What Some Students Say…

What Some Students Say…

“You speaking today meant so much to me and so many of my other classmates. You are an AWESOME motivational speaker, you really know how to connect to your audience! Your book is just as motivating as your speech. The pages of your mother’s journal, and your first memory are now stained with tears. It wasn’t as much this time that I was sad for you, but happy, because I had heard you speak and knew that you had found strength. I also found in very interesting that your wife, who is very pretty by the way, was your physical therapist. I have wanted to become a physical or occupational therapist for years now, and reading your experience going through therapy, and how they helped you, has made me even more determined to achieve that goal. Thank you so much for speaking to us today, it has really hit home, and I will really think about the choices I make a lot harder this time.”

“I am a 10th grader at Calhoun High, where you spoke earlier today. I am usually not one to respond to our school’s speakers. This is probably because I am not one to be moved by what they say, but now i see that there are exceptions to all things. I didn’t even realize how greatly words could impact people until today after you spoke. I don’t drink, but sadly it is present at many of the events that i attend, and even worse, I have began to just accept it and just keep attending. Today after you spoke i went to class, and as usually the topic of conversation after the assemble was about what the speaker had said. I was not expecting however the way they were discussing it. Instead of “What a waste of time!” or the sarcastic “”that was life changing!” I heard so many positive things. I even heard senior guys talking about how badly they would feel if they lost their MAD skills on the field and court. I really began to see minds turning. I saw how I was also affected when my best friend approached me and said, “”Let’s not go Friday. Wanna see a movie?” I realized that i was also making a big decision when going to those parties. I would say thank you, but it seems so small in comparision to what you have given us. Best of luck and keep sharing your life experience with the world.”

“I just wanted to make sure that you know your talking to kids at schools really does make a difference because it made a difference in my life. I stopped drinking and drugs and everything…turned my life around because of your inspiration. Thank you so much…and please don’t ever stop or give up on talking to kids because when you think we’re not listening, we really are.”

“it’s so amazing how the average words spoken everyday finally change your life when spoken through the lips of one man. I just really wanted to say thank you for making people like me realize that we’re not immortal.” (Staunton River High School freshman)

“I’ve always promised myself I would never drink and drive or get in the car with anyone who has been drinking, but now I know I won’t EVER even think twice about it. You changed my life and a lot of other people at my schools lives forever. You were the talk of the school all day and so many people have changed their minds about the way they are going to live. You are the most incredible person I’ve ever met, thank you so much for spreading your word and doing what you’re doing. You are truly my hero.”

“When you were telling us about your car accident, it felt like you reached through my chest and grabbed my heart. I think maybe God’s really trying to tell me something, and you were the angel that delivered his message to me. I want to thank you SO MUCH for coming and sharing your story with us.”

“I want to thank you for coming to our school and giving that presentation. Your presentation was definitely better than anyone we have had in the past and changed me in a way that nothing has before.”

“A few days ago you visited my school and spoke to us, and I would like to let you know how much it meant. Out of every assembly I’ve ever been to, yours is the only one that caught my attention and really hit home. I’ve been involved with alcohol before, and it made me realize what I am doing to myself. Although I’ve never been in a car with an intoxicated person, I see what dangers can occur and how “temporary fun” is definitely not worth it. About everyone I talked to after the assembly said they really liked how you told your story and let others know what can happen when you drink and drive. I truly admire you and know that there really is someone out there that’s looking to help today’s teens. Thank you very much!”

