An eternal optimist to soften the barrier between 'normal' and 'disabled.' We can never be enlightened enough.

Paula Jedzinak, Teacher
Tinton Falls Middle School in Tinton Falls, N.J.

I am a teacher at Little Falls Middle School where you gave a presentation this past Wednesday. Just wanted to let you know how wonderful I thought your program was. I teach 7th and 8th graders. They came in so excited this morning, many of them telling me they went on your website last night. It truly is something special to get a bunch of boys so excited over something other than x-box or girls!! We had some wonderful conversations today about our attitudes and perceptions of people who are disabled. I truly believe you made a difference in the way they will react in the future. Thanks!

Cathy Lyons, Teacher
Little Falls School #1 in Little Falls, N.J.

Thanks again, Paul, for the wonderful presentation you gave our students at Long Valley Middle School. Throughout your lecture, I had a "smile on my face" and "pride in my heart." What a wonderful life you are leading! My students returned to class with many wonderful questions and comments! You have "the gift" and your humor and experiences are truly an inspiration to all. To win over an 8th grade audience takes much patience and skill, and you have both!

Thanks, too, for you invitation to sky dive. However, I definitely want to keep my feet on the ground!!! I still am overwhelmed by your bravery and ability to "take the plunge." I told my wife about your invitation and now she is thinking that my original idea for turning 50 in a few months is not so bad. (When I turned 40, I got an earring. When turning 50 I want a small tattoo.) Now, I told her I could jump out of a plane like Paul or get a tattoo. Originally she thought I was crazy, but now, getting a tattoo does not seem so bad to her!

I have sent your website link to her through e-mail and she will be speaking with her principal about your presentation. I wish you all the best this upcoming year and truly look forward to your return visit next year!

Randy Grauerholz, 8th Grade Teacher
Long Valley Middle School in Long Valley, N.J.

I believe in what you do, I believe in your message, I believe that when you give yourself, your true inner self, to children, they hear your message. Your audience does not get "talked to", they are invited to "speak with." That makes a lot of difference in whether or not a person truly listens.

Along with your disability, God gave you a gift. You are using it wisely, and I hope that every child in this state has the opportunity to hear your message. I hope the parents do too, because they are the ones who are responsible for shaping attitudes.

Laurie Schorno, Special Education Teacher
Morris Plains Borough School in Morris Plains, N.J.

Thank you for visiting all of us at Candlewood Middle School and sharing your story. Your experiences and words of wisdom truly touched me and all of my students, as you can see from the enclosed letters.

I do believe that there is a "plan" for all of us, and your life story is evidence that nothing can and should get in the way of your dreams. Your courage is an inspiration to all who get to meet and learn from you. Thank you again!

Emily Mauro, Math Teacher
Candlewood Middle School in Dix Hills, New York

Thank you for a thought-provoking presentation today at my school! I am a second grade teacher here at Tinc Road School in Flanders. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to hear you speak. My colleagues and I spent some of the morning feeling the frustration of various curriculum, budget and time related issues in our district. Listening to you share your experiences and accomplishments was exactly what we needed! You have truly put things into perspective.

I especially liked what you said about using ourselves as role models. I know the kind of person I want to be, but I just sometimes have trouble measuring up to that. But I begin anew each day filled with the hope that I will get there some day. I also am a strong believer in smiling (I have the smile wrinkles on my face to prove it!). I think that smiling and good humor immediately put people at ease which in turn leads to more forthcoming and honest communication.

It was refreshing to hear you speak of the power of the smile! I wish I could think of a word other than inspirational to describe you. While it certainly fits, it just doesn't do you justice, since it is so overused these days. Maybe I should invent my own word. How about "amazational"? (amazing + inspirational). It rhymes with trans-a-nation-ul. Do you like it? Well, Paul, you are an amazational person! Thanks for sharing.

Jeanne Santucci, Teacher
Tinc Road School in Flanders, N.J.

Paul really won over his audience. At first, the students were uncomfortable because they didn't know what to expect, but soon he had them smiling and interacting. They truly saw him as an interesting, bright young man who happens to have a disability and not solely as a handicapped person. It was excellent!

Donna Marrows, 3rd Grade Teacher
Swimming River Elementary School in Tinton Falls, N.J.

Outstanding motivational presentation! Paul was warm, sensitive to the childrens' questions, informative, inspirational, and displayed a wonderful sense of humor. Children are already comparing him to some of the 'heroic characters' they've read about in literature this year.

Sharon Kitley, Teacher
River Plaza School in Red Bank, N.J.

