora, IL to over 2000 students.  Although I was only given about 30 minutes to speak, I gave it my all!  I spoke so hard that I lost my voice- something that hasn't happened in a while.  The feedback about changed lives and perspectives has been overwhelming!  An unbelievable woman in Aurora, Gail Dart, laid the foundation, rallied her troops, and created an atmosphere of anticipation among the students and staff that made the time incredibly effective! Here is picture of the Aurora gathering:

Now, I'm getting ready to speak tomorrow in Evanston, IL. We are trying to stop the violence and the killing on the north shore.  A running back from the Steelers will be presenting as well. I look forward to what will happen.

Thank you for your prayers, your love, and your support!

Manuel

I know it's been a minute since I've updated my blog. All I can say is my plate is full!

Still, I could not host my first seminar for people who work with youth, and not share how powerful the experience was.  The hotel banquet room was perfect.  From the marketing, the sales, the room setup, the registration, the attendees- everything was done with quality and excellence!  The team I get to work with is second to none! 

I talked about "What Every Leader Must Know to Reach Youth Today," and "How To Create a Thirst for Education in Young People."  There were administrators, educators, custodians, community members from all over the state of Illinois.  It was so encouraging to see people from all walks of life willing and eager to learn, network, and serve.  Connections were made, wisdom was imparted, and hope was re-born.  So far, all the attendees rated the seminar as "Excellent!"  

I'm excited about this for so many reasons.  First, people were given a much greater awareness about the realities of youth today.  Second, they were given strategies and ideas about how to engage youth more effectively.  Third, I know that lives are going to be saved, that suicides are going to be prevented, that bullying is going to be addressed, and that kids are going to be put on the path to college.  That fills my cup with so much joy.

This is only the beginning!  Stay tuned! Thanks for your support!