Honoured to Inspire Young Minds at Holy Family Elementary School
This morning, I had the incredible opportunity to deliver my motivational public speaking presentation at Holy Family Catholic Elementary School in Bolton, Ontario.
Mr. Barnett, the Principal, was exceptionally kind, attentive, and deeply involved throughout the event. He warmly welcomed everyone at the start of my presentation, coordinated the setup in the gymnasium, and facilitated the distribution of Exit Tickets. His support made the entire experience seamless.
A special thanks goes to Mr. Read, the Kindergarten teacher, whose assistance ensured that the technical setup in the gymnasium went off without a hitch.
The students were absolutely wonderful—engaged, attentive, and full of thoughtful, insightful questions during the Q&A session. Their curiosity and enthusiasm were truly inspiring.
We ended the morning by taking a memorable photo with all the students, a moment I will always treasure. Many students and teachers approached us afterward to express their gratitude and share how much they appreciated the presentation.
I am deeply thankful to Mr. Barnett for inviting me to speak to the students. It was an honour and a blessing to be a part of this amazing experience.
Below are excerpts from some of the students’ feedback as reflected on their Exit Tickets:
Today, I heard / saw … ” We met Giselle. Be respectful. Be kind to everybody. Giselle has nice hair an A nice purple dress. She is the best.”
This made me think … “To smile more. We can do anything we want. To love everybody. To share. We are all different. To help people more.”
Now, I wonder … “Next time I see someone is different from me I will say hi.”
Today, I heard / saw … “- Giselle’s tablet – Giselle walk – Giselle speak – questions – video screen – her parents -Giselle – Giselle’s thing that helps her walk – her wheelchair – her on the big screen – dress and pearl necklace”
This made me think … “- being kind – listen so I can hear Giselle – helping people -She’s inspiring us to be kind – of a guy who does hockey videos – ‘a loved one’ “
Now, I wonder … “- how many issues did Giselle have to go through? – how does she brush her teeth? – her favorite movie? – has she played any sports? – what is your favorite pasta? has she played any sports – what is her favorite pasta?- did she ever learn how to say any words without her tablet?- who is her best friend?- how does she eat?- does she have a crush on somebody?”
Today, I heard / saw … “- her walk – her laughing – her talking – standing by herself – smiling -answering people’s questions”
This made me think … “- don’t give up – I felt sad thinking about what happened to her – there can always be a chance that you can do whatever you want”
Now, I wonder … “- what it’s like to be like that (not be able to do what other people can) – (I wonder) how she feels right now – how she feels in a wheelchair – how hard is it to do things on her own”
Today, I heard / saw … ” * There is different ways to do things * You can always do something, always needs to try”
This made me think … ” * it is nice to always help people and be kind”
Now, I wonder … ” * We should always help people and show love”
Today, I heard / saw … ” her obstacles and life experiences. Giselle had to go through a lot in her life.”
This made me think … ” About being kind to other people who might need help”
Now, I wonder … ” how the technology works?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” All about Giselle’s life.”
This made me think … ” If I am showing enough kindness to others”
Now, I wonder … ” If she’ll ever be able to walk on her own.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That Giselle went through many challenges in her life.”
This made me think … ” That she is very brave and powerful.”
Now, I wonder … ” How many schools she has spoken to.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … ” to be a buddy not a bully.”
Now, I wonder … ” How life is in her shoes.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie giving a motivational speech”
This made me think … ” how brave she must have been for this”
Now, I wonder … ” when she started speaking to schools.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard that Giselle is brave.”
This made me think … ” That she is very kind and I will try a harder.”
Now, I wonder … ” How hard it is to have these disabilities.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard that Gisele was born in 1997″
This made me think … ” that anybody can do anything”
Now, I wonder … ” will everybody be nice now”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talking about her life.”
This made me think … ” How would it feel to live like that.”
Now, I wonder … ” How hard is it to live like that.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle was a hockey fan..”
This made me think … ” What team she likes.”
Now, I wonder … ” If she likes to skate.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … ” that anyone can do anything.”
Now, I wonder … ” What I can do to support others.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That she has a disability”
This made me think … ” of ‘a friend’”
Now, I wonder … ” how her everyday life is..”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talking.”