Very inspiring - definitely made me think as well as feel. Paul is extremely positive and uplifting - a great lesson on life and how amazing it can be!

Karin Jacobus

Paul is an excellent presenter! He captivated the students with his first words and kept them intrigued until he was finished. The program helps the students overcome their own "uncomfortability" being around people with disabilities. He also shared positive messages about goal setting, hard work, and utilizing your talents!

I believe that, after a while, the students did not notice or even care that he had a disability.

Dana C. Folk, 3rd Grade Teacher
Washington School in Summit, N.J.

Although I am studying to be a special education teacher, it is hard for me to know what to expect. When our class was told that we were to have a speaker come to our college who has cerebral palsy, I expected the worst. First and foremost, I thought it would be very sad and emotional. Next, I thought that it would be difficult to concentrate on what he would be saying because of his disability. Lastly, I expected him to be upset about having cerebral palsy. Paul proved all of my assumptions wrong.

I was lit up by his happiness and love of life. I can only think of one time where his presentation brought tears to my eyes. That was when he explained his condition and how it happened. Otherwise, he made me realize that I take my life for granted.

The fireside lounge today was filled with laughter not tears! His story made me put aside all of my assumptions and beliefs so that I can experience the real Paul and to recognize his many outstanding accomplishments. He motivated me to live my life to the fullest, and overcome any obstacles that may come my way.

Marianne Hanna, Student
Community Resources
Rider University

Yesterday we took some time in each of my classes to discuss your presentation the day before. I was very impressed with the responses I received from the students. You definitely had an impact on their lives. They seemed to be most impressed with your message regarding positive attitudes and focusing on what you can do instead of what you can't do.

I think your presentation will help motivate them to do well on their state testing next week. Thank you for being an inspiration to them.

Glenn Moore, Teacher
Henry B. DuPont Middle School
Hockessin, Delaware

I just wanted to send you some thank-you cards that my students wrote after watching your wonderful presentation. You have touched them on many levels. They are still talking about you three weeks later!

I myself felt a great range of emotions. I felt sad, reflective, happy, joyful, and triumphant while listening to you. I even cried. As a teacher, I can only hope that at least once during the year I successfully touch their lives as you have touched theirs in just one hour. God blessed you and has blessed us with the opportunity to meet you.

The smaller card that encloses the other cards is in need of some special attention. Billy's mom called to say that she has read his thank-you note and it was the first time that he had opened up about something that is bothering him. He has enclosed his address inside the card and they would love a response from you! I know that you are probably busy, but this would be a perfect opportunity to further touch the life of a child in a positive way. He really looks forward to hearing from you.

Mrs. MacKenzie, 5th Grade Teacher
Frances Guadineer Middle School in Springfield, N.J.

You gave our students a better understanding of your own disability, presenting vital information on the students' level, interpreted with humor about your condition and adaptation to everyday life experiences. Audience participation gave meaning and interest to your program and encouragement regarding individual differences.

Your manner was enthusiastic and caring, while giving an important message to the children that can be so valuable in their everyday lives. Keep that vision in motion!

Joan Friedman, 3rd Grade Teacher
Washington School in Summit, N.J.

Excellent speaker! Was able to show an active, positive life few of us will ever have the opportunity to experience! An overall great presentation! The slideshow was a wonderful touch - a great visual aid.

Colleen M. O'Reilly
Teacher

The program was a very moving experience. As Paul mentioned, a wide range of emotions were felt. He inspired me to look beyond the obvious and be motivated to push myself and my students to get more from life. Yes, it's possible!

Merrilee Jecas
Teacher

Thank you so much for coming into our school to speak with our students. Although I have known you for many years at Cook College, I have never heard your whole story. I was touched. I was so impressed with the way you spoke to my [third-grade] students and they were hanging onto every word. A few hours after you spoke with us, I had a follow-up discussion with my students.

They understood the messages you were trying to get across to them. For example, they couldn't believe that your father didn't help you up when you were younger. My question to them was: Was picking him up or not picking him up the most helpful? They got it. I think your presentation will help them relate to their peers on a whole new level. They are beginning to notice differences amongst them and your presentation will help them become more accepting and tolerant in the future. Thank you again.

Cathy Rosenberg, Teacher
Crim Elementary School in Bridgewater, N.J.

Paul, you are an inspiration to all of us! You are an eloquent speaker and have a wonderful sense of humor. You present a clear picture of how important it is for a positive team approach including parents, teachers, therapists, and their students, when working with our children each day.

I can't wait to tell others about you!

Michelle Murphy
School Therapist

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