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Jump to: Testimonials from Professionals I commend Scott Fried on a career that has been marked by outstanding service
and valor. Through his many years of service as an educator and motivational
speaker, he has been a model of leadership and courage to America's youth.
Your story was quite moving and I know you have impacted and touched the lives of so many students here at Kennedy. You are so empowering and I think you not only educated so many impressionable teens, but also gave so them the confidence to embrace their own individuality. Thank you for touching so many of us, myself included. It was an absolute pleasure meeting you. You will always be remembered.
His story is one of struggle, and many ways, one of both triumph and uncertainty. He allows his students, adults and teens alike, to accept the paradoxes the contradictions, and the conflicts in their lives to serve as opportunities to connect to what is important in their lives: recognition of their own value to themselves and to each other. The Rabbis teach that at all times are thirty-six righteous people who work miracles in the world. Their identities are never revealed. When one dies, another appears. Many of us in the room believe one of them was revealed to us that night. We wish him continued health and strength to continue his mission.
Thank you so much for the informative and timely presentation at the conference today for the Society of Pediatric Nurses. We received an overwhelmingly positive response form the participants. The talk was perfect.
Your presentation was amazing. By opening your heart and soul and speaking the truth you allowed us all the ability to touch our own humanity in a new and exciting way. You have a remarkable skill in telling your story and telling our collective story. I am so thankful that the youth and staff at The Bridge had an opportunity to hear your powerful message. We were all blown away by its power. I feel more alive as a result of meeting you. Thanks for the gift you gave each of us.
The delivery, storytelling and passion kept the students engaged as it wasn't the usual lecture students may get. I am confident that they will internalize your messages and gain insight on how they are "different" but not alone in any daily struggle they may have.
A student approached me after your talk and said, "This is why I am in medical school. This is what it's all about."
The
children seemed to make a connection to you, your tone, your mannerisms and
especially your openness and warmth. The result...a lobby filled with
parents waiting for their children to leave - but the kids would not go.
They ALL stayed to keep talking with you. It was an amazing sight to see. Education at its finest.
Student reaction was extremely positive and I have received numerous
phone calls from parents who thanked me for giving their children the chance
to hear Scott Fried. Furthermore, Mr. Fried's comments during the PTA
meeting about teenagers and their conflicting feelings truly made the
parents think about how they relate to their children.
You've touched so many hearts here, it's incredible! Thanks for
loving all of our students here, on their precarious journeys towards
comfort and safety. And thanks for continually energizing me to do well here
and in this world. You're the best. We're going to keep getting you back
here every year.
Once again you have touched many students here at Bates. Each time I
hear you speak I come away with a new understanding of what you are giving
students. Your messages are truly a gift for the soul, from the soul.
Both teachers and students report that the presentations were poignant,
gave them valuable life lessons and most importantly, challenged beliefs,
attitudes and behaviors. Your energy, positive attitude and comfortable way
or relating to adolescents continues to make you an exceptional speaker
and educator.
The power of your message and your overwhelming outpouring of care and concern for our teens and their families has enriched us all. It is truly a love relationship of mutual care and concern; for us and to you. It is because of you that our program continues to grow and expand. It is the highlight of the year for our students and our parents. We are so glad you are a part of our lives.
I think in many ways it was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. In part because of how your words touched me personally, but mostly because for the first time I saw "my" kids really listening.
In a word, you were simply fantastic. I cannot thank you enough for bringing such an important heartfelt message to our students and parents. Your life affirming lessons were truly terrific and the energy that you created will be remembered for a very long time.
Our interns found you honest, provoking and most of all inspiring. Thank
you for genuinely touching all of our interns this summer. We are grateful
for the many years of support and look forward to many more to come.
Inspiring and wholesome...he was a wonderful and easy camp "fit".
Without a doubt he was the best outside personality we have ever had with
the kids and the staff. He tailors the information to the appropriate
age level. The philosophy is very powerful. All the mothers of campers, who
work here and who witnessed his talk to the staff, have thanked me for
having him...absolutely no reservations...he is a grand slam home run.
When you walk in the room and start talking, you exude such an energy -
it's an if you are glowing - like concentric circles of heat, courage and
honesty that rappels around the room, touching each individual in its path. We are enriched by you.
Your message and your kindness stayed with me throughout the weekend,
after Friday's school-wide talk. So many individuals, both staff and
students alike, have spoken to me about how moved they were by your talks. You most definitely affect both thought and action by your powerful and
sincere presentation.
