Eighth-grade students at MICDS recently had the privilege of hosting a distinguished guest, Ben Newman, who, beyond his accolades as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author, is also a parent within our MICDS community. This special connection made the event even more meaningful, as it brought a sense of intimacy and familiarity to the gathering.
Newman’s professional portfolio boasts engagements with Fortune 500 corporations, influential business leaders, and renowned professional and collegiate athletes worldwide. His extraordinary talents have earned him recognition as one of the Top Five Mindset & Performance coaches globally by USA Today. However, to his child here at MICDS, he’s simply known as “Dad.”
During his visit, Newman addressed the students, sharing his personal journey of being bullied. He provided valuable insights into developing a resilient mindset when facing such challenges. On the other side of the coin, he emphasized the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, urging students to avoid perpetuating bullying behaviors.
Throughout his presentation, Newman wove a tapestry of personal anecdotes, highlighting the importance of believing in yourself. He conveyed the powerful idea that contributing to a team, whether in sports, school, or life, fosters a collective strength that surpasses individual capabilities. He inspired our students, urging them never to relinquish their dreams, as he assured them, “You already possess the potential within you to transform your dreams into reality.”
Middle School Dean Charlotte Dougherty said, “Mr. Newman spoke to the students with such passion and energy that you could see them sitting taller in their chairs. As I watched the students listen intently to Mr. Newman, I was reminded of the phrase, ‘It takes a village.’ How fortunate we are to have such amazing members in our community who are willing to share with our students.”
Ben Newman’s visit left an indelible mark on our eighth graders, imparting life lessons that transcend classroom boundaries and reinforcing the values we hold dear at MICDS.