“Today, I didn’t write to ask a question but rather to let you know how truly grateful I am to have been given the opportunity to learn from you. When you spoke to us I believe you didn’t just make us think something but you made us feel something too, and for the first time it seemed that our school was effected by the real world…because you spoke from the heart and we understood where you were coming from, we understood that sometimes actions really do have consequences, we understood that we aren’t superhuman and we understood that life is something to be cherished, regardless of what position you’re in. I could look across the auditorium and see tears flowing from face to face, from the seemingly immature freshman, to the strictest teachers. Although at times you had me laughing, I can tell you that by the end of the speech, once I walked out of that gym, I knew that I would take what you said with me for the rest of my life. I’m sure there will be stumbling blocks along the way and it won’t be as easy to stand up and say no, but the light within you as you spoke made us all feel so much more beyond empathy. You gave our school a lifetime gift of experience and the knowledge that comes from learning from mistakes. So God Bless you Chris and good luck in all your future endeavors.”

“You seemed so relaxed when you were up there it made the whole thing worthwhile. I’m sure if you weren’t so “chill” everyone would have just been like.”Blah blah blah…it’ll never happen to me…whatever…i don’t care.” but people actually were crying from your story. I mean, i rarely cry, and your speech made me burst out into tears, that’s gotta tell me something! But honestly, keep doing what you’re doing. If you ever feel it isnt affecting the people you speak with, just…well…don’t feel that way, because it isnt true at all! Your an amazing motivational speaker, i know you’ve motivated me far beyond what anyone else could have done. I can’t say thank you, because thank you isn’t enough. There are no words for how amazing i thought your performance was today. Please, please…PLEASE, never stop giving these speeches! I’m sure they’ve affected so many more people and your experience is somehow a blessing from God, a lesson to us all and you obviously are showing us that. Your a gift. Thank you so much!!!”

“First off I thought your speech was the best thing that ever came to our school. Everyone knows at my age we’re all beginning to party and i think your message will be something we will never forget, atleast for me. i think it is important for me to tell you that you truly are a hero and probably have saved many lives. Just among my friends, who say “i drive better when i’m drunk” i just look at them and think are they idiots? But the two friends who have said that, after they heard your story, admitted they would NEVER even think of driving again. I’m sorry the tragedy happened to you, but you’re saving so many lives. How could anyone ever get in a car with someone drunk after we heard your story?”

“I just wanted to say that you are a great speaker and I enjoyed the speech. Never before have I been so moved by a speaker. Instead of some old, fake, boring speaker who preaches cliched quotes, you were an interesting and captivating speaker. You immediately grabbed the attention of everybody in the room and made sure they got your message. You spoke in such an easy to follow way but were also very funny. You have a amazing gift and I hope that you continue to share it with others. I am glad that I had the chance to hear you message because I left with a feeling of inspiration.”

“I just wanted to say that your talk today was very moving, and amazing. It made me think a lot about some of the choices I have made. I am the same way you were, it can’t happen to me, that type of thinking. After your talk today it made me think, that it can happen to me and it might. It made me rethink all the temporary fun I am having now, and knowing it’s really not worth it. I could not even imagine waking up in the morning knowing I can not get out of bed myself, or worse never surf again. (Surfing is my passion.) I thank you for making an impact on my life, and bring up the importance of making the right choices.”

“I am a sophmore at West Point High School. You were recently here speaking about your “Ultimate Learning Experience”. I just wanted to let you know how much your message helped me. This past summer I began using alcohol. I was like you and thought it would be a good time. But as you said it ended up being temporary fun. I had more problems then you could even imagine just because i hung out with the wrong crowd. The other situation is that my grades also dropped a huge amount because of me not caring anymore. Well after hearing your message I am happy to report that me and two other friends have given up smoking and drinking. We also have taken your advice on school: 1- attend classes regularly 2- complete all assignments 3- get to know your teachers. Already in this short time I have seen improvment in my grades. I just wanted to take the time to thank you personally for helpin me and possibly saving my life. Without your message and your story I would still be drinking and who knows what could have happened. Thank you so much. I would love to hear you speak again so if there are any opportunities availible please inform me. Thank You So Much!
P.S.- Your sense of humor is awesome and never get rid of it!”

