I guess in most peoples lives or occupations they get that feeling every now and then that makes what they do seem worthwhile. A big part of what I do with my time is speak to students. I remember when I was a wee lad and we had outside presenters come to the school. More often than not, my first thought would be, “Sweet, no class!”. On occasion it would offer more than that. I imagine the first thoughts of most of the kids at the schools where I present are somewhat similar to what mine were. Hopefully it turns out that, I too, offer more than that.
I received an email today from the Kingston Grammar School regarding a presentation I gave there yesterday. It read:
Mark
I have talked to a large number of the sixth form and the first form, and the teachers, who attended your lecture yesterday. The response was entirely enthusiastic and positive (which is not always the case, even with our better speakers). The comments ranged from ‘absolutely brilliant’, all the way down(!) to ‘very interesting’. I regret that I could not attend it, but thank you for what was clearly an exceptionally well delivered and fascinating talk which has made a great impression on all who attended. All the best.
Dr Anthony Langdon
Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Higher Education)
Kingston Grammar School
Makes me feel pretty worthwhile. The best motivation to keep improving and working hard. Stoked!
Hi Mark
As an aspiring adventurer, I’ve been reading over your site with interest, but this blog entry really rang a bell.
I’m about to start a round of talks to schools in the next academic year based around what it’s like to learn to walk and talk again after brain injuries in a car accident, retraining from a career as a PTI to an “office job” , and now on to the achievement of my dreams, with a strong focus on Antarctic education and PE/nutrition
Your little snippet here about what you want to leave the kids with toally mirrors my hopes for my own talks.
Good luck with everything you do
Just
Hi Just,
Thanks for your comment. It is a great feeling to know that you might just actually have added something to a young person’s life. What you are embarking on sounds like inspiration in itself. In case you have not discovered it yet check this website out – pretty amazing http://www.educapoles.org/ and right up your alley.
I wish you much success with your endeavours also.
Regards
Mark
Who is Mark Kalch? I remember a young man driving a friends ford down the back roads of mackay in North queensland Australia, with no cares – arm resting out the window with hand down in the breeze thinking surely life doesn’t exist past this day as he drives.
A young man who was more casual than serious but on occasion would be stirred enough to make all those around him take notice that yes he was actually 6 foot 3 at 220 pounds and not to be messed with.
A young man who knew the art of influence early into life as he would often talk his flatmate into cooking for him more nights than not.
just a few memories my friend – hope all is going well for you in GB and your lectures continue to build dreams and give influence. I talk to Matty a bit these days. Not sure if your surf board will make it though bro – it seems it might have become a victim – never to be seen again – just kidding I am sure it can be brought back to life!
Take Care Mr Kalch
Hey Mark!
Thanks for the good luck sentiments – much appreciated.
I was interviewed last week by Rob Symington of Escape the City. Well woth a look around the site and I did mention to Rob that I’d drop their name to you at some point. Drop him a line – never hurts!
My ‘bit’ is at http://escthecity.com/blog/?p=1013
Drop me an email any time – it’d be a pleasure to hear from you.
Have fun!
Just
Here’s to continuing to give kids the feeling of “sweet! No class!” and then, hopefully, to have them leave the hall realising that there is so much more to life than classes…