Every obstacle in life that makes people feel discouraged forms a “brick”. As more and more obstacles arise, they begin to build a wall. 

“Behind the wall you have built is the real you,” says motivational speaker, game creator, and short film director, Anthony Valentine. This is a message he speaks on during an assembly to Foran students on Monday, September, 23. 

Valentine’s messages focus on finding a purpose, using the past to grow the future, unity within the community, and allowing experiences to shape identity. He performs many demonstrations to help students visualize his message utilizing props, students, and staff. 

Valentine brings several students and a faculty member to the front of the room to interact with faux bricks. In this activity, he tells the students to take a step back from the wall they created with the bricks, which represents looking at problems in life from a different perspective. 

“When you take a step back our wall becomes smaller,” says Valentine. 

Throughout the day while Valentine was here at Foran, he visited several classrooms getting to know some of the students better.

Junior Adrianna Aviz states, “You automatically came in and were very easy to respect and listen to. You made it worthwhile.”

He worked hard to build a relationship with the students and made sure to include everyone.

“Many students stopped by after the presentation to share personal stories and ask advice on what next steps would be good to make in their lives,” says Dean of Students, Justin Zywocinski. 

Students were inspired by what Valentine said. He took the time to speak one-on-one to multiple students. He also asked students their opinions on the assembly and continued activities with them later in the school day. 

To continue the pathway of digging deep into oneself, while Valentine was in the classrooms he introduced the game he developed, Soleties. The game has cards with thought-provoking and reflective questions. Valentine also produced a short film, Shea, which portrays messages that he encourages students to acknowledge. Additionally, Valentine left seniors with a journal to help them find who they truly are beneath their skin. Valentine’s visit left a lasting impression on students and staff by giving them a different perspective on their identity.