“As I sat in one of the front rows of the auditorium and listened to you tell your story I found it hard to hold back my tears. I was crying for a few different reasons. I cried for you and the obstacles that await you in the future, I cried because I didn’t understand why this happened to you and not me,and I cried because as I looked at the pictures of you and your friends at college…I saw myself and my friends in you guys. I am right now where you were four yeras ago. I party a lot..I guess I have a lot of temporary fun! I can only imagine how hard each day is for you. Especially because this accident only happened 4 years ago, so you’re probably still adapting to your new lifestyle, but after all of your words of advice to me today, I would like to give you some of my advice. Don’t ever give up. When you’re so tired of trying and fighting, please remember people like myself and my friends…that after hearing you speak to us, we left the room crying and decided right then and there that we were going to make a change in our lives. So when it hurts, please remember that through your pain you are changing and saving lives… One speech at a time. Thank you for your inspiration.”

“Today you came to my school, Grimsley High School, and I seriously doubt I will ever forget this day. Usually we have “motivational speakers”, and like you said, I usually fall asleep or do homework that’s due next period, but this time.. I paid attention. Your words were so touching. I’ve never cried over a expierence like that before…well I guess I’ve never had an expierence like that before. You probably saved my life, and I thank you for that. I am pretty much what you used to be, and it made me realize that I need to chill out with things that are “temporary fun”. I came on stage to talk to you, I had so many things to say but I couldn’t say them. I was in awe of the things that I had just heard.. Your speech was the ultimate learning expierence. But I just wanted to tell you the things I wanted to tell you earlier…YOUR SPEECH WAS AWESOME. I cant say that enough. It moved me a lot. But thank you very much for coming to my school, and changing my life.”

“There are certain people in the world who can light up a room just by walking in, and who can make a person smile when their heart is breaking. It is these people whose love for life gives inspiration to everyone who meets them. Thank you for being my inspiration.”

“You came to my school today (James Monroe) to talk about drinking and driving; and I can’t even begin to explain how much of an impact you had on me. I’ll be honest, at first I thought it was just going to be another “Don’t drink and drive kids, it’s not good” type of speech, but it wasn’t, and it gave me a whole new outlook on life completely. I’m just like you when you were in high school, I’d easily pick going out partying over staying home to study and do my homework… well, until today. I’ve been to a thousand assemblies before about drugs and alcohol and driving and I always knew it was bad and that I shouldn’t do it, but that never stopped me. And I guess somewhere in my subconcious I knew something really awful could happen, but that never really stopped me either… I always thought I was untouchable or invincible or something… that nothing that bad would ever happen to me. Well you made me realize that it can happen to anyone at anytime, in a split second. People have always told me that before and I listened, but it never really registered until today. You woke me up from this dream world I was living in and I can’t express my gratitude towards you enough. Not only that, but you’ve made me realize how much I take for granted and how much I have to be thankful for. Seeing the sun rise every morning is a blessing and going to school and learning is a blessing, not a chore. But most importantly, life is such a wonderful thing that should never be taken for granted… I just wish it hadn’t taken me seventeen years to figure that out, but if it weren’t for you, it would have taken me even longer. So all I want to say is thank you for everything. Thank you for waking me up from this dream world I was living in, thank you for finally making me realize what’s really important in life and what really matters, thank you for making me realize that I can’t be selfish because everything I do impacts other people, thank you for making me realize how precious life is, and thank you because you saved my life.”

“I am a sophomore at Giles High School. I just wanted to tell you that the speech you gave today was truly incredible. The combination of your wisdom, optimism, and humor is something much needed in today’s world. Though I’d sworn never to drink or do drugs a long time ago, I still got so much out of everything you said. You truly are an extraordinary person, and it is obvious as to why God put you on this earth. It is hard to imagine how many lives will change upon hearing your words, truly the stuff of wisdom. Thank you very much for coming to our school and I hope you will continue to strive as a sincere motivational speaker.”

