JustTheWayYouAre.com, Motivational Speakers on Disability Awareness and Character Education: Student Testimonials

The Disability Awareness & Character Development Lecture Series

Click here to view my

Student Testimonial Archive, JustTheWayYouAre.com

Your presentation was the best! I learned a lot and feel more comfortable around disabled people. Now I know what it feels like to be disabled. I always thought that they had a horrible life, but now I know that when they think positive, they have a life as good as mine or even better.

Steve, 5th grader

I can't even express how inspiring you were to me. For the past few months, I have been going through some tough times at home and with friends. Recently, I haven't even been smiling much, but since your motivational assembly, I can't stop grinning and laughing. I believe in myself so much more, and I know it's because of your speech.

Normally, school motivational speakers are not helpful at all and are just a "waste of class time." However, I really wish I could have seen both of your assemblies because seeing it once touched me so much.

Never stop reaching for your dreams, Paul. You are an inspiration to us all and my idol for your perseverance.

Sarah, 10th grader

Hello, Paul! Thank you for speaking to us at Candlewood Middle School yesterday. When we left our classes, we thought that your assembly would just be a free period or two.

The honest truth is everyone started laughing when you began to talk. About 2 minutes into your speech when you mentioned your disability, the jokes stopped and everyone felt really bad about what they said and what you went through. When we heard how you overcame it, we all felt a feeling I cannot even explain. It was a mix of happiness (of how you overcame cerebral palsy), remorse (of what you went through), and something else I can't really think of right now. It felt weird.

The entire day, me and my friends looked out all the windows to try to get a sneak peek at your 'BMW'. We all couldn't believe what you went through and where you are today. When we thought about this and how still you try so hard to make people smile, we couldn't help but smile ourselves. It was the least we could do. You probably didn't see these smiles so this represents all the smiles at Candlewood. Turn your head to the left and they are smiling:

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Of course, there were more smiles ... but my fingers are getting tired. You really made an impact on us today. Thank you!

Scott, 8th grader

I have learned many positive things from your assembly at our school. For example, we should not think that other people are different just because they are disabled. That way, we also should treat them only as we ourselves want to be treated.

Thank you for coming to our school, and for teaching us a wonderful lesson that we will all remember for the rest of our lives.

Priyanka, 7th grader

We loved your presentation! It made us smile, and even cry because you touched our hearts! Thanks so much for coming to our school. Someday many of us hope to go skydiving, too! You've inspired us, Paul! You made us think positively and believe in ourselves more. It was really cool to see that you could really do anything if you try. Your artwork is amazing! That Porsche looked like a photograph, and not a painting! You told us to always follow our dreams. I never thought about the fact that every day is a part of that dream called "life." You are our role model because you showed us how you can pursue your thoughts and dreams if you try! Thanks so much!

Mrs. Millard's 5th grade class
Seven Bridges Middle School in Chappaqua, N.Y.

I have never thought so much about my goals, and now I am working harder than ever to achieve them! You said your mom would never criticize you about your assemblies, and neither will I! You were really great! I enjoyed every moment of your assembly.

Charlotte, 7th grader

You came to my school today, Washington Township High School. As you have probably heard, this past Friday one of the students, Ian, at my school had passed away. I've never cried so much in my life. Seeing how loved he was by everyone and having his life taken away at the young age of 17 really brought my spirits to an absolute low. It made me so incredibly sad to know that someone my age, someone with such a kind heart, and someone I know could instantly die like that.

I wanted to thank you for your visit to our school. It was the first time I really smiled since the tragedy. Death is hard enough to cope with, let alone a fellow student and friend. You made me laugh and feel good inside. I had to let you know this because when you spoke you actually brought a tear to my eye, a tear of joy. I now know that life will move on and to take it as it comes. I find that I have been smiling a lot today, not because I'm suppressing my feelings towards the loss, but because I noticed that when I smiled, someone else smiled right back. Before I knew it, I looked around and saw so many people smiling.