This made me think … ” people should be kind”
Now, I wonder … ” if people should be more kind”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … ” that we are all unique”
Now, I wonder … ” how I can help others”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … ” people should be equals.”
Now, I wonder … ” Why are some people not kind?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw Giselle walk with her dad.”
This made me think … ” That everyone should be kind.”
Now, I wonder … ” If her twin brother is just like her”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that Giselle will always be out there telling her great stories.”
This made me think … ” That I can be independent and brave.”
Now, I wonder … ” What will happen to my life and how I will live it.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle walking with no wheelchair.”
This made me think … ” That God can make things possible.”
Now, I wonder … ” If Giselle is not the only one like her.”
Today, I heard / saw … “Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … ” how she lives”
Now, I wonder … ” how many difficulties she has”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie, what her life was like, and her kindness.”
This made me think … ” about how hard her life probably is.”
Now, I wonder … ” Which school she’ll go to next.”
Today, I heard / saw … “Giselle Gaylie. She believed she can walk.”
This made me think … ” Anything is possible.”
Now, I wonder … ” if I can do new stuff”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw Giselle walk.”
Now, I wonder … ” This made me think anything is possible.”
Now, I wonder … ” What was her biggest struggle.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard that she is a public speaker.”
This made me think … ” She is very brave.”
Now, I wonder … ” How hard life is for her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” You in pictures.”
This made me think … ” Does your symptoms affect your growth?”
Now, I wonder … ” If in the future if you will get tall”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … ” What does she have.”
Now, I wonder … ” Can it be cured.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” An inspiring girl who was a great speaker.”
This made me think … ” That if she can think positive then I can too and I can be grateful for me.”
Now, I wonder … ” How her machine works / costs and if ‘a loved one’ could get one?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … ” That people need to be strong and that challenges don’t define you, they make you strong.”
Now, I wonder … ” How it’s like to be a motivational speaker.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a brave girl”
This made me think … ” of how strong and kind hearted she is”
Now, I wonder … ” if I can do the same and not care about what others think”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard a very inspirational presentation”
This made me think … ” about all the things that Giselle went through and how she was so strong to push through her challenges”
Now, I wonder … ” how Giselle came over her challenges and difficulties and became such an amazing person.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talk about her disability and all of the challenges she goes through.”
This made me think … ” to form my own path and to not bully anymore for their disability.”
Now, I wonder … ” if I can be as strong as her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard how difficult it is to be in a person like Giselle’s shoes.”
This made me think … ” She made me think about how she pushes herself to be the best person she can be!”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how she does different things. I want to know all the beautiful things she can do!”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That even if you have a disability you can do anything and be strong.”
This made me think … ” How many things people with disabilities can do.”
Now, I wonder … ” What other technologies now days can give opportunity for people with disabilities.”
Today, I heard / saw … “A brave person who stood up in front of lots of kids to talk about something important.”
This made me think … ” WOW! People have to be assisted. I’m so lucky to be me. She’s awesome.”
Now, I wonder … ” What disabilities does she have and what causes them.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That Giselle uses a computer to talk to everyone”
This made me think … ” that it’s really nice that if you can’t use your voice you can use a different one”
Now, I wonder … ” What if she needs a specific word that’s not in the computer”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle’s troubles and how you powered through them with the help you need”
This made me think … ” that no matter how hard life may seem I can always work through them”
Now, I wonder … ” how I can work through my troubles with those I need.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle. I heard her talk about her life. She talked about her challenges in life.”
This made me think … ” That it’s very nice that she can feel included.”
Now, I wonder … ” If I will ever see her again.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle walking and her confidence speech”
This made me think … ” how determined she is.”
Now, I wonder … ” How does she get through her day.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I saw Giselle walking and I heard her talking.”
This made me think … ” This made me think that how cool it was for her to do all of these things.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how long Giselle has been doing this for.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard the story of a girl who worked hard to overcome her challenges.”
This made me think … ” That we all have challenges, but if we work hard enough, we can all overcome them.”
