• Schools
• Pierrefonds

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Manny Pizarro Conquers Greendale Elementary School

posted by Greendale Elementary School at 16h26

by Carol Renshaw- Computer Teacher Greendale School

“When students dream, they can achieve.”

Students at Greendale Elementary School were fortunate enough to have the chance to listen to guest speaker Manny Pizarro who came to their school Nov. 28. His message was clear; If you have a dream, you can acheive anything in life.

Students were very impressed by his many accomplishments. His most recent being his climb to the summit of Mount Everest (May 2007), a goal that he had set for himself while doing a project in Grade 6.

Among many things, students were inspired by his will, dedication and perseverance to “conceive-believe-achieve.” As students enthusiastically listened to him speak. His stories of failure began to teach that; without failure, success may be meaningless.

To be able to achieve our goals, one must have a clear vision and work everyday toward that vision. Manny suggested that each student make a poster of “their dream” to display on their bedroom wall.

He said, “So anytime you’re feeling down or like you can’t do it. You can look at that poster and realize, that’s what I want, that’s why I have to do this, to get there.”

As I listened to Manny’s presentation I observed a child in Grade 4 who looked confused. She turned to her teacher for guidance and her teacher said to her, “It’s okay, you’re feeling impressed. You’re allowed to feel that way.”

As adults and teachers alike, we should try to impress our children every chance we get!
Children need big dreams in order to do big things. Manny’s presentation opened the eyes of some students who felt less inclined to dream. It forced them to look at the big picture.

If children at Greendale School were not already focusing on their dreams, they certainly are now!

Greendale is rooting for Manny as he attempts his second climb of Mount Everest in March 2009 to support children and individuals who suffer from asthma as well as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Check out the Quebec Lung Association for more information on his expedition and to show your support.