I heard them talking about the good times they used to have with Ian. Sure, at the same time they were crying, but the smiles were there and I knew everything was going to be okay. You showed me that whether you knew it or not.

Thank you, Paul -- for more than you know.

Dana, high-school student

Paul, your program encouraged me to try for the dream that I thought I had given up on. You put hope back in my life. Thank you.

Patti, 12th grader

I strongly agree, now, that we cause our own problems and that no matter what life throws our way, if we have a good attitude we can overcome it. And I see things this way because of you. I don't have any type of disability, but I've hit quite of few bumps along the road and it's because of you that I see I can get over them and live my life fully. On Friday a very close friend of mine passed away and everyone was greatly affected, but your speech made everyone smile, including myself, even if it was only for that hour of time we spent together.

I just wanted to thank you for opening my eyes to life and for making me smile during such a depressing time.

Angelina, high-school student

After that speech you delivered today at our high school to the 9th and 10th grades, I was one of the students that came up to speak to you when your presentation was over. I'm not sure if you remember me, but I was the girl that began to cry when you were talking to me. I had a sudden urge to hug you, and I did (and I'm sorry if it took you aback) and then I walked away. I apologize for leaving that way, since I really did want to speak with you more. But I became embarrassed when I began to cry, and I didn't want you to see me like that.

I wanted you to know that you touched me in a way that no one has ever done before. You delivered your speech so well, and the example you used about the wall with the nails really hit home with me. What you said is very true: when someone is teased, it's like driving a nail through their heart. No matter how much someone can apologize, the hole from that person will always be there.

Paul, you are an angel sent to inspire people and open as many eyes as you possibly can. I look up to you, respect you, and admire you. Thank you for everything you did for me today. I will never forget you.

Jaimie, 10th grader

Always smile, smile, and smile!
Even when you're down

Because when you smile, smile and smile
You will never have a frown.

When you don't have a frown,
You can go all around
And be happy the rest of your life!

Joseph, 7th grader

I go to Onteora District Schools in New York, and today you came to my school for two assemblies. It was truly a pleasure to hear all about your life and experiences!

Hearing about you just wants to make me cry. I know you are happy. But I have realized that I am frequently unhappy. It's just you're so good at seeing the silver lining on all the difficulties you have faced. After your program, I am feeling much better about myself!

You were very funny today. And I wanted to say YOU made me SMILE. So .... take one nail out of that wall!

Alex, 8th grader

You came to my school today for two presentations. I wanted to tell you how much that presentation inspired me, and to congratulate you on keeping that positive attitude! You make people want to smile and be around you, and showed me how I can do the same.

The motivational programs that you do for students are amazing! You don't have to do these programs, but you enjoy it, that is what I wish most people are like. Unfortunately they are hard to find, but you truly are an angel! With a life that could have been horrible, you turned around and made wonderful, for you and also for many other students.

I admire how you don't let anything in the way of your dreams. My congratulations on making your dreams come true. I wanted to share these feelings with you and let you know how much I admire you.

Melanie, 8th grader

Hello Paul! I really liked the fact that you came to my school to tell us about your life. As a soccer player like you, I probably could not see myself standing in front of that goal even if I didn't have the disability you have. It takes a great person to stand up in front of that net and let the soccer balls come back and forth at you.

You have really influenced me to try different things. I used to be scared to talk to a disabled person, but when you came to my school, that perspective changed. In fact, I was never comfortable talking to a disabled person in front of my friends, but your assembly has shown me the light and thanks you! My friends and I are so glad you came to my school and good luck with the rest of your life!

Sydney, 7th grader

Hi Paul, you came to my middle school today for a few assemblies. I feel like you put everything that I have ever wanted to say to the world in your speech. I will always remember you and hope you come back to my school someday.

You are an inspiration to me and all of my friends, and I will remember every word you said. I am very proud of you and always will be, and I hope nobody or anything makes you think differently. Thank you!