Now, I wonder … ” How we can all do better to be better and more inclusive, little by little.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Kindness in the room with Giselle Gaylie.”
This made me think … ” How many things she’s been through.”
Now, I wonder … ” How difficult it would be to live in her shoes.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle say ‘my challenges don’t define me, they empower me’.”
This made me think … ” She made me think about how strong and kind she is.”
Now, I wonder … ” How difficult school and life was for her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A courageous young woman named Giselle, an I heard her tell about her difficulties as a disabled person.”
This made me think … ” It made me think of how amazing Giselle is for sharing her experiences.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how Giselle managed is to overcome her obstacles and became the amazing woman she is.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard a very motivating presentation.”
This made me think … ” That I should always be kind and be inclusive.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how she overcame her challenges and is still so inspiring, kind, and strong.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A good quote that inspired me”
This made me think … ” that it is important to include others.”
Now, I wonder … ” What is it like to be a public speaker.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A great presentation. What a good inspirational presentation”
This made me think … ” How people go through challenges.”
Now, I wonder … ” The different challenges that people go through.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard about on how hard it can be to have a disability.”
Now, I wonder … ” This made me think on how I should treat people because you don’t know what they are going through”
Now, I wonder … ” how she overcame the challenges she went through”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard many inspirational quotes”
This made me think … ” How people go through challenges”
Now, I wonder … ” How she was able to overcome the challenges she went through.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That you shouldn’t let your challenges get the best of you but overcome them”
This made me think … ” that everyone is important and you should never be rude or exclude someone”
Now, I wonder … ” how she was able to overcome all the hard challenges she had.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A public speaker who said a lot of encouraging words”
This made me think … ” that everyone is equal and we should never exclude anyone.”
Now, I wonder … ” How she was able to get through her challenges”
Today, I heard / saw … ” She never gave up no matter what people thought of her.”
This made me think … ” to always keep going no matter the challenges in your life.”
Now, I wonder … ” how she was able to overcome the battles happening in her life.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw how difficult it can be to be in her shoes.”
This made me think … ” That I should always be kind!”
Now, I wonder … ” How she overcame the challenges she went through such as learning, walking.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a lot of wonderful things about treating people with kindness and respect.”
This made me think … ” Of the kind and supportive people in her life.”
Now, I wonder … ” About the many things she has and will accomplish.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” respect”
This made me think … ” never give up”
Now, I wonder … ” how did she get disabled.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw Giselle stand up.”
This made me think … ” that you should not give up.”
Now, I wonder … ” how it will feel like a public speaker.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” About kindness”
This made me think … ” No one is the same!”
Now, I wonder … “Is kindness everywhere”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that Giselle can still help even though she has a disability.”
This made me think … ” about all the people who has a disability.”
Now, I wonder … ” If Giselle can understand us?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle”
This made me think … ” to follow my dreams”
Now, I wonder … ” how she made it this far.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that everybody can do anything.”
This made me think … ” I can do everything when I try.”
Now, I wonder … ” if it was hard for Giselle”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw her walk”
This made me think … ” she was cool”
Now, I wonder … ” why she can’t talk”
Today, I heard / saw … “Giselle “
This made me think … ” that even though we are different we don’t exclude”
Now, I wonder … ” if this will inspire everyone like Giselle.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard Giselle say it is important to be yourself”
This made me think … ” I should believe in myself.”
This made me think … ” If she will ever come back”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talk about KINDNESS!!!”
This made me think … ” about how I treat other people.”
Now, I wonder … ” What other schools Giselle will go to.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” today I heard that everybody is different. And anything is possible”
This made me think … ” how nobody is the same”
Now, I wonder … ” how long is she in the hospital”
Today, I heard / saw … ” today I saw what she used to talk and walk.”
This made me think … ” If she can walk in the future.”
Now, I wonder … ” How hard it was for her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That she uses so much things and I saw what she uses to talk”
This made me think … ” she did so best to do this and many she uses those things”
Now, I wonder … ” now I wonder Giselle how much time she did this and I don’t no why is she so cute.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I saw Giselle talking about herself to us an I saw what she uses to help her walk.”
This made me think … ” It made me think about how anything is possible.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how she switched the slides?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard her speak on a grid pad.”