“I attend Narrows High School. I just wanted to tell you thanks for caring, not a lot of people would do something like you did today. You made so many people think and care and cry. I know you made me realize alot of things and I just wanted to tell you thanks I wish there were more people like you in the world, that actually take there time to come and talk to a bunch of stubborn teenagers lol. You really touched my heart and I hope you touch a whole lot more.”

“Chris has taught me that life is so precious and to take full advantage of what God has given me. I have learned to never doubt my abilities. This has helped me to be successful in whatever I do. Thank you Chris!”

“Your presentation was well done. It touched me. I felt like it happened to someone close to me. You really impacted my life in just the matter of 35 minutes!”

“”Chris’ story has touched me in a way I never thought anyone I didn’t know could. I am in college now and I did fall into that first year college thing, but after hearing about Chris and what he has overcome, has made me stop and think about what is really important in my life. I just wanted to thank Chris for being able to talk about what happened to him and being very positive about it. Thank you.”

“I recently was given the chance to hear you speak at the YADAPP Conference at Longwood University in Farmville, VA. You are such an inspiration to many, including myself. I hope you will come and visit next year. Yes, I know the purpose of this conference was to prevent drinking and the use of drugs among teenagers, but your story changed my life.”

“I am a student who attended the camp YADAPP. We just recently had the pleasure of hearing your speech. You truly touched me. In the audience, I started to cry, not because of what happened to you, although it is a terrible thing, but because you are so strong. Your spirit is hard to ignore. You light up the whole stage. I’ve never seen nor heard anyone capture the audience of more than 200 teens like you have. It is just a wonderful gift. Your presentation was awesome and I think you really got across to a lot of people. I know you did to me. The one thing I noticed most about you is that you never let anything get you down. I don’t know you personally. But just sitting in the same room with you made me feel like you cared about me, personally.”

“This whole week at YADAPP has really let me see the way things should be. Sometimes things can seem difficult, doing the right thing can seem hard. But it doesn’t seem so hard now. You and your story is one I will remember. You are such a strong person and a true role model. I never really had one before, but you are definitely one to mention.”

“I was at YADAPP this past week and I just wanted you to know that I was moved by your speech. That entire week really made me rethink some of the things in my life. And, I just want to thank you for everything and for having the courage to get out and tell people about your story. I’m sure that takes a lot of guts. And, I’ll be praying for God to give you the strength and patience to reach your goals. I believe you’ll walk again.”

“”I just wanted to let you know that I think you are great and gave a lot of people at YADAPP, including myself, hope and strength. I’m really glad you came to speak to us.”

“I know you must know how much of an inspiration you are to A LOT of teens and adults, but I’m just gonna be another one to say that your presentation was AMAZING. You touched me so much and I’ll always remember you.”

“You are an exceptionally amazing and remarkable person and I feel blessed to have had the chance to both introduce you and hear you speak. The minute I saw you I could feel your humble, genuine and kind spirit; all three spiritual qualities I strive to possess myself. I feel that your experience is truly a tragic one, but through Christ’s power in your life, you have transformed it into a ministry in which you can bless and enrich other’s lives.”
YADAPP ’03 Junior Staff

“I heard you speak at RU a few days ago to our AHEC group. I would just like to tell you that you are an amazing person with more willpower and courage than anybody I have ever met. I would also like to say thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us because it has really influenced me to make the right choices and think about what I’m doing before it’s too late and for that I am truly thankful to you.”

“I met you in the park/fountain area early Saturday morning last week. I just wanted to say thank you for the monumental difference you have made on me. I realize you might hear that line a lot, however, I am sincere in stating it. That morning, as I was walking back, I realized what you made me do…smile, and I was extremely happy. I know any time I do get in a tough situation, I revert back to the little things you told me. Later that day, I couldn’t stop telling everyone that I know about you and how brave of a person you are. In high school, I was a PEER mediator who basically talks to people about their problems etc. Well, my goal was that if I could make the difference to just one person, then I accomplished it. I know you made a difference to me, as well as I am sure you have with others, but I can only say thank you.”

