Sharing a Message of Love at St. Catherine of Siena
Music by Luc Gaylie: Gotta Think Positive
Sharing a Message of Love at St. Catherine of Siena
This morning, I had the privilege of visiting a school community that welcomed me with open arms — St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Elementary School. I arrived just after 8 a.m., and from the moment I stepped through the doors, I felt wrapped in joy, familiarity, and genuine kindness.
As soon as we walked in, Ms. Fernandes, the Vice Principal, greeted us with the warmest smile, overflowing joy, and a heartfelt hug. She remembered me from a previous presentation at another school, and seeing her again felt like reconnecting with an old friend who had always believed in me. Moments later, Ms. Di Muzio, the Principal, came out to welcome us as well. Her graciousness and warmth made me feel instantly at home and deeply appreciated.
While we were still in the foyer, we saw Ms. Cantori, the school secretary, who welcomed us with her familiar smile and kind presence — a small moment that added even more warmth to the start of the day.
Setting Up for Something Special
Inside the gym, Ms. Menezes, the Grade 2/3 teacher, and Ms. Fernandes worked together to set up the audiovisual equipment. They tested the microphone, checked the sound, and made sure every detail was just right. Their care and teamwork meant so much to me — it allowed me to focus fully on what I came to share: love.
While we were still in the gymnasium, one of the most touching moments of the morning unfolded. I saw Ms. Alvarez, my former educational resource worker — someone who supported me from Grade 8 all the way through high school. She came to see me briefly, and her pride in me was unmistakable. Even though she couldn’t stay long, her warm morning greeting filled my heart and made the day feel even more special.
School began at 9 a.m., followed by the morning announcements. Once they were completed, classes were called to the gymnasium. It didn’t take long before every class — from Kindergarten to Grade 8 — filled the space.
Seeing so many wonderful, curious students gathering together brought me so much joy. Each class sat attentively in their rows, waiting with anticipation for my presentation on this month’s school theme: Love.
Sharing My Message of Love
After a beautiful introduction by Ms. Fernandes, I began my presentation on love and the relationship we build with ourselves as children of God.
The students listened with such intention. Their eyes were bright, their hearts open, and I could feel their engagement — not just hearing my words, but truly receiving them.
When it was time for questions, we opened the floor to the students. With the help of Ms. Fernandes, they formed a line and, one by one, stepped forward to introduce themselves by name and grade. Their questions were thoughtful, sincere, and filled with curiosity. Each one reminded me how naturally children understand love when given the space to explore it.
Once the Q&A ended, I had the honour of presenting my recently published book, Micaiah the Brave, to Ms. Di Muzio and Ms. Fernandes as a gift to their school — a small offering to be placed in their library for students to enjoy. Before concluding, I wholeheartedly thanked them both for inviting me to share my message with their wonderful students.
While the students were still seated in the gymnasium, I also demonstrated how I walk and stand. I wanted them to see, firsthand, that each of us is a work in progress — that no matter our challenges, we must never give up on ourselves. Instead, we must meet our journey with love, patience, and kindness.
Recess and Photos
Once the students were dismissed from the gymnasium, they left class by class with their teachers. As they made their way out, I had the distinct pleasure of taking photos with Ms. Di Muzio and Ms. Fernandes. Their kindness throughout the morning made this moment especially meaningful.
Shortly after, Ms. Alvarez approached me — a moment that felt like stepping back into a cherished memory. She played such an important role in my success as a student, always ensuring my education was accessible and that I felt supported in every class. Seeing her again, now in the context of my work as a motivational public speaker, was deeply touching. Her pride in me was unmistakable, and her warm smile filled my heart. Although her visit was brief, reconnecting with her added a beautiful layer of meaning to an already special morning.
Meaningful Encounters With Teachers
As I walked out of the gymnasium, a Grade 8 teacher approached me with kind words of appreciation. Although I didn’t learn her name, her warm words and genuine gratitude stayed with me — a gentle reminder of how deeply educators care about the messages shared with their students.
As we continued into the hallway and eventually into the foyer, many more teachers approached me to express how much they enjoyed my presentation. Their sincerity, warmth, and encouragement meant so much to me.