Leanne, 6th grader

Dear Paul,

I was truly inspired by your presentation at my school. My name is Jennifer and I am 11 years old. I was sitting with my friend expecting something sad. It turned out that your words were so positive and very inspiring. Your stories made me laugh and and cry and truly made my heart sing! I am amazed at even though you have a disibility, you are able to do so many things and do them better than anyone else.

Your paintings are exquisite. I could even get Picasso to have a painting contest with you and you would win by a million! Ever since I saw your presentation, it has given me a new way of looking at things. When I saw a smile I, in a way, I saw that smile turning into a frown. But you made me realize that when someone is smiling it means they are thinking positive.

In a way, I am jealous of you because you met two of my favorite singers, Billy Joel and Elton John. They really are my idols. I play piano and sing. I love music and it is my life. I could not live without it. When I am down and feeling sad, I just sing. People get annoyed because I do it so much but it really makes me happy. One day I will be on Broadway and be in the best shows and have the best parts, hopefully. I stand in front of my mirror listening to Judy Garland and just sing and dance my heart out. I don't know how to dance but I try. When I sing, I just think of nothing else. Everything around me is just a blur. The only thing in my mind is HIT THAT NOTE.

Your presentation has given a new meaning to the phrase, "don't give up."

Jennifer, 6th grader

Hello, Paul! I was in the front row during your presentation today at the middle school. You gave me soooooo much inspiration that, even though you have a disability, you have become my true role model. You taught me that I should be thankful for what I can do! I was also very touched by your speech.

There was this boy in the back row making fun of you. Well, after the assembly was over, i went to my principal and told him about that rude boy who was making comments. After school, I went to him and said you know what that man out there learned so much even though he has cerebral palsy, he learned how to walk, talk and even has a great job, and you couldn't do that for your life.

Mina, 8th grader

Hi, Paul! I go to Palmyra-Macedon High School and you came and talked to us today! In the past, when we have had motivational speakers come all the time in middle school, people always have said that the programs were so stupid and boring. Not this time! You were awesome and everybody loved you!

I just wanted to say thank you. You are such a great person, I know you said you loved to make people smile and be happy, it was hard not to when you were there. I really enjoyed listening to your stories. You live like you don't even have cerebral palsy -- you are an artist, sky diver, scuba diver, athlete, and all the other things. Even for a person without cerebral palsy, all those things are awesome, but with the disability, it's truly amazing!

I love how you just believe you can do something and do it. Thanks again Paul, you really have made me more confident in myself.

Heather, 9th grader

Hello, Paul!

I don't know if you remember me, you walked into my Freshman Health Class at Allentown, I was the girl who kept her head down. I remember knowing what you were going to talk about, I remember knowing exactly how you feel. I remember how great it felt, when a boy who used to be one of my closest friends when my cerebral palsy was at the worst, talking to you. Even though he's one of the biggest class clowns. I knew he knew what you meant, and I knew he still cared.

I remember glancing at you afraid, so afraid because I wanted to tell you, but I didn't know how. So then I came up to you at the end of class and then I told you, "Paul, I also have cerebral palsy." And then you smiled and said, "But it doesn't need to have you." Those words will be in my memory forever because I never thought of it that way. I remember how surprised I was to see you at Cook College during our Agricultural State Convention. I remember how nice it was to actually see you again. I remember seeing you at the basketball game at the Elementary School, where my brother was playing. I wasn't sure if it was you, but then I realized it was when I saw the bright shirt.

I'm doing a report on Heroes for my Sophomore English class. I went to your web site because you are one of my heroes. I want you to know that. Thank you for coming to my class. Thank you for coming to Allentown. Thank you for going down to the Elementary School and talking to them. You were in all my siblings classes, and some of my friends. Thank you for opening their eyes, and for opening mine. I wish you all the best, and hope you come back again, because there are new people and everyone needs to know what it's like.

Maybe someday I'll have the courage to speak as you do, and tell them about me.

Maybe someday.

