Homeboy goes to Harvard

Youth Motivation

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Celebrating Diversity at the University

I gave a presentation on Celebrating Diversity at Penn State University for students and faculty.  It was the first of two for an organization called The Commission On Racial/Ethnic Diversity, CORED.  Their mission is to actively support University wide diversity initiatives that foster teamwork, collaboration, and communication among racial and ethnic constituencies in order to ensure inclusion, equal opportunity and success for underrepresented communities.  This fits perfectly into my mission as I have continously tried to educate both students and educators on racial barriers that prevent oppressed students from believing they can attend college.  I was honored to be there and I hope that my message will be long lasting.

Richard Santana, EdM
Richard Santana, EdM

 

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Student Assemblies To End The Year

Richard Santana EdM

2012 is coming to an end and I finish my motivational speaking with two student assemblies to Sierra Vista Middle School in Sunny Side, WA. I enjoy doing middle school student because their energy is invigorating. Prior to the first presentation, a counselor approached me to share his memories of how impactedful my presentation for him was several years prior. So much so, that he advocated to bring me back so that his current students could benefit.

 

After close to 20 years of motivational speaking, I am still humbled by such comments. I could not help but feel inspired and felt more so determined to send a message that was both motivational and inspiring. I did not disappoint. The energy of the students was powerful and my experience was positive as the students eagerly listened to the message of making healthy choices. The students were receptive and demonstrated their appreciation with a standing ovation. After the presentations, hundreds of student circled

Student Leaders
Student Leaders at Sierra Vista MS in Sunny Side, WA

to shake my hand and share some of their own experiences. School board members inquired about coming back for a staff development or teacher inservice. But what really left an impression was seeing the counselor looking content and satisfied with my delivery. All in all, not a bad way to end the year.

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A Motivational Speaker Travels to Las Vegas, NM

My job as a motivational speaker requires that I travel to various schools and communities through out the United States as well as some other countries. Although I take great pride in delivering a message to youth, teachers and community members that can be both compelling and inspiring, the travel can take its toll. I have seen over the years how one must learn to have a lot of patients. You may wonder, “Why do it?” I cannot count the number of lives that have been impacted by the message. Everyone wants to believe in the possibility of making it in life, achieving ones dreams. I, as well as the other members of Homeboy Goes to Harvard Productions, provide a living example of that possibility. For this reason alone, I endure and will continue with my travels. This time it takes me to Las Vegas, New Mexico. There I will give a keynote presentation at a youth conference designed to educated high school students on life after high school. Lets hope for a powerful impact.

Richard Santana EdM

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The Benefits of a Motivational Speaker

A teacher recently approached me and asked if I believe in the benefits of a motivational speaker who looks, speaks, and comes from the same back ground as the students she serves. Although many youth motivational speakers have the ability to crossover into various audiences, my experience has demonstrated that if a student sees someone who understands their cultural reference, the impact is that much more significant, particularly if the student already feels isolated and alone.  My answer was simple, “Yes, I do believe in the benefits of a motivational speaker who comes from the same back ground as the students she serves.

 

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A Graduation to Remember

I have been providing staff development for educators, keynote presentations and student assemblies for well over 17 years. In this time, I have met wonderful leaders, seen beautiful parts of the country and experiences many memorable events.  But, every once in awhile, I experience something that inspires me.

I was recently asked to give a graduation commencement presentation for the Monterey County Office of Education.  I have done several of such presentations but quit honestly, I do not feel like this is my most comfortable platform.  I often defer it to one of the other presenters in Homeboy Goes to Harvard Productions cadre.  This time, I accepted.

The students graduating were from various alternative education schools.  These were students who for one reason or another were placed there because they could not fit the norm of a traditional school.  Some had attendance problems, behavior problems, came from broken homes or had substance abuse issues.  Some were on probation, were teen mother and teen fathers, or in a gang and did better in an environment that was not so restricted.  Over 100 students were in attendance and my job was to inspire them.

I understand the challenges that many of these students had to face.  I too came from a similar background and felt an obligation to give some guidance and acknowledgment to their success.  As I approached the podium to give my presentation, I looked to the students.  They were sitting there, in their cap and gowns, anticipating the moment when their name would be called and they would cross the stage to receive their diploma.  I can see the excitement and pride in their eyes.  What could I say except simply, “Congratulations, you made it”.  The parents and community began cheering so loud that the entire hall rumbled with their energy. The look on the students face was of sheer happiness, relief and amazement.  They were graduating from high school regardless of all the obstacles and I was there to witness it.