I had the joy of speaking with:
• Ms. Carbona, Kindergarten teacher
• Ms. Alexander, Grade 1/2 teacher
• Mr. Trichilo, Grade 5/6 teacher
• Ms. Alonzo, JK teacher
• Ms. Kmiec, ERW
Some remembered me from years ago, while others simply wanted to share their gratitude. Every single interaction felt like a gift — a beautiful reminder of how powerful connection can be.
Students passing by waved, smiled, and greeted me with such friendliness. Their joy added even more warmth to an already marvelous morning.
Exit Tickets and Heartfelt Goodbyes
While we were in the foyer, Ms. Fernandes handed me many of the Exit Tickets that had already been returned to the office. These thoughtful reflections, written by the students, are always one of my favourite parts of any presentation. Each one is a reminder of why my work matters — and why I love it so much.
Before heading to a meeting, both Ms. Di Muzio and Ms. Fernandes came by once more to thank me for presenting to their students and to say their goodbyes. Their sincerity and appreciation meant the world to me.
It was an incredible morning at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Elementary School — a morning filled with love, connection, and the kind of kindness that stays with you long after you leave.
Student Reflections
Before leaving the school, I received even more of the students’ Exit Tickets — small slips of paper where they shared what they heard, what they thought, and what they now wonder. Once I was home, I took my time going through them and reading each one. Their honesty, curiosity, and kindness reminded me why I love speaking to young people. Here are some of the reflections:
Today, I heard / saw … ” The story of Giselle and what self love means”
This made me think … ” How hard her life was.”
Now, I wonder … ” How lucky I am”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I saw a brave and smart woman named Giselle who showed our school that we have to be kind to ourselves.”
This made me think … ” This made me think about self love and why we should not listen to negative comments.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder if she has any hobby or favourite thing to do.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” About her life and problem.”
This made me think … ” She is trying her best to … that, also she trying hard work.”
Now, I wonder … ” I am thinking about her that she is hard person she is so beautiful and she is trying her best.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle say don’t listen to hate comments.”
This made me think … ” That I should ignore haters.”
Now, I wonder … ” what would’ve happened if I ignored.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That you should love yourself and feed a good sense of self.”
This made me think … ” That you can overcome anything”
Now, I wonder … ” Why do not so nice people still be mean when we are all equally the same on the inside”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A confident, inspiring woman, who’s proud of herself.”
This made me think … ” That all disabilities are actually ability that don’t define you.”
Now, I wonder … ” How she did it all to begin with.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw that she never give up”
This made me think … ” how I can do the same thing as her”
Now, I wonder … ” how she overcame her challenges”
Today, I heard / saw … ” She have some problem with health”
This made me think … ” her life is not that easy”
Now, I wonder … ” life is a little bit hard”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a person speaking about their life and the hard things they went through reach confidence”
This made me think … ” The person speaking is very brave and has many important and thoughtful lessons to teach.”
Now, I wonder … “Do you ever get tired of living life in a sort of contraption?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That you shouldn’t let others bring you down and to persevere through life.”
This made me think … ” were there hard times she had to go through?”
Now, I wonder … ” many people did she inspire to be a better person/ people.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That Gisele never gave up.”
This made me think … ” To never quit even if it’s hard.”
Now, I wonder … ” if Giselle would have been someone else how would she adapt.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Someone’s life and how they struggled and persevered.”
This made me think … ” That I can also persevere through hardships”
Now, I wonder … ” can everyone defeat challenges!”
Today, I heard / saw … ” About Giselle’s life over the years and how she overcame difficult things.”
This made me think … ” that my life is easier.”
Now, I wonder … ” how much courage it took her to overcome hard things”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I saw an amazing person that never gave up and kept trying.”
This made me think … ” This made me think that anyone can do anything no matter what.”
Now, I wonder … ” Now, I wonder if I can ignore hate comments and move forward.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” About Giselle’s life and all her struggles.”
This made me think … ” that whatever you’re going through, you must never give up. “
Now, I wonder … ” if the same thing happened to me, would I be this courageous”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Someone that has never given up on her dreams.”