Danielle, 9th grader

I wanted to thank you for taking the time this summer to motivate me and my friends in central Illinois. Since we both have cerebral palsy, you have changed my attitude and my heart so much for the better! Your presentation and discussion have positively changed me, with the emphasis that cerebral palsy is not a disease at all, but simply a disability. Over the years, I have tried to persuade my own family that the cerebral palsy that is a part of me is actually not a disease at all. My family had this misconception that was only reinforced by other people staring at me, thinking I have a disease, and generally they would make me feel different.

I want to show my friends, and especially my family, how much you have positively changed my life and my spirit by presenting a unique program by a fellow person with cerebral palsy! I hope that you will consider placing this testimonial on your web page so that people can see that I have communicated to you in a good enough way that you actually listened. That would help me because that will change my spirit and show that you care.

Thank you for coming down here from New Jersey to tell us about yourself and others with this challenge. You may not have changed others lives, but you have truly made an impact upon me so that I will not let others put me down about my cerebral palsy. I think that we have a bond and I believe that I may be the only person you changed this much -- not saying you didn't change others -- but you worked hard on me. Now I know that I can get my own apartment and become more independent in life!

You are my best friend Paul from Robby. You have put a big light in my heart to show me that my cerebral palsy is not going to get in my way for anything that comes my way! Thank you again!

Robby Stephens
Developmental Services Center
Champaign-Urbana, Illinois

Today, I learned a few things from Mr. Wichansky's visit that I would like to share. The first thing is that when you really want to do something, you have to try over and over until you reach your goals. Another thing is people with disabilities can have very special talents. The last thing is just because someone has cerebral palsy does not mean they are abnormal, it just means that there aren't exactly like you.

I hope that in the future Paul continues leading a happy life!

Emily, 3rd grader

You are a fabulous painter! I loved the painting you did of the Porsche, it was indeed beautiful. If I set my mind to it, I could possibly do a painting like that. It was splendid! I also hope you can visit our school again and give another fabulous speech, teaching more children about the wonderful gift of life and how much you should cherish what you have. I know you have definitely taught me about it. You are one in a million, Paul! You showed me the important things in life and how to make someone feel good about themselves.

Shannon, 7th grader

The little time I have spent with you and the little I know about you has inspired me to no end. The stories you tell are funny, exciting, and so very inspirational. Knowing what you have overcome truly touches my heart. Knowing the state you were first in, and comparing to the state you are in now, I am touched deeply. You have showed me that with the right amount of determination and with a smile on your face you can accomplish anything. You are an amazing person, and I am so pleased I have met you. You have taught me so much in the little time you were at my school.

In the summer, I am going to be participating in a pageant scholarship program to compete for money for college and other recognition such as academic and community service awards. I walked into my room after school and saw the papers for it, but my heart in a way sank because I am not good at talking in front of people. For the pageant, I have to make a small speech on stage in front of a lot of people. Right when the thoughts of "I can't" came into my head, I thought immediately of you encouraging me to "Rip that T out of the word, "can't," and make it, "Yes, I can!" Now I am excited about the program this summer and have lost quite a bit of fear just by remembering what you said to me.

It happened about 20 minutes after that too, I began to work on my Silver Award for Girl Scouts. I want to send around a hundred care packages and letters of support out to the soldiers in Iraq. I asked myself if I am really capable of doing this. It's going to be difficult, but then your face came into my mind with your wonderful smile saying once again, "Rip that T out of the word, "can't" and say, "Yes, I can!" I now know I am going to finish my Silver Award and that I CAN. Already, in the past four hours, you have had such an impact on my life. You are truly an amazing and gifted person, Paul!

You ended your program by saying you don't care if we forget you, just don't forget the message, that the message is more important then the messenger. I now think i can argue that, without you being the messenger, I can promise you the message would not have been the same.

I will never forget you.

Tasha, 8th grader

Your presentation at my school this week was awesome! Paul, you are not like most other speakers who come to schools and talk about motivation and self-esteem. If you hear these subjects from parents or teachers, it sounds boring. After your presentation, it made me think a lot more.

It stuck in my head a lot longer after I was talked to by a person who has been through so much (including meeting Elton John and Billy Joel) and still keeping a positive attitude on life. I knew after you talked to us how much you cared about people and making them happy. It seems like you never let your disability get you down. You've lived out most of your dreams and it showed me that I can live out mine too. It also showed me that there always is a good side to bad events.