This made me think … ” I saw her walk …”
Now, I wonder … ” what special needs did she have.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a beautiful inspiring presentation”
This made me think … ” that anyone can do anything”
Now, I wonder … ” what do people think about how does the grid pad work”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that she has a stand that she can stand or walk on it and she is 27 years old. I saw that she is a wonderful person.”
This made me think … ” How did she get the disability to walk or how did she make friends.”
Now, I wonder … ” How does she use the grid pad and where did she get the grid pad? But overall she is a wonderful girl she is so nice. She is the best!”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard the grid pad the speaking for Giselle.”
This made me think … ” That you can do anything you want to be as long as you believe.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how the grid pad works”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that I realized the she struggles”
This made me think … ” About a lot of disabilities”
Now, I wonder … ” how she talks to students”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw she here birthday on 1997″
This made me think … ” she is special”
Now, I wonder … ” help people”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I saw a person who struggled to get to where she is today.”
This made me think … ” This made me think about how I myself have no friends.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder what it would feel like to be Giselle.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That Giselle is a public speaker”
This made me think … ” of all the other people that have challenges”
Now, I wonder … ” how the grid pad works.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw and heard Giselle talking about her career.”
This made me think … ” Giselle made me know anything is possible.”
Now, I wonder … ” How does the grid pad work”
Today, I heard / saw … ” today I heard and saw was a grid pad that she used to speak I also heard her talking about her life.”
This made me think … ” This made me think that we are all different.”
Now, I wonder … ” Now, I wonder about how nice people were with her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Dear Giselle and parents I heard positive and some emotional words I saw Giselle and parents happyness.”
This made me think … ” What Giselle and many other people go through every day I hope Giselle is more able to walk”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how many others are like her and have challenges like her”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard Giselle’s grid pad.”
This made me think … ” It made me think about a ‘friend’”
Now, I wonder … ” How for grid pad works.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle’s grid pad.”
This made me think … ” How long she was a speaker”
Now, I wonder … “How her grid pad works.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talk about her life.”
This made me think … ” About how hard it would be for her.”
Now, I wonder … ” How the grid pad works”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw all of her like graduations videos and stuff Giselle was born”
This made me think … ” how she had to go through all of these things in her life”
Now, I wonder … ” what age did Giselle start being a speaker.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard that she walks with her dad and saw her walking with her dad.”
This made me think … ” How she feels and how I would feel if I were her.”
Now, I wonder … ” How does she talk, how does she say what she thinks”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle and her story. How she grew up and her challenges.”
This made me think … ” Of how smart she is and that anything is possible if you put your mind to it”
Now, I wonder … “was everything difficult or was some stuff easy”
Today, I heard / saw … ” her talking about the problems and the people helping her through it.”
This made me think … ” How hard it must have put Giselle through.”
Now, I wonder … ” How strong she is by being a professional speaker, speaking to a lot of schools”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A script/ passage from Matthew/ Bible”
This made me think … ” about empathy”
Now, I wonder … ” am I empathetic?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That she has a twin brother.”
This made me think … ” that how her twin brother feels”
Now, I wonder … ” are there any obstacles in life like if she gets made fun of or other problems.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle, and her presentation about kindness and her obstacles”
This made me think … ” of ‘a loved one’”
Now, I wonder … ” if others will stop making fun of others differences or impairments”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a girl grew up physically challenged”
This made me think … ” it must be very hard growing up that way”
Now, I wonder … ” what her origin is”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How she can walk.”
This made me think … ” about how hard it might be.”
Now, I wonder … ” if she will walk by herself one day”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A brave and strong person who keeps on trying no matter what period”
This made me think … ” To be kind to others and never give up.”
Now, I wonder … ” What is her background/ where is she from”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Strong, brave, smart Giselle.”
This made me think … ” of all the strong kids with a disorder and how brave they are.”
Now, I wonder … ” I can become a better person”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw a power woman”
This made me think … ” how she worked over everything”
Now, I wonder … ” how I can spread kindness”
Today, I heard / saw … ” about how someone like Giselle faces different challenges every day.”
