I have only been to Kansas a couple times before my visit in Bonner Springs to provide my substance abuse and mental health speeches. I actually was contacted the Kansas Universities football team a couple years ago and I had really hoped we would be able to work that out but we weren’t. Each time has been for high school and middle school level students. It’s been cold every time I am in Kansas and let me tell you, it gets COLD in Kansas. Visiting Bonner Springs in October would be similar, cold but very warm concerning the receptiveness of my message to the students.
Something I’ve found interesting while following other performers such as comedians, when you listen to them speak about their craft and travels, they talk about audiences being more receptive or engaged with their message. I have found this to be true with my own work. Sometimes the audience is next level engaged or engaged with my messaging. The students in Bonner Springs were extremely engaged with topics like mental health while I was speaking. It was clear they understood and related to a lot of my struggles as a youth with mental health aspects such as anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Those are actually one of those most relevant topics with youth right now. I would also add grief in there, kids are struggling with loss: In family, friends, and life in general. I get the messages daily in my Instagram from students, it’s depression, it’s heart break, it’s anxiety and stress, it’s dealing with a parent or friend who died. Our youth are not trying to figure out math problems they are trying to figure out emotional and spiritual problems. Their ability or inability to concur or understand these problems in my opinion determines their confidence or lack of that they carry around in their day to day lives. This is a big reason i’m doing what i’m doing, it’s to give power back to the person who’s struggling. To give them an example, to show them they are not alone, that what you are facing can be overcome and beaten. You can be happy, successful and content.
I spent some time after my speeches with students, stopping into certain classrooms and taking more questions from students that they came up with after hearing me speak. I truly love fielding questions and providing insight to those who wonder the deeper aspects. I think that the gift I was given is truly shown in this light. I can’t speak highly enough of the entire Bonner Springs staff and students. You guys were wonderful, thank you so much for allowing me to spend time with you all!