You also used great analogies like when you make fun of someone it sticks a hole in their heart. I also liked it when you said about the sun always setting but rising again in that dream called life. All of the things you talked about made me think. Paul, you are an inspiration to me and a great role model. Thank you for speaking at my school!

Michael, 8th grader

You were so amazing that I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story with us. After the 7th grade program, I came up to you and thanked you (I was the girl with the pink shirt in case you remember me, you also shook my hand) but I don't know if I expressed it.

I see other students being made fun of pretty much everyday. I think, after your presentation, some students will think before they tease. I hope they got the message that you shouldn't judge people if they have a disability or are different. I get made fun of because my skin is pale and I'm very, very skinny. It was inspirational how you said that, if someone is making fun of you, then to just smile. I'll try that next time!

Thank you so much for taking time out of your schedule to visit our middle school. It was funny, sad, and inspirational all at once, and throughout the program, you kept a big smile on your face that said nothing can bring me down. Your car story was so funny! You are such a nice, considerate person. You want to make others smile which is really nice.

Keep talking to schools and being strong. You are an inspiration to us, just like any other person in the world. Thank you!

Danielle, 7th grader

Hello! My name is Stephenie and today, one of your motivational speakers came to my middle school in Delaware. I was having a bad day for no particular reason. I was tired and just didn't feel happy. When I walked into my Social Studies class I did not expect to come out cheerful.

Paul spoke of being motivated. He told us to be positive and to look at what we had. His speech and attitude changed my day from bad to great!! I am not sure if it was the anecdotes he told us, or the smile he kept on his face, but he lifted my spirits and made me feel motivated. I still remember some excerpts of his speech. He spoke metaphorically of a wall and nails and how it was like getting teased and teasing others. This metaphor, I thought, was excellent and really touched my heart. He also spoke of looking at all the things you have that others don't. Everything he said has since made and brightened my day.

I had Social Studies, the class he was in, right before lunch. At lunch, I was so happy and positive, I just had to go over and thank him. Paul is such a great guy and he helped me find the good in all situations. For the rest of the day, I was literally glowing with joy. Every one of my friends, by the end of recess, were smiling as well. I was very happy for the rest of the day, thanks to Paul and A Vision in Motion.

Your program of having motivational speakers come to schools is the best idea I have heard in a long time. Thank you for giving Paul a chance to help others open their eyes. I just wanted to tell you my wonderful experience and Thank You!

Stephenie, 8th grader

Hello, Paul! My name is Lindsey and I am a fourth grader at an New Jersey elementary school. You just recently visited and gave your excellent speech. I loved your videotape that you showed us. I also think that it is cool that you went skydiving and painted those amazingly good pictures. I think that it is refreshing that you have learned to accept your own disability because it then gives you the motivation to overcome it.

Thank you for coming to our school, and I enjoyed hearing about your life story. I hope that your dream of being able to walk very well comes true and there is no doubt in my mind that it won�t. You said that we all have role models and you are mine. But, I also like myself just the way I am, just as you taught us. Thanks again and I hope to see you again soon!

Lindsey, 4th grader

I was deeply touched by your life story and I was very intrigued by it. Everything you have accomplished in your life is amazing. For example, meeting Billy Joel and Elton John, skydiving, and being able to paint extremely well. The speech you presented gave me a whole different perspective on life.

Unfortunately, there was only an hour to get to hear you talk about your life, which is why I am writing you this e-mail. I'm sure you have an extremely busy schedule and that you are doing many things, but it would mean a lot to me if you would call me or stop by my house so we can talk more. It would also mean a lot to my family, especially my father. He used to work for Exceptional Parent. If you haven't heard of it, it is a corporation that deals with the parents of disabled sons and/or daughters. My dad has met many disabled people and was very interested in their lives, much like I am of you and your life.