You make others want to curl up, stay awhile and warm their hands and
hearts in your presence. I know you have had that affect on the
students.
The feedback here has been outstanding. Both students and staff have
emailed me and stopped me in the hall to say that they've never experienced
a speaker like you before. Teachers are still in shock that the entire
group of 8th graders sat still for the entire presentation. What you did
here for our children will stay with many of them for their lifetimes.
We have been organizing the AIDS Awareness Program the past nine years
and we all agree that yours was the best to date. You kept the
students' attention in an unprecedented manner.
The high level of energy and strength you provided the participants was
outstanding. Your ability to engage each person and truly reach every
participant is a gift. The honest demeanor you held while speaking in a group
and one-on-one captivated everyone.
I know that each teenager that heard you speak will remember your
message and, God willing, learn to love themselves on both the inside and
outside. Your message will never be forgotten!
Your talk stressed four very important topics for the students to
ponder: that life is full of contradictions and choices we can make,
accountability, feelings and the sacredness of all of us. These topics gave
the students a lot think about and discuss with the Rabbis and amongst
themselves. We are very grateful for your enlightening talk.
Your message was so personal and so well done that you could have heard
a pin drop in that packed theater. And instead of hoping that maybe some of
them will get something out of it, I believe they all did. One of my
students was sitting near me during the presentation and the tears were
flowing - you must have said something that touched her to the core. Your message not only focused on AIDS, but on the pervasive loneliness that
many teenagers experience and their constant striving for love and making a
connection with others. Your message has something for everyone.
Your words were inspirational and I know you had an impact on every
student who was fortunate enough to hear you speak.
We are all deeply affected by your inspiring words and the exemplary way
you live your life. I feel blessed to know you and the students and
parents were honored to be in your presence.
It was inspiring to hear you speak about everything...anything!
The feedback we have received has been very positive. Youth workers and
clergy have told us that they gained many tools to help them in their work
with teens: knowledge of adolescent issues, resources to access and a sense
of confidence to keep moving forward in their work. We could not have
asked for better feedback.
The teenagers are still talking about you!
I'm still in awe. Words can never adequately thank you for
sharing yourself so fully with our kids. Please remember your new and
grateful friends at First Church.
After
your lecture, I got a call from a Mom who just wanted to say "thank you"
for providing her daughter with such a meaningful experience. She said
the her daughter hadn't stopped talking about it and she can already tell
what an impact it has made on her.
I am so
glad to have gotten the chance to meet you during your visit to our school
last week. I was one of the teachers in the audience. The students were so
moved by your visit. You are still very close to their hearts and always
in our prayers. You have such a gift to touch people's souls. May God
bless you in all you do. Stay strong.
Too bad parents can't rent him to live in the family for a while!
I was hungry and tired after a long day at work and had decided not to go to hear Scott speak tonight. My son told me that he would take care of himself for supper and that I had to turn around and go. Reluctantly, I decided I would go and leave quickly. But that's not what happened. I found Scott's talk very enlightening and learned a tremendous amount. I had to get used to the frank way he spoke and things he spoke about that I hadn't always given much thought to. However, his honesty and passion were infectious. I could not believe the time had passed so quickly. I have already implemented some of his recommendations and the results have been very positive. I feel that there is so much more that we could have learned from him and the short time we had with him was not enough. I am reading his books and listening to his CD, but I want more of him in person.
I am a parent and was in the audience tonight with my daughter. She also heard Scott speak over the summer at camp. He did a wonderful job relating to both the kids and the parents. He gave us all so much to think about, be thankful for, and to watch for. As a probation officer, I have worked with hundreds of clients (both juvenile and adult) over the past 32 years. Although I hope I have touched the lives of others, I know that Scott's message has reached so many more. Please keep up the good work.
You are an incredible speaker and person. I know you were going to be great, but I never imagined the impact you would make on my own life and with the relationships with my own children. I'm looking at them in a whole new way. I've gotten emails and calls about the program. You have to the best program/performance/speaker I've ever had in the eleven years I've been working here. Thank you, again.
I am still recovering from the deep affect! You are one fine man, full of truth, dignity, fairness and sensitivity. Thank you again for making a difference.
I am a mom and therefor a "pain absorber." We are all children at some level...the level that holds onto the big scary world of despair. Let me thank you again for your unselfish ability to open your heart to strangers. Let me thank you once again for your words that actually dissolved my heart heart guard and let me reach out anew to my teenagers. Last night, my son, who is 18, let me rub his shoulders and he requested an old lullaby. I sang him to sleep; he did not feel the grateful tears in my eyes. Life is so beautiful and cuts so deep at the same moment.
