A little motivation goes a long way
My first contact with LiveDifferent was when they came to my high school and the motivation that they brought with them was just what my small town needed, and just what I needed. The motivational production that they performed in my school spoke to me very loudly. I was able to recognize the value and worth that my life had and the incredible things that I was truly capable of. I am proud to say that I am among one of many students who have been touched by this incredible movement.
A little while after seeing the presentation I had the opportunity to take my involvement with LiveDifferent even further. My principle, Ms. Wilson, gave me the opportunity to go on a Hero Holiday with her and other students from my school. It was something I was not about to pass up! What made my Hero Holiday experience even more incredible was that I got to spend it with my Nana and my best friend Courtney. I will never forget the amazing experience that Hero Holiday gave me and I will never forget the family that I was able to provide a safe home for. Throughout all of that, I met people who influenced my life greatly and I couldn’t thank them enough for that. I had the opportunity to share incredible moments with people who have such big, loving hearts. LiveDifferent has played a huge part in my life so far and I am so privileged to be a part of something so amazing.
Coming into the LiveDifferent Academy I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew I was going to be traveling to Mexico and doing lots of humanitarian work and then touring across Canada doing motivational presentations, but I don’t think I really thought about what I would truly experience on this amazing journey I’m on. I can say that the LiveDifferent Academy has exceeded all of my expectations above and beyond what I ever thought I could have gotten out of this. I have experienced things that I never would have if I chose another path after high school, and I have accomplished so much more than I thought I really could. I feel like my life got completely transformed and I have put myself on a better path by taking that first step and joining LiveDifferent. I have met so many inspiring people and have had the privilege to see lives change and to contribute to that change. I have experienced so many rewarding things during my time with LiveDifferent so far and I only hope to continue this incredible journey through other things in my life. Having the opportunity to become a voice of change is something that is absolutely incredible to me and I cherish every moment of it.
Being able to have the ability everyday to change people’s lives and allow them to see the value that their life has is something that I cannot even begin to describe. Having the chance to have meaningful and purposeful conversations with students and billets and my team members is something that I am grateful for each day. Actually seeing the impact that we are making on students and the world is absolutely breathtaking and makes me so proud of all the people involved in this. Looking back on my life and reminiscing about all the memories and being reminded of everything I have been through so far is the reason I love doing this and being a part of such a powerful movement is so awesome.
I am thankful to have had the opportunity to live in Mexico, where I was able to instill hope in the lives of families, experience what it’s like to live in poverty and make memories that nothing else could ever compare to. And now, being on the road is allowing me to do that in my own home country. I am able to connect with students, share my passion with others, send the message that every life has incredible value, and encourage others to help this world become a better place. I am so blessed to have had such an incredible path carved out for me and I honestly wouldn’t have been able to succeed at it with without the support and encouragement of my friends and family, as well as the awesome Mexico facilitators and road team leaders. This has been a once in a life time opportunity and it is going to be something I will never forget!
Chey – LiveDifferent Academy Student, 2012/2013