KIND WORDS

“I am the mother of a 14-year-old boy. You spoke at his middle school about a month ago. I want to thank you with the deepest gratitude for your talk. My son has been depressed, and I worry for his well-being as I see him retreating from me. I fear drugs, alcohol, self-harm, etc., are lurking in the shadows. I love him profoundly but find him unreachable sometimes.

So you can imagine he doesn’t do too much more than grunt a hello at me and ask for food when he gets home from school, then be left alone. However, on the day of your talk, he came home from school with a gentle light around him. He said, “Mom, we had this speaker today, and he said some profound things...he told some personal stories that I can't stop thinking about.” He said, “Mom, I'm going to be kinder...I'm going to be more loving.”

You reached him. A good, brilliant kid who is often feeling lost, alone, sad, and angry. He generally checks out. But he heard you. Thank you for this one moment of light that I hope can grow. Bless you and your work.”

— Jennifer B.

“It was a wonderful day for our school—the response from children, teachers, and parents has been amazing. Your visit and message will have a long-lasting impact on our school community for years to come!”  

—  Margo Keniston Potter, Columbia Preparatory School, NYC

“As much as our schools today must focus on academics, you provided our students life-long lessons extending far beyond the classroom. I cannot thank you enough for helping to show students that it is important not only to learn but to care about others and make good life decisions.”

— Eric Klein, Principal, Yarmouth High School

“We have been in a different school since you visited us. Our teachers continue to sing your praises, and our kids ask if they can e-mail you! I want you to know you changed our little corner of the world in an uplifting way, and we are grateful.”

— Anne Blanchard, Principal Presque Isle Middle School

“I just wanted you to know what a difference your presentation has made. Students and faculty are putting into action acts and words of kindness. It is so nice to feel the warmth and compassion we can have for each other come alive. Thank you for inspiring us!”

— Nicole Cote-Crosskill, Director of Guidance, Fryeburg Academy

“Thank you for such a wonderful presentation to our Knox Trail Junior High students. I know you touched many students, and I have already referenced your presentation when working with some of my struggling students. Although you were booked to speak to the students, I know that you also touched many of our staff members, including myself. I have been asking the universe for guidance and assistance, and I believe I received the message I was waiting for.”

—  Alison, Spencer MA

“Thank you for the moving and motivating start to the school year for Saco School Department staff. Your message of kindness and love is so important and will make a difference in the lives of the children we are privileged to work with.”

— Joan, Saco, ME

"You made quite an impression when you came to campus! The kids really appreciated the time you spent with them. Folks can’t stop raving about your talk either. Thank you for collaborating with Hillside on this…it was a definite success!"

— Gabriella Marvin, Hillside, Inc.  Atlanta, GA

"Thank you for some truly thought-provoking opportunities for deep reflection. I appreciate the work that you have done with our school, and I believe we are better off because of it. We will continue to seek out opportunities for personal growth in the spirit of kindness - thank you for this wonderful reminder!

 —  Ty M. Thurlow, M. Ed. Principal, Sumner Memorial High School

“Michael, thank you again for coming to Washington Academy to work with our students and staff. It was a great day; it was so productive and fun for the kids. We will be working hard to promote kindness every day and thinking of you as we do.”

— Tim Reynolds, Associate Head of School, Washington Academy