‘Soar like an eagle’: Motivational speaker shares message with CCSD employees

Churchill County School District collectively experienced the uplifting message of motivational speaker Sam Glenn during his Jan. 3 presentation at the Rafter 3C Arena.

In his introduction, CCSD superintendent Derild Parsons said he had heard Glenn speak at a conference and arranged for him to come and inspire the district heading into the new year.

The first-year superintendent said having every employee in the district come together for an event is something that doesn’t happen very often.

“I’m so glad to see all of you. It’s wonderful,” Parsons said. “You are definitely the heart of this community. The work that you do influences the lives of the entire community.”

Parsons also introduced invited guests in attendance including the Board of School Trustees, Fallon Councilwomen Karla Kent and Kelly Frost, Naval Air Station Fallon School Liaison Melanie Murphy and Nevada State Sen. Robin Titus.

Known as “The Attitude Guy,” Glenn has been a professional speaker for more than 25 years. Also an artist and a bestselling author of more than 30 books, Glenn shared that attitude is what makes the difference in a life lived with purpose.

Glenn said he had been living a life with struggles including homelessness and unemployment caused by his bad attitude. A chance encounter at a buffet where he literally knocked over author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar led to a new friendship, a changed attitude and a new life.

Illustrating what he calls “The Art of Inspiration,” Glenn painted an eagle on a large canvas while he spoke to encourage the listeners to soar like an eagle through life. He also read an excerpt from his book, “A Little Thing Called Attitude: 10 Dynamic Lessons to Supercharge Your Life” to much laughter from the audience.

“Change your attitude to change the experience,” Glenn said. “Do what inspires you and grows you every day.”

The general consensus from the audience afterwards largely agreed that it was a great presentation. Churchill County High School Spanish and science teacher Lance Lattin said he would take away a good reminder from it about the importance of having a good attitude.

 “It was good to see the focus on a positive attitude and how it can change things around you,” school board trustee Joe McFadden said,

CCHS theatre and English teacher Ashley Adams said Glenn’s message was a good attitude check to start the semester, since she had arrived at the event feeling stressed by the many things she needed to finish.

The school district’s Work-Based Learning Coordinator Sue Segura said she thought the presentation was great because she feels that “attitude is everything.”

Veteran school bus driver Marsha Metz said Glenn’s stories were funny although she felt the presentation was aimed more at teachers who are face-to-face with the students for 6-8 hours a day.

“Transportation does make a difference,” Metz said. “As the students get on and we say ‘good morning’ and ‘how are you’ we set the tone for the day.”

 Numa Elementary special education teacher Jennifer Guerrero said the highlight for her was a reminder to add humor and joy into her teaching.

 “The event was a good refresher on checking in on what you think about your job and how you do your job and why we are here,” ELL teacher Brad Whitaker said. “It was really good.”

Glenn can be reached through his website at www.samglenn.com and on social media through Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.