“One word for you: AWESOME! I think you are an awesome person and such a role model for any college community. Thank you so much for sharing your story with me and the freshman class of E&H. I don’t think people realize the impact of their choices. Your story makes students or really anybody sit back and think twice about things. You deserve tons of credit for sharing your story! Thanks again and may God Bless you and keep you always! Congratulations on the engagement!!”

“I was here when you spoke to the football team of Carson Newman a few weeks ago. What you said has really touched me. I have sent your web site to a few friends who have lost hope thinking that your story can touch their lives like it did mine. I guess all I am trying to say is thank you and keep up the good work. I’ll be praying for you and I know you’ll walk some day.”

“God has sent an angel to give us a message, and it changed us all for the better. Thank you Chris.” (Carson Newman Football Player)

“Chris really put forth the message that ‘giving up is not an option.’ Adversity will come, but it is people like Chris who show that you can do all things through Christ.” (CN Football Player)

“Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I enjoyed hearing from someone close to our age and experienced in what we’re going through. I believe your story really changed me and the way I feel about drugs and alcohol. My respect and admiration for you and what you had to say is greater than any other person I’ve known.” (Cave Springs High student)

“I attend the school that your visited today. Your story was very touching and I want to thank you and on behalf of the Sophomore class tell you that you really made an impact on our lives.” (Charles City High School student)

“I am one of the many students you have talked to about “The Ultimate Learning Experience.” I attend Middlesex High School and am in the 9th grade. I thought your presentation and the time you spent talking with us was a profound lesson of decisions and choices. I enjoyed you coming and talking with us immensely! Thank you for the motivation that you have given me! Good luck to you on your upcoming wedding! You are doing a great thing and I am so proud of people like you who are making a difference in the lives of young adults! I will never forget you.”

“It is my first year at Cave Springs High School. You came today and it was so different from any other red ribbon week assembly I’ve ever been to in my life. I think you are such a wonderful person just from what I learned from you today. It made me realize that any day it could be one of my friends up there. I honestly can say that I have never done drugs, nor drank any alcohol in my life, even though I have had plenty of opportunities to. After today, I don’t think I ever want to. It has never been worth it to me, but you just reassured that for me. I think what you are doing is great. I just wanted to thank you for taking the time out of your life to make a difference.”

“Of all the advice and stories from my aunt, parents, cousins, uncle, and everyone else, the real truth is that I have gained the most from yours. At first, I was so happy just to get out of class, but then I realized that I learned more than I probably have from my own parents, and everything that has been taken from a health book. And if not always, your speech today will play a huge part in my life.” (Cave Springs High student)

“Thank you so much for coming to our school and sharing your story. The students at Charles City High School and I were so impressed by your presentation. Your message was educational and moving to us all. You are an asset to the human population. May the Lord bless you in everything you do. Thank you so much.”

“Awesome Job! I think it is a great idea to share such personal experience! What you have said will really make a difference. Thanks!”

“I think you did a great job. Your speech really had a big impact on me and it really came close to my heart. Your speech was a good reality check and I think it will inspire people, including myself.”

“I think your speech was awesome! You have definitely motivated me to try harder in my school work and concentrate on what is important. I think it is great of you to go and teach young adults about your experiences. I have learned a lot from you! Thanks!”

“You never realize what you have until you see someone who has less. I have now realized that I take so many things in my life for granted. This presentation has really made me think and will definitely have an effect on my future decisions.”

“Hearing your story really made me think twice about how I spend my free time. I’m sure it had that effect on everyone else. Thank You!”

“”Thank you so much for using what happened to you in a positive way. I know that you have and will help save so many lives.”

“You’re a great speaker. It takes a lot to get up in front of people and share your story. I’m sure many people look up to you for your positive attitude towards things. You’re a great role model!”