Robert, 8th grader

I really liked your presentation yesterday. You are really funny. When you asked us how many times we actually appreciated the fact that we could brush our own teeth everyday, I realized that I am lucky to be able to do that, and maybe I should appreciate the little things in life, and know how lucky I am just to be here on Earth, healthy and living. I know that nobody is perfect, and I don't mind. Everybody makes mistakes, especially me. But I learn from those mistakes, and I learn very important lessons.

I have many goals that I want to achieve in life, even though I am only in 8th grade and have a long way to go before I can actually go to college and get a career. When I graduate high school, I want to move back to California where I lived 2 years ago, and attend UCSD. I want to become a dermatologist. I want to be able to see somebody become very happy with a big smile, and know that I was the person who put that smile on their face.

I am like you, Paul, I like to make people smile. There is never a day when I go to school without a smile on my face. (Unless there is a big test that I have to cram for, but that's an exception.) I am the kind of person that is not afraid of what other people think of me, and I just live my life to the fullest everyday, from the minute I wake up, until the minute I lay my head down on my pillow and go to sleep.

If I could live as long as I wanted, I would live forever. I wish that everyone else in the world could be as happy and self-confident as I am. I am also the kind of person that loves to talk. Most of my friends think I talk a lot, but they don't really care, because I say funny things that make them all smile. If I weren't able to be a doctor of some sort, I would be a stand up comedian. I just like to laugh and have a good time with my friends and family.

I really enjoyed your presentation yesterday, and I hope you write back soon. Just keep on smiling and life will smile back at you!

Cait, 8th grader

Hello Paul! I got the chance to see your presentation at our high school, and I just wanted to tell you that it truly was very inspirational! A bunch of my friends (myself included) felt like we were going to cry in certain parts, which actually is a good thing. I really like how much you encourage people to smile. That's exactly what I love to do -- make everyone laugh and I think that is the best feeling in the world to know that you have made that one person's day that much better.

You made me smile plenty of times during your speech especially about your BMW. I want to do the same kind of transformation when I get to drive. I promise you that I will make as many people as I can smile as much as humanly possible! Thanks so much for making me realize how important it is to make people smile and to smile a lot yourself. THANK YOU!!!

Kate, 10th grader

My name is Matthew and you probably don't know me, but I was the only kid who knew you were not teased in school when you asked that question. Your program changed my own view of people with disabilities. I had nothing against them, but I just didn't know that they could skydive and paint magnificent pictures! Your program to our class was excellent, informal, and very interesting.

My father has M.S., or Multiple Sclerosis, but it's only a mild case and he still has problems with his back sometimes. He can still play sports and do activities with me and my brothers! My parents also like Billy Joel. I use these examples to show that you are quite an inspiration to me.

Paul, you are still one of the best people I have ever met in my life.

Matthew, 5th grader

I really think that you had to have had a lot of courage to speak to us. I really liked the presentation that you gave and it even brought tears to my eyes because I don't know what I would do if that happened to me. I hope that you do accomplish more of your dreams in the long run, you deserve all the world and then some for what you have done.

Casey, 8th grader

I now realize I can conquer my INNER disabilities and that I can now do things with such assurance. I have realized that to get to your dreams, you have to be able to trip and fall once in a while to learn from your mistakes.

Christen, 6th grader

It is extremely difficult to put into words how awesome Paul's presentation was. He is one of the best motivational speakers I have ever heard, and I will remember his inspirational words forever. All that I can say is that he is an incredible person, with an incredible amount of courage and strength. He was fun to listen to and made jokes about his disability, at times bringing tears to my eyes.

Paul made me realize that I may have taken for granted things that he dreamed of, such as playing sports and being able to run. I feel as though Paul has more courage and desire than anyone I know, including myself. I do not even know Paul, yet I am so proud of him as if he were my own brother.

After seeing all of the accomplishments he has made, I am so much more excited about teaching students with disabilities and can not wait to give encouragement to students who need it.

