PROFESSIONALS OFFER 'FEEDBACK ON LIFE' IN MOTIVATIONAL TALKS
by Diana Dillaber Murray
Eighteen-year-old Jarellee Ray Brooks said it was "enlightening" to have so many successful professionals, athletes and government officials give tips on success at his charter school Wednesday.
About 16 local people gave motivational talks during an open house coordinated by Principal Jason Porter and Sam Brady, who has worked with youth in Pontiac for many years.
"I call it feedback on life," said Brooks, who is involved with the studio music world, writing music and finishing his high school degree at Life Skills Center on Auburn Road.
The Life Skills Center is a computer-based charter school for students ages 16 to 20 seeking an alternative to traditional high school.
Among Wednesday's speakers were Ron Simpkins, former football player for the University of Michigan, Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers; 50th District Judge Michael Martinez; dentist Jeff Martin; Glenn Macintosh, dean of students at Oakland University; Pontiac Mayor Willie Payne and City Council President Everett Seay.
McIntosh invited students to Oakland University for a visit, and he encouraged them to build their career choices around their passions in life.
Martin used a series of inspirational poems to lead a discussion on building internal strength and motivation to carry out their goals.
Martinez told students to push toward the goals they set for themselves no matter what others say.
"It's an enlightening experience to have them come in to tell us what happened in their life," said Brooks, who added, "When I'm out of here, in the next five years, I see myself (selling) real estate."
Brooks said he especially enjoyed the talk by Seay, who came in on crutches. Seay generated a round of laughter with his story on how his "miscalculation" caused him to fall down the stairs at home. Then he compared his fall to what happens when people suffer from the consequences of "miscalculations" but go on to mend and continue their lives.
Danielle Coats, 17, said the talks made her think about college.
"I will probably be a social worker and work with kids," Danielle said.
Lataija Brown, 16, found the talk by Diane Holland inspiring. Holland, the daughter of former Pontiac Mayor Wallace Holland, has two children and is going to Baker College.
"I want to open my own business and own a salon," Lataija said.
Maria Bruce, 16, said she also wants to go into cosmetology.
"Dr. Martin gave different poems about life and goals to achieve," Maria said, noting he was her favorite speaker. "He's my dentist."
Originally printed in the
Daily Oakland Press.
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Daily Oakland Press. All Rights Reserved.