This made me think … ” about how strong Giselle is through her tough times.”
Now, I wonder … ” How did Gisele get to where she is.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle and I heard about her life story.”
This made me think … ” how hard her life has been and how hard it has been for her parents.”
Now, I wonder … ” how long it will take till she can walk by herself”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard that she has a disability to not speak or walk properly. I saw that she always tries to do her best and always wants to help other people.”
This made me think … ” of ’a friend’”
Now, I wonder … ” if she’s always liked that. Don’t have any questions”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a famous motivation speaker”
This made me think … ” to never give up.”
Now, I wonder … ” What her biggest challenge was.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a famous speaker named Giselle.”
This made me think … ” that anything is possible no matter what.”
Now, I wonder … ” what is the biggest challenge she has faced.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw her walk and stand I heard her talk about school”
This made me think … ” this made me think that just because you have a disability you don’t have to be treated differently”
Now, I wonder … ” how it’s like with a disability!”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard about her and the ways she copes with it. I also saw that she is brave”
This made me think … ” about ‘a loved one’ they are very brave people”
Now, I wonder … ” I can become a better person.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I saw Giselle and heard her story.”
This made me think … ” This made me think how strong Giselle is and what she went through.”
Now, I wonder … ” Now I wonder why people make fun of people with special needs when they are the strongest people I know.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw how she is a strong person. I heard that she felt invisible.”
This made me think … ” This made me think that she is such a strong person and that she perseveres through her challenges”
Now, I wonder … ” How she grew up and how she learned in school.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A strong, smart and very brave person named Giselle.”
This made me think … ” That life might have been hard but she pushed herself.”
Now, I wonder … ” Is she born in Canada or the U.S.?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard kindness and a good story.”
This made me think … ” This made me think about other stories and that everyone has a story.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how everyone feels different and has different challenges”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A strong brave hero”
This made me think … ” She is strong because her life is hard but she kept going.”
Now, I wonder … ” how can I be more like her”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard a positive speech that helped me realized that I am lucky and special in my own ways.”
This made me think … ” How God has made me my own unique person..”
Now, I wonder … ” like when you were in school and how it affected your learning.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle. She shared her story and learned about her journey of having her condition.”
This made me think … ” of the hardships and challenges every disabled person. Of how one person could go through so much and still up and still end up helping others.”
Now, I wonder … ” If she will soon be able to move and walk freely once again with the support and help from people around her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that everyone matters and Giselle Gaylie stand up with her disability.”
This made me think … ” that I can do anything I dedicate to even if it’s hard and that I am important and not to worry what others think..”
Now, I wonder … ” What other great things Giselle Gaylie has done with her disability and how she lives her life with her disability.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talk about how she has faced many challenges and how she is never alone.”
This made me think … ” That when I go through challenges I don’t have to go through them alone because there are always people to help me.”
Now, I wonder … ” How I can help and be there for others when they need help or support.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talk about her struggles she faced with her disability but she never had to go through them alone.”
This made me think … ” that I don’t have to go through challenges alone, there are always people there for me”
Now, I wonder … ” how I can help and make others feel included and not alone.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard about the struggles she faced.”
This made me think … ” How does Giselle have so much determination?.”
Now, I wonder … ” How far can she walk? How does her machine work?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I saw giselle’s presentation.”
This made me think … ” This made me think that I shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Now, I wonder … ” Now, I wonder what I could do in my life to help others!”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I saw somebody with a disability who doesn’t let it hold them back.”
This made me think … ” This made me think about how grateful I am to not have that disability “
Now, I wonder … ” Now, I wonder what it’s like to be her”
Today, I heard / saw … “I learned how she became a speaker.”
This made me think … ” That anything is possible with help”
Now, I wonder … ” How she thought of becoming a motivational speaker.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … ” about the disabled.”
Now, I wonder … ” How they’re treated.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie’s story and how she walks.”
This made me think … ” about the other people with cerebral palsy walk.”
Now, I wonder … ” How many people have cerebral palsy in the world.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle’s dad helping her walk.”
This made me think … ” of how much we can accomplish by helping each other.”