Erin McGlynn
Cognitive Disabilities class
Rider University
Lawrenceville, New Jersey

I want to thank you personally for coming to Hillside Avenue School. It made my day the best in many and I found myself all day with a smile on my face and a change in my friends' attitudes because of your speech.

Though I may never jump out of a plane or even paint, I still can be able to believe in myself and not be so ignorant to those around me. I also find hope in God and always know that there is Him to depend upon if I have a fight or hardship. Thanks again for making my day and for helping those around me.

I know that, even though it won't always be evident, today I became a changed person in so many ways!

Julie, 8th grader

When I began searching for a speaker at the beginning part of the school year, I was randomly looking up motivational speakers on the Internet. I came across some speakers that sounded interesting; however, when I saw Paul's website about himself and what he does for the community I was impressed.

After talking to Jay [Paul's agent] a few times, I knew this is what Parkway Central needed. Although we hold an annual Special Olympics, I didn't feel as though our school had a true feeling of what it was like to have a "disability." It's an often misconception that those with disabilities just can't do much of anything.

Paul proved our 300 students that saw him wrong. With his humor and encouragement, he was able to convince the audience that ANYONE can do anything they put their heart to just as long as they always smiled! Thanks to Paul and [his bureau] A Vision In Motion for giving our school a new outlook on those who are "different."

Lauren Mielziner, Student Awareness Chair
Parkway Central High School
Chesterfield, Missouri

You inspired me because know I really know much more about my friends and myself. When you said that you should always try new things, I thought for a while and told myself that I can do it and become a new person inside and out. Last year, we had a guy come in and he was in a wheelchair. He spoke to us about how you should take a chance when you get one because you always don�t get another one.

So I really appreciate you coming to our school and talking to us, showing us how to take the �dis� out of "disability." And remember to always keep a smile on all the time. And when you get depressed, simply turn that frown upside down.

Janice, 8th grader

I just wanted to tell you that all of my friends went to your web site! They thought it was phenomenal! My friends think you are a great person because you are. And it doesn't matter if you are disabled. Everyone is still a person.

And you are also a funny person! "I didn't jump out of the plane, I was pushed out." That was hilarious! My friends would always want to see you again but, we don't always need you to help us smile, like you said, you have to do things yourself because you cannot always rely upon others to do things for you.

Samantha, 5th grader

Paul's life story has given me a new understanding that people with disabilities can have even more fun with life than most people without disabilities. The program also changed my perception that people with disabilities are much more capable and independent in life than I thought they were!

Radhika, college student

I would encourage you to continue with these presentations at various schools, but with spirits as high as yours, I don't think you'll stop. Not only do you enjoy opening your mind, heart, and world for us, but you do it with such confidence and love that makes students like us override all stereotypes we have.

We all enjoyed your program immensely and you will be remembered. I am presently the vice-president of the student council here at Allentown High School and have some personal referrals for you to continue your programs at new schools.

Kris, 12th grader

Your presentation on Friday afternoon really touched me. I have a younger brother that has cerebral palsy and I could relate to what you were saying. I'm glad you came to our school because I think it's essential that everyone is exposed to that kind of environment.

Matthew, 8th grader

I wanted to tell you that your presentation this afternoon at my high school really taught me something. That is to never give up and APPRECIATE all that I can do. I'll be honest with you, but I never really appreciated brushing my teeth and using a fork and knife, but you really gave me a whole new perspective. I think that you are really awesome. With the BMW and all. It was great. My friends and I really enjoyed everything you did for us. I too love to draw. But not even close to your masterpieces. A lot of my friends LOVE Billy Joel. They were singing the songs when you were playing your school video.

Personally, I really enjoy helping people and you boosted up my confidence on teaching me how to be a better person. Paul, thank you for everything that you've done for us at Whippany Park. Best of luck in the future.

Andrew, 9th grader

It's good to get an idea of how someone with a disability is stereotyped, and to know how normal they are in real life.

Kyle, 11th grader

There's more!
Read what teachers have to say about our Program Series

Help us share our vision with others!
We invite you to visit our motivational speakers bureau

and help us bring a genuine smile to a child's face!

Top of Page