On Oct. 14, nationally recognized motivational speaker, mental health advocate and bestselling author Jordan Toma visited Garden City Middle School to speak with seventh grade students about resilience, learning differences and the importance of growing from mistakes. The assembly was made possible through the efforts of Garden City’s SEPTA and GCMS student Will Robinson, who reached out to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha to help bring Toma’s message to the school community.

During the assembly, Toma shared his experiences growing up with ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia and anxiety. After struggling academically and experiencing self-doubt, he began to turn things around with the encouragement and support of people who believed in him. He also discussed his books, “I’m Just a Kid with an IEP” and “Invisible: Don’t Forget the Kids in the Back,” and encouraged students to reflect on the people in their own lives who believe in them.

Toma emphasized that making mistakes is an important part of learning and discovering personal strengths. He encouraged students to raise their hands in class, even when they are afraid of getting an answer wrong, and to take chances rather than hold themselves back. By embracing challenges, he explained, students can build perseverance, learn more about themselves and discover what they are capable of achieving.

He concluded by encouraging students to reflect on their own stories, recognize the people who support them and believe in their ability to succeed. Toma also shared his books with students, leaving them with a message about the importance of self-confidence and the people who help them grow.

The assembly was sponsored by Garden City’s SEPTA with Will’s initiative helping bring the opportunity to GCMS.

“Middle school can be an overwhelming time,” said Will. “We’re growing up and figuring out who we are. The schoolwork can be a lot, and we’re all just trying to do our best and get through it.”

“My mom always sends me Jordan’s posts,” he continued. “He talks about holding on to the people who annoy you, push you, and see things in you that you might not see in yourself yet. The people who won’t mind their business because you are their business.”

“The way Jordan puts things into words is really inspiring and reassuring,” Will said. “I thought he would be a great speaker at our school because he really connects with kids and makes a positive impact on them. He’s very relatable and gives you the strength to keep going and be grateful to the people who are guiding and supporting you. I’m so happy the students and staff seemed to really enjoy the assembly and that it turned out to be a success.”

The assembly reinforced an important message for GCMS students: mistakes are opportunities to grow, and with perseverance and the support of others, they can learn to believe in themselves and their potential. The district would like to thank GC SEPTA and Will Robinson for their support in bringing this assembly to life.