Scott's
ability to connect with humor, intelligence, compassion, memory and caring
to parents and children was a sacred gift. He is the greatest, most
inspirational speaker I've ever heard! I feel sorry for any teen who
couldn't be there!...What an exceptional and motivating speaker. I've never seen a group of kids
this age sit still for that long. Thanks for such a phenomenal gift....Scott is the most outstanding speaker I've ever heard and I've heard a lot
of speakers. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to hear him and meet
him. He is a real gem....
All teens should have an opportunity to hear him and his message....
I couldn't believe how the kids opened up and shared such profound personal
stories.... Thank you for such a rare gift. ....I am writing to tell you that your presentation made a profound impact
on my 14 year-old daughter. When she came home from school yesterday she
sought me out and sat me down to recount what you had said. Clearly it
resonated with her and seemed to bring her an inner peace I have not
seen in quite a while. Your personal experience moved her to feel pain
and concern for you and that is important. But as her Mom, what was more
profound was how you moved her to feel more comfortable about
herself. She was disappointed not to see you in the halls of the school
so she could tell you how much your talk meant to her. Give her
generally shy nature, that shows how much you touched her.
Scott Fried has a way of talking about uncomfortable, unpleasant issues that
need to be discussed in a way that makes teens want to listen and ask
questions. He reassures them that others share their thoughts, feelings and
fears and that they are worthy for who they are. He is a startling and
powerful speaker.
Scott's message is at the same time both deeply personal and universal; his
presentation compelling. Parents will be moved and educated by Scott's
story.
Scott woke me up to the fact that drugs, sex and risky behavior are issues
for my teenage kids NOW. Not someday soon but RIGHT NOW. His message is
even for 'good kids' and straight-A students. When he speaks to the kids,
you could tell what the real issues are FOR THEM - a sense of themselves and
their own self-worth, not just peer pressure or drugs or sex. He understands
what's at work in teenage behavior. Any parent of a teenager has GOT to hear
Scott Fried.
I bought his books to give to my teenagers when they get older, so they can
read them when they are parents themselves. Have
faith in me when I honestly state that since your appearance in Minneapolis
last Sunday, you have been "with me." You sit silently on my shoulder and
near my heart. I was totally captivated and deeply touched by your warmth,
honesty and being at ease discussing the issues that are paramount for all
of us. I felt honored to have been in the auditorium with the students and
their parents. You are truly an extraordinary human being and a "Mentch."
It was five years ago, when I was a student at the University of San Diego and you cam to the campus when we had a Day of Silence. I still remember you. Your life story made me think a lot about myself. Even now. You definitely shook me to the core and I literally lived your story while you were talking. I have grown up with the help of people who I've encountered and who have touched my heart. And Scott, you definitely are one of them. You stirred my fear, courage, love, loneliness, and I found something new out of the mixture.
If I hadn't heard you all the way back in 8th grade I truly think I would be different. Without meeting you, I don't think I would accept myself the way that I do and I don't think I would be comfortable saying I am completely imperfect and still be able to say, "I'm okay with that." And this thank you isn't just from me. I will be the voice for all the other kids in my school who want to than you and admit that they feel pain but are too afraid to speak up.
I told myself I wasn't willing to sit through a speaker trying to preach to me especially after losing a close friend of mine a few weeks prior to cancer. But your crystal clear descriptions and stories brought back memories and feelings. Your conclusions and takeaways I hold dear and will continue to share with others. From a person who entered your corner unwilling to listen, you opened my ear and my heart and I sincerely thank you for teaching me how to be accepting and proud of who I am am and also of what is important in life.
I don't expect a reply because I know you're very, very busy, but I wanted to send you warmth and love and thanks for all you have done. A few years ago you came to give a talk to some teens in England. I was raped the year before and was still very low and emotional when you came to speak, and I think I was in floods of tears the whole time... for you, for me, for everyone who ever hurt. You made me feel, really feel, and connect with the world for the first time in months, after months of feeling like I was viewing and feeling the world through plastic wrap. I could just feel so much love and warmth and life coming from you as you spoke. Your book lifts my spirits when I feel low even now. I am now married and rarely think about the rape but I will never forget your talk, or you. I wish you a long, healthy and happy life, changing the world in your own unique way.