Now, I wonder … ” How I can help others as well, and how I can make a difference in the world.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle’s experiences of life and saw how much she enjoys motivating others.”
This made me think … ” that we all have challenges and we just have to keep on persevering.”
Now, I wonder … ” How I can be motivational and strong just like Giselle.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That she felt invisible and got bullied.”
This made me think … ” of when I felt invisible and had no one.”
Now, I wonder … ” if we felt the same way”
Today, I heard / saw … ” an amazing public speaker share her experiences.”
This made me think … ” if anyone else has the same motivation and want for independence as her.”
Now, I wonder … ” how I can apply what I learned from Giselle in my daily life.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle’s story of her life and her experience”
This made me think … ” How I can better myself”
Now, I wonder … ” how I can help others and be there for them.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A very inspiring quote”
This made me think … ” How you have so much courage?”
Now, I wonder … ” what is it like to have a disability.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” About Giselle’s life and how everyone needs someone. No one is an island.”
This made me think … ” that anyone can do anything if they put their mind to it and are determined.”
Now, I wonder … ” What I can do if I stay determined and positive.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That Giselle’s birthday was July 7.”
This made me think … ” that she is cool.”
Now, I wonder … ” What year she was born.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Someone who was less fortunate than me and turned it into a good.”
This made me think … ” How I can be better to people.”
Now, I wonder … ” If me or anybody can do whatever you want to.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That she faced many challenges.”
This made me think … ” that she is normal”
Now, I wonder … ” how she did it”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a very motivational speech”
This made me think … ” that I could do anything I put my mind to”
Now, I wonder … ” What it’s like to be Giselle.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” The story and perspectives of Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … ” What do other people with special needs feel when living life!”
Now, I wonder … ” Can special needs people feel good too?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a girl who is wanting to be a public announcer but she is disabled.”
This made me think … ” that I always have to be grateful for everything I have.”
Now, I wonder … ” what it would be like if I was in her shoes”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle walking and it made me happy because she is independent, strong, and motivational it is making me change the way I see life.”
This made me think … ” that I take things for granted and I do not appreciate the little things I have because to others they are big things. It made me realize I should ask for help and not be afraid.”
Now, I wonder … ” What it is like to get up in front of a crowd and change the way people see life and how people learn it’s OK to ask for help because Giselle did it for me.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that even though Giselle has disabilities it doesn’t stop her from being an amazing person and helping others.”
This made me think … ” of how lucky I am and how I can do things just like her.”
Now, I wonder … ” What can I do to help others in my community and life?.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talk about her struggles.”
This made me think … ” how easy I have it and how hard it is for her”
Now, I wonder … ” how I can help others”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That she was very courageous in her life.”
This made me think … ” that I could have more courage”
Now, I wonder … ” if I will be able to have more courage”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that every time people clap she would have the biggest smile.”
This made me think … ” this made me feel really happy because she looked so happy and I just thought it was cute.”
Now, I wonder … ” that if I smile at people more they might feel happy too.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle say that as a kid it was hard for her and still is.”
This made me think … ” That I can do anything she does.”
Now, I wonder … ” If she ever could walk by herself.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a motivational speech”
This made me think … ” What I feel someone’s pain.”
Now, I wonder … ” how a speech can change someone.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that you should respect everyone for who they are.”
This made me think … ” She has challenges she overcame.”
Now, I wonder … ” with my challenges maybe I could overcome them too.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle’s story.”
This made me think … ” of my own life”
Now, I wonder … ” if it ever gets easier”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A motivational speech and how we should be kind.”
This made me think … ” How hard it was for you to grow up”
Now, I wonder … ” How you feel”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle’s story.”
This made me think … ” how hard it can be to have a disability”
Now, I wonder … ” how many other people around the world struggle with disabilities”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a motivational speech.”
This made me think … ” about Giselle Gaylie.”
Now, I wonder … ” how she thinks”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How hard it was it was.”
This made me think … ” How we should stop bullying.”
Now, I wonder … ” If this assembly changed people.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a presentation her story”
This made me think … ” that it is hard for her and everyone should be accepted.”
Now, I wonder … ” How hard is life for her and everyone.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie standing up.”
