As part of the Project Reclaim program, Executive Director Ron Anderson delivered a lecture on gratitude to local students on June 26, emphasizing how a positive mindset can shape a better future.
The session, one of many life skills lessons offered through Project Reclaim, focused on prompting students to reflect on the things and people they are thankful for. Anderson asked them to consider areas such as people, moments, possessions, skills, and personal gifts.
To illustrate the power of gratitude, Anderson shared the story of Bobby Martin, a high school football player born with caudal regression syndrome who played as a defensive lineman despite being born without legs.
“Even though he was born without legs, he was still grateful for what he had,” said Anderson. “We take things that we have been given for granted.”
Anderson shared additional examples of individuals who overcame adversity by focusing on what they had, not what they lacked. He spoke about how a shift in thinking can influence every part of life.
“There’s a lot of people out there who say ‘I have to go to work in the morning.’ I say, ‘I get to go to work in the morning,’ and do you know why? Because I remember a time when I prayed for a job,” said Anderson.
Following the lecture, students participated in a segment of Project Reclaim TV, where they interviewed one another about the things they are grateful for, recording the responses as part of their media training.
Project Reclaim continues to provide students with leadership development, life skills, and mentorship opportunities to help prepare them for success in school and in life. For more information, visit Project Reclaim’s website at https://prstars.org/.
