These are some of the testimonials from teachers following the motivational programs delivered by Paul Stuart Wichansky.
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 TeacherMorris 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, TeacherCandlewood Middle School in Dix Hills, N.Y.
An eternal optimist to soften the barrier between 'normal' and 'disabled.' We can never be enlightened enough.
Paula Jedzinak, TeacherTinton Falls Middle School in Tinton 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, TeacherLong Valley Middle School in Long Valley, N.J.
Dear Paul,
"Wow." That word actually sums up all that I can express now, because I am still speechless!
Your presentation at our school was incredible! I am still very emotional at this point, and it's only 1 hour after your 9:00am presentation. I'm not sad and teary-eyed because of the personal situation you are in, but because you have enlightened me to be what I can be.
My eyes are opened, my mind is clearer, and my hopes and dreams are there to be accomplished. Thank you again!
Marty Rosencranz, TeacherBergen Vocational-Tech High School in Paramus, N.J.
Thank you for a thought-provoking in-service workshop 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, TeacherTinc Road School in Flanders, N.J.
You should know that this was my top priority, for more than one reason. First of all, I believe that everyone has special talents. Our job in life should be to learn how to use those talents, sometimes in unique and creative ways, and often overcoming personal challenges in the process. Secondly, Paul was marvelous, and I wanted you to have my feedback. I can be considered impartial because I had never met or seen Paul before. My knowledge of him is solely through our correspondence and the programs he did for our school.
I am a teacher and am always looking for ways to foster acceptance of diversity. I applied for a grant through our parent's association last year for a Disabilities Awareness program. When it was accepted, I began doing internet research on the subject and that is where I first came into contact with Paul.
Paul and I shared emails. What came through very clear was his sincerity. This is very important because kids can see right through a phoney. If they don't trust you, you've lost them. I also felt that he was someone who could talk about the topic from the perspective of someone who's been there. I felt that these things together made for a very desirable guest speaker.
The staff and students were endeared by Paul. They hung on his every word. Some audiences were more interactive than others, but it did not inhibit his program. He had a marvelous sense of humor and put his audience at ease. Lunch time was a gas! He was like the Pied Piper! One student hunted me down at the end of the day to thank me for arranging his visit. Teachers kept popping in during the program and I found out later that teachers who had heard him were going back and spreading the word to other teachers to come down. Some even offered to cover classes.
I think I was most surprised with his ease of manner and the range of the audience he appealed to. There was not a soul there who was not touched in some way. Younger students who heard through the grapevine about Paul were disappointed that they were not going to meet him this year. Money has already been set aside for his return - how's that for a testimony!
Paul has a gift: the ability to read his audience and adjust his style to suit their personality. He also has a message: make the best of what you have in order to be the best you can possibly be. He has an "I can" attitude - with hard work comes success. Who among us doesn't need to be reminded of these things? Who better to deliver the message than somebody who struggles daily to do the routine tasks that we take for granted?
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 TeacherCommunity Resources at Rider University
I thought your presentation was a truly eye-opening experience for my sixth graders. Through humor and hard facts, you were instrumental in erasing stereotypes and broadening perceptions at just the right time for this group of pre-adolescents. You also inspired them to see obstacles as opportunities. Thank you so much for coming to our school.
Holly Koblish, TeacherUpper Freehold Elementary and Middle School in Allentown, N.J.
Thank you for the excellent program that A Vision in Motion presented to the 8th grade classes. Paul's rapport with students was exceptional. The children were totally enthralled with the two programs. One of my teachers remarked to me, "This is the best assembly program I've seen in 20 years."
Stephen C. Melofchik, Assistant PrincipalLong Valley Middle School in Long Valley, N.J.
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 presentations will help motivate them to do well on their state testing next week. Thank you for being an inspiration to them.
Glenn Moore, TeacherHenry B. DuPont Middle School in Hockessin, D.E.
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, TeacherFrances Guadineer Middle School in Springfield, 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, TeacherIn-Service Workshop
Paul is a true inspiration! He mixes entertainment with deep inner feelings and his life stories. As a result, he captivated the audience and melted hearts. During our class debriefing, it was obvious that he impressed and inspired EVERY student and teacher!
Colleen McCarthy-Giglio, TeacherSeven Bridges Middle School in Chappaqua, N.Y.
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, TeacherCrim 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 TherapistIn-Service Workshop
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, TeacherIn-Service Workshop
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, TeacherWashington School in Summit, 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, TeacherRiver Plaza School in Red Bank, 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, TeacherSwimming River Elementary School in Tinton Falls, N.J.
Of the many programs that were instituted at Frances M. Guadineer Middle School, yours can only be described as phenomenal. The inspiring story of your life with a disability touched our students and teachers deeply.
They identified with your struggle and were encouraged by your incredible positive attitude to never give up. The interaction with the audience was lively, funny, entertaining, and educational. You have encouraged all of us to set our goals higher.
Thank you for your wonderful programs. We look forward to your next visit.
Joan Diament, Director of PTA ProgramsFrances Guadineer Middle School in Springfield, N.J.
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, my students did not notice or even care that he had a disability.
Dana C. Folk, TeacherWashington School in Summit, 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, TeacherLittle Falls School #1 in Little Falls, N.J.
Paul Stuart Wichansky's program, "Access to Success," was fantastic! He inspired my students and me to challenge our perceptions. During our follow-up discussion, it became clear that Paul will have a lasting effect on my students. His ability to combine humor, personal stories, and information on taking the "dis" out of "disability" allowed him to connect with the audience throughout the program.
As I was leaving the assembly with my class, one student remarked, "That was so cool!" Many others agreed. I'm looking forward to seeing him again next year.
Shana Weldon, TeacherSeven Bridges Middle School in Chappaqua, N.Y.
Paul was outstanding! He is among the speakers that make our "Stand By Me Day" so captivating and personal to each of our students. Paul kept 250 eighth graders in check as he spoke for about an hour, and answered some really good questions from the students and teachers.
I would love to have him back next year! Please keep in touch.
Joseph Bolcato, Chair"Stand By Me Day" CommitteeManchester Middle School
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