This made me think … ” That she is an awesome person and she is kind and loving.”
Now, I wonder … ” if she goes to work.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle’s story”
This made me think … ” That she is awesome!!”
Now, I wonder … ” What her brother’s job is”
Today, I heard / saw … ” saw: her legs are not real but they help her move. Heard: a motivated speech.”
This made me think … ” That just because she has a disability does not change anything about her.”
Now, I wonder … ” How life would be if I had a disability like her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I heard her story.”
This made me think … ” how we should stop bullying”
Now, I wonder … ” Why people bully.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … ” that it can be hard for others”
Now, I wonder … ” What it feels like to have cerebral palsy.
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie with her speech”
This made me think … ” anyone can do anything.”
Now, I wonder … ” What is it like to be in her shoes.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A very motivational speech today I saw a very beautiful kind young lady”
This made me think … ” to not judge a book by its cover and even if someone has a disability they are still a human being”
Now, I wonder … ” how life would be if I had a disability”
Today, I heard / saw … ” She speaks with her eyes.”
This made me think … ” how does she speak with her eyes.”
Now, I wonder … ” how does she write.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” teach us hope and kindness, and helpful.”
This made me think … ” Happy, little sad, positive!”
Now, I wonder … ” If she has a nice day and has a great smile!”
Today, I heard / saw … ” She was teaching about kindness”
This made me think … ” how she speaks.”
Now, I wonder … ” If she will be able to talk by herself.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that her favorite colour was pink and white.”
This made me think … ” she was really kind.”
Now, I wonder … ” she’s so kind”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talking about her life story.”
This made me think … ” how hard thing might be for her.”
Now, I wonder … ” If people will be nicer.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” An assembly with Giselle.”
This made me think … ” that everyone understood how to be inclusive”
Now, I wonder … ” if she teaches lots of schools to be kind”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw/ heard that just because Giselle has a disability doesn’t mean she will ever let herself down.”
This made me think … ” that no one should tell you how to do something never give up.”
Now, I wonder … ” if everyone will do the same thing as Giselle to never give up!! PS. Giselle you’re a really good idol for people. You are sweet and kind person now I’m going to be like you a smart and brilliant girl.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talking”
This made me think … ” that she is brave”
Now, I wonder … ” why people were mean to her. You’re very nice”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talking about her supportive community”
This made me think … ” I love those types of people. Giselle is amazing!”
Now, I wonder … ” Where did you get your dress it’s so beautiful! You are super pretty”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle”
This made me think … ” how lucky I am.”
Now, I wonder … ” If this will make people kinder.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle express her feelings”
This made me think … ” what other Catholic schools do you go to.”
Now, I wonder … ” why you’re a motivational speaker”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that everyone is special”
This made me think … ” treat everyone with kindness “
Now, I wonder … ” if everyone is treated with kindness”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that even if you’re different you can do anything!”
This made me think … ” Of how you should treat everyone with respect.”
Now, I wonder … ” Will this presentation change how people act to each other.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Someone’s story disability”
This made me think … ” if she can do anything then so can I.”
Now, I wonder … ” She is awesome like everyone!”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talking about her story.”
This made me think … ” She has a wonderful story.”
Now, I wonder … ” if people will be kinder and inclusive”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle.”
This made me think … ” how cool it is to keep trying”
Now, I wonder … ” what is like to be a positive speaker by the way you are very pretty.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talking with her communication tablet.”
This made me think … ” Did she ever feel fear?”
Now, I wonder … ” What disability does she have? Giselle is so pretty!.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle”
This made me think … ” for me to be brave.”
Now, I wonder … ” more about my friend.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talked about disability.”
This made me think … “about a friend.”
Now, I wonder … ” she did a great job”
Today, I heard / saw … ” an amazing speech.”
This made me think … ” that even if you have a disability you can still make it.”
Now, I wonder … ” why she chose to be a motivational speaker.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talk about her disability.”
This made me think … ” She is amazing!!”