Somehow your speech touched our school. After your talk, most people
(even my friends and I) were acting differently! We've been nicer,
calmer, sweeter.
I heard your words and they were like a song, like a story. Each word
had a million words connected to it. I completely believe that you
touched everyone in that room. People are still trying to take the
things you said into their every day lives. If I had to choose one
person who has made the biggest impact I would choose you. I know that
you don't expect to change peoples lives -- but you do.
A million thank you's. The first thing my mother did when she came home
from hearing you speak was put her hand on the side of my face. My mom
and I are very close, but your words have brought us even closer. We now
have a better understanding of each other. As I write I can't stop
crying, not because I'm sad, but because I feel fulfilled. You have
truly made my life that much better.
I'm an 8th grader who heard you speak today. It
is an experience I shall never forget. I may not remember every word you
said, or every high point of your your talk, but I will never forget the
emotion I was filled with while you spoke. I felt as if you were speaking
directly to me!" You are
teaching us how to live.
From the
beginning until the very end of your program my face was streaked with
tears. I cannot thank you enough for the time that you have spent teaching
us and teens all around the world about how to stay safe and to save
ourselves. I am not scared anymore. Thanks to you, I am know I am sacred.
Now I am
starting to realize just how important life is and I shouldn't waste what
some people would do anything for. So I would just like to say thank you
for sort of slapping me upside the head and getting me to think.
You are
the only person I know that I can talk to about this. Everyone else acts
like they could never get it. Thank you.
I've
gotten lots of speeches from adults before on how you shouldn't do this or
that, but you are the first person that actually made me think.
You have
become a role model to me.
I don't
think that anyone has touched my life like you.
Thank
you. You may have saved my life.
I want to say thank you for helping my friends and me. You made it okay for
me to cry. And something as simple as being able to cry has never felt so
comfortable and okay before.
I wanted
you to know it meant a lot to me that, during the end of your time with us,
you took a minute or two to just look around the room at every single
student. I cannot tell you how much it means to me knowing that hopefully
you remembered MY face and remember your time with ME. It is a great way to
show people visually that you DO care about them, even if it was just a few
hours. I cannot even begin to tell you about how much you moved/touched my
soul.
You might remember me. I am the boy who has the curly blonde hair and said
"you changed the way I feel about HIV." Anyways, what I wanna say to you is
that I felt completely different after you were done talking to us. I can't
thank you more than I can put into words. You are a very loving person and I
so very much appreciate you coming and talking to us about HIV and sex.
Thank you so very much and remember that you changed the way I feel.
You make
a difference. You get it: why people hurt inside. And you
taught me how to love other people and myself. I wish you the best and i
want you to know you are the most AMAZING person i have ever met. I will
NEVER for get you Scott.
Your story is sad, yet happy, and I
hope you live to tell it for years to come. I just wanted to thank you for
what you do and for your inspiration.
It's not
just that you speak the truth that inspires me. It's that you are okay with
the truth that inspires me!
You
impacted my life like no one has ever done. I feel like now i can be a
better person and really think of what really matters in life.
I
would like to let you know that our grade has changed since you came to
talk with us. We have become much closer. You have opened our eyes and
made us realize what it feels like to be called names and made fun of.
People who may have not been friends are talking and hanging out. I
think that we have realized that people are not always what they may
seem, and even if people are different, they are still people and they
deserve the same respect that we give everyone else.
Thank
you so much, Scott. Your talk touched me greatly and I will never forget
what you said. Some of the stuff that you were talking about really hit
home and now I know that I am really not alone. I am not the only one hiding
from my parents and from my friends. I feel like i found something in your
story that has made me stronger.
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You were so inspirational, and when the bell rang ending the second period of the assembly, my friend Olivia and I looked at each other and said in unison, "I don't want to leave...!"
You brought to life concepts that I never would have considered or fathomed a human being could bear to expose. Your brutal honesty and ability to bring out the deepest thoughts of all persons, whether teen or adult, is astounding. Your connection to the students was inspiring, a spiritual investigation of each of our souls. There are not that many people that I can say that I truly admire, but you rank among them. You are at the top.
Your lecture made me think of a few times when I felt so alone and crying
seemed like it would help, but I couldn't cry. I wanted that unbearable
sensation of pain that happens when you cry. But it didn't happen. And the
fact that I couldn't seemed to hurt more than anything. And I just wanted to
tell you that I could relate to your story, it's not exactly the same, but I
think it's pretty similar.