A young man who calls himself the voice of the youth is here in Belize again. This morning 12 year old motivational speaker Anthony Gill spoke to students from the Hummingbird Elementary School. His message centered on the importance of education and believing in oneself to achieve greatness. And yes, he is only 12 years old but he has traveled all over America to inspire others his age. Courtney Weatherburne has the story.
Courtney Weatherburne reporting
At first glance, this student gathering might seem like a talent competition or even a class presentation. But it was more than a presentation.
12 year old motivational speaker Anthony Gill was delivering his empowering message.
Anthony Gill, Motivational Speaker
"I wanted to leave with them that first of all education is the most important thing when it comes to them and they have to hold on to their morals and values of what is right and what is wrong. I was trying to get out to the adults also to start believing is us as children so that we can one day be the positive force in charge."
How did he become a positive force at such a young age?
Anthony Gill, Motivational Speaker
"At 4 years old at my preschool graduation as salutatorian, I had a 4 page speech that I learnt in 4 hours and when I gave that speech everybody was amazed. Even my classmates at that time they were amazed. They didn't even know what I was saying, but I did."
Having the skill to learn and deliver his messages with clarity and precision is admirable. But there are sacrifices that he must make in order to impact his audience with this remarkable gift.
Anthony Gill, Motivational Speaker
"Some of the challenges are, before I started my online school I was actually in a classroom setting and so I've had to miss out on some of the days. Some of those days I could have been spending with my friends and learning more, but it was really for a good cause coming out to all these different places just to give my message even though I've been missing some friend time. It's all worth it at the end."
And so it was, these students captured lifelong lessons from his message.
Ryan Usher, Standard 4
"I am feeling really good because now he just spread the word that everybody has a chance and we can stop all of the drug uses."
Alexi Hall, Standard 5
"I now want to do my best in everything that I do in life and he just makes me feel good about myself, like I can do everything."
Samron Pott, Standard 5
"He really inspires me to do my best in school and he also inspire me to do my best in everything that I do."
Roger Espejo, Belize City Council
"It was in September that I came to know Anthony Gill when he was visiting Belize and since then I've appreciated more the type of work that he does, his messages. It was a no brainer when we were trying to think of someone to Christmas this time around to speak to the youths."
Anthony travels to Independence on Wednesday and San Ignacio on Thursday. He received the keys to the city from the Belize City Council on September 15th.
Email
Print