“My name is Jessica. I go to Freeman High School- where you just gave a speech today. I did not have a chance to come and speak to you as there was a big crowd already. But I just wanted to say what a wonderful presentation it was- well not wonderful as in the subject matter but the way you handled it. I sensed right from the first minute of your presentation that you were going to be different from any other speaker we had ever had about this subject. You presented it so clearly and on a level that we could understand and your message really hit home with me. (not trying to say that I drink and drive and I am never planning to) but what you said about living every day and every minute like it was your last. I’ve thought about that a lot and you are so right. We cannot take our lives for granted and waste our time here. It is all we have. I just wanted you to know that I was listening and I heard what you said. I admire your incredible courage and strength to do what you do in your life. I wish that I can become as good a person as you are on the inside. Thank you so much for your time. I wish you the best of luck.”
Jessica

“My name is Reyes Clavijo and I teach Spanish at Moody Middle School. I had the chance to attend your speech today and I was deeply touched. All my students loved to have you here and were very impressed with your story and, especially, with your strength and vision of life.”
“I also had a car accident 3 years ago. I was driving just too fast and wasn’t paying attention to the road. It was raining and I was just listening to really loud music while singing at the top of my voice. I was lucky though, I only broke my back. I had to spend four months in bed and the doctor told me that I had been pretty close to break my spinal cord.”
Reyes

“Hey, I’m Casey, i was one of the students at Hungry Creek Middle School and I must say, your presentation touched me in so many ways, and it was honestly what i needed to hear. Because I’m going through a tough time right now not necessarily with drugs or alcohol but a couple months ago I made a horrible decision to steal, and i ended up getting caught and arrested that night with a friend of mine. I knew at the time it was wrong, but as you said today it was “temporary fun” it wasn’t worth all the heartache and trouble that it got me and my family into. That pretty much tore my family apart. And I’m usually not this open with people, but you said some pretty amazing things out there today,it honestly did touch me, and it changed my outlook on so many things, you made me realize that my life isn’t totally ruined, I can still go out there tomorrow and change my perspective and the way I do things and learn how to make the right decisions. Another thing is you convinced me that there’s more to life then just going out and partying till your drunk or anything like that, you can do other things to have fun, and you made me realize that i mean I haven’t really had any incidents with drugs or anything, I mean I don’t even do those things, but if the opportunity came up, you have given me the strength to say no, cause now i know the horrible consequences that could follow it. Not to sound corny or anything (ha), but you really changed my entire outlook on life and your back round and story moved me in a way that is so indescribable. I mean I never thought in one hour my life could be changed, and my entire way of thinking could be changed. And I thank you for that, YOU gave me the answers to every question i needed answering. I mean I don’t know any other way to say it except thank you, I don’t think I’ve ever heard something so touching and inspiring. Though we didn’t have the same situations, but some or most of the things you said today helped me so much. I don’t think anyone could ever know,i mean I was walking home today, and i was like oh my gosh,he really did like make me want to do good in school, get along with my parents, make good choices,and everything. And all i can say is thank you. So much. It did mean a lot to me.”
Casey Anderson!

“Chris Skinner spoke to our students this afternoon and an open forum of adults this evening at The Creek. What a profound effect he had. We were laughing one minute, crying the next minute, uplifted every minute. Can’t wait for you to experience the message of love, hope, and determination this man will bring to your schools tomorrow, enjoy!”
“Thank you so much for teaming with our school to make it possible for all our kids to see and hear Chris, he will rock you!
David W. Johnson
Project Manager CR&G IT

“You came to Hungarycreek Middle School today and OMG (hahah) you have changed my life forever. I left the gym crying and saying to my self i will never drink and drive and I will think before i do ANYTHING. I look up to you more then anyone in this world. I can not belive that this has happend to you. Well anyway thank you for changing my life in soooooooo many ways.”
Hailey Cardounel