Now, I wonder … ” Was it hard growing up?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle “
This made me think … ” that she is amazing “
Now, I wonder … ” is she ever go to walk “
Today, I heard / saw … ” someone with a disability “
This made me think … ” how hard is it to walk? “
Now, I wonder … ” Was it hard for her to stand? “
Today, I heard / saw … ” someone who is brave and kind”
This made me think … ” about how hard life can be for people “
Now, I wonder … ” now I wonder how I can be brave and have courage like her. “
Today, I heard / saw … ” Someone is brave “
This made me think … ” how difficult it could be “
Now, I wonder … ” how I can be like her”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a strong woman “
This made me think … ” How many people are dealing with the condition”
Now, I wonder … ” How life is for Giselle”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw how she walks and how she talks”
This made me think … ” how her life is really hard”
Now, I wonder … ” what else she will learn”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I heard an amazing speech and saw how she walks “
This made me think … ” About how difficult it can be’”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder if someday she can run”
Today, I heard / saw … ” someone who has a disability persevering.”
This made me think … ” how difficult life can be.”
Now, I wonder … ” what else she will achieve.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” about how a nice thing can make someone’s day “
This made me think … ” I should be nicer “
Now, I wonder … ” if I should be nicer”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that having a disability affects on your daily life”
This made me think … ” that having a disability makes life harder “
Now, I wonder … ” how it would be to have a disability”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a strong person”
This made me think … ” how privileged we are”
Now, I wonder … ” how life would be with cerebral palsy”
Today, I heard / saw … ” someone that is a strong independent woman”
This made me think … ” how hard life could be”
Now, I wonder … ” her struggles in life”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard how she dealt with disability all her life.”
This made me think … ” that she is a strong woman because of her experience.”
Now, I wonder … ” If she can walk by herself without help as time goes on.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a brave woman with a disability”
This made me think … ” about how hard it could be.”
Now, I wonder … ” what she goes through every day. “
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard an awesome person’s speech Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … ” hearing her talk about her struggle. She reminded about my ‘challenges’. “
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder if I can be just as great as her”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie speaking …”
This made me think … ” on how everyone has a different path to the top”
Now, I wonder … ” How life would be with a disability “
Today, I heard / saw … ” how some disabled thrive and what they struggle”
This made me think … ” that disabled people shouldn’t be bullied”
Now, I wonder … ” what do they suffer in life. “
Today, I heard / saw … ” heard her voice but it was very hard to hear”
This made me think … ” everyone can change”
Now, I wonder … ” how it was growing up”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw how she walks”
This made me think … ” this made me think about all the difference in the world”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder if there is more difference in the world.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” it was hard to hear her I saw about her life”
This made me think … ” how was her life”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how it was growing up”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle “
This made me think … ” She is a great person”
Now, I wonder … ” I hope that she inspires children”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle “
This made me think … ” if it was hard for her “
Now, I wonder … ” if we can help all the disabled people in the world “
Today, I heard / saw … ” a girl walking”
This made me think … ” if they are happy”
Now, I wonder … ” if they treated the same? Are they OK “
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard her talking”
This made me think … ” of how it would be for her”
Now, I wonder … ” how to make schools inclusive. “
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle her challenges”
This made me think … ” about people with disability”
Now, I wonder … ” How we can make schools better”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw her walk.”
This made me think … ” this made me think how brave she is.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how hard it was to control.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard how she walks”
This made me think … ” how hard it is for her to walk”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder if she is okay.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” to never give up”
This made me think … ” why I gave up a lot “
Now, I wonder … ” how I can improve”
The feedback from the students was incredibly heartfelt and inspiring. Many shared how my story resonated with them on a profound level, with some even expressing deeply personal reflections about their own lives. Their thoughtful questions and personal connections to my journey were truly moving and deeply appreciated.
Reflecting on this wonderful event, I feel humbled and grateful for the warmth, engagement, and heartfelt reflections shared by the students and staff at Holy Family Catholic Elementary School. Their curiosity, kindness, and the connections they shared remind me of how meaningful it is to do this work.
It was a true honour and a blessing to share this experience with such an attentive and thoughtful audience. I leave with a full heart, inspired by their questions, feedback, and openness to new perspectives.
Thank you once again to Mr. Barnett and the entire school community for welcoming me so warmly. I hope to continue sharing and learning through experiences like this one.
