In 1999 a friend of mine started an accredited High School with roughly 25 students who were previously being home schooled. He asked if I would be willing to teach a Senior English class. Realizing the importance of presenting oneself in a professional manner I suggested that he allow me to teach a Senior Speech class, which I did free of charge.

There I had the opportunity to hold 2 hour classes twice a week for 19 weeks with the first senior class consisting of two students. During this time I discovered that there was a lot of information running around in my head. There are so many little nuances that impact our ability to communicate that I never ran out of topics to talk about. The students never realized that their energy, posture, eye contact, speech and handshakes all impacted how others perceived them and their sincerity. I continued to teach these classes for four years with the largest class consisting of nine students.

Watching shy, introverted kids develop into self confident individuals with the ability to address and hold an audience’s attention was truly fulfilling. The students started greeting adults with manners while shaking their hands with confidence. They spoke with a presence, and listened more intently. They conversed intelligently while immediately setting themselves apart from the crowd. They employed eye contact, remembered names and understood it was not about them but rather what they could do for others. Retrospectively, I have seen their professional opportunities sky rocket. They attended the colleges of their choosing and have all advanced nicely in their chosen professions.

By teaching that Senior Speech class I not only discovered how much information I possessed but more importantly I discovered the importance of sharing it with the young people getting ready to participate in the real world. Looking back, I truly believe that was a turning point in my life. By giving I received more than I could have possibly hoped for – I discovered my passion.