This made me think … ” that I can also not give up on my dreams.”
Now, I wonder … ” if I could share love with other the same way she did.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I liked that she likes the same things as me.”
This made me think … ” I thought it was cool and interesting.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how Giselle is able to keep trying.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How she told her life with her ups and downs.”
This made me think … ” How does she have motivation to speak in front of crowds”
Now, I wonder … ” If she will improve more in the future.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A motivational speaker that helps us keep going & not to give up.”
This made me think … ” How anyone can be a public speaker.”
Now, I wonder … ” how can people like me, be like her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” About the point of love”
This made me think … ” Why doesn’t everyone have love?”
Now, I wonder … ” Was there a time where no one was kind to anyone?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How Giselle’s life went over the years.”
This made me think … “How much easier my life is.”
Now, I wonder … ” How her life would have been if she was born differently.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw and heard her story when she was a kid”
This made me think … ” This made me think about kindness”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how hard it is to become a public speaker”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That Giselle was a public speaker.”
This made me think … ” Why she wanted to be a public speaker.”
Now, I wonder … ” If she ever wanted to be anything else other than public speaking”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How she lives in her daily life.”
This made me think … ” How she does hard challenges.”
Now, I wonder … ” Does she have a sibling?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A heartwarming message”
This made me think … ” everyone can make a difference”
Now, I wonder … ” how can I make a difference”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard that we have to respect our self. I saw people respecting her and she respecting herself. She is very sweet.”
This made me think … ” That we all need to think in life that we are not alone.”
Now, I wonder … ” What will I overcome?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Her saying Love”
This made me think … ” That I love my family”
Now, I wonder … ” if I should do that more”
Today, I heard / saw … ” One of the nicest person I’ve met..”
This made me think … ” How worthy I am of myself.”
Now, I wonder … ” What’s her favorite activity to do in the summer?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard about your life and saying about time where hard things happen and you didn’t give up.”
This made me think … ” It make me feel good to hear about you because of you hard work are everything.”
Now, I wonder … ” How hard was your life.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How she explains self love.”
This made me think … ” How she stands/ignores the bullying.”
Now, I wonder … ” How life can be hard for her”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I was hearing and seeing a good presentation”
This made me think … ” About love and how people are unique.”
Now, I wonder … ” The things she likes to do aside from speech and what are her other favorite things.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw how confident she is.”
This made me think … ” That anyone can do anything.”
Now, I wonder … ” How much friends she has.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Her using the AI to speak”
This made me think … ” how can’t she speak”
Now, I wonder … ” will she ever speak”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That girl talking about love and her life and connections.”
This made me think … ” What if you don’t get love or what if you don’t have any connections with anyone?”
Now, I wonder … ” How do you feel when you don’t receive love?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Her swimming in a lake”
This made me think … ” about love”
Now, I wonder … ” how does she shower”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Treat others the way you want to be treated”
This made me think … ” How can I be more kind.”
Now, I wonder … ” How I can help people.”
Today, I heard / saw … “That Ms. Alvarez was Giselle’s teacher.”
This made me think … ” how many people face this every day.”
Now, I wonder … ” what this disability is called and what it does.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” today I heard her talk about her struggles in life but she kept a positive mindset”
Now, I wonder … ” this made me think I should be kind and treat people equally and to love myself.”
Now, I wonder … ” why can’t she walk properly”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Her walking”
This made me think … ” She never gave up”
Now, I wonder … ” how can I never give up like her”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A presentation on how Giselle is strong and how to show people love.”
This made me think … ” How we could be better people.”
Now, I wonder … ” If in the future she could walk.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A girl who has a disability (pretty)”
This made me think … ” that sometimes just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you can’t be happy”
Now, I wonder … ” how could you stay so positive if people have a disability or are rude.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” She mentioned treating her best friend like she’d treat herself”
This made me think … ” The Bible verse Matthew 7: 12.”
Now, I wonder … ” How does her device work?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” To treat everyone the same “
This made me think … ” what other people go through”
Now, I wonder … ” if people are going through a hard time”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard about love”
This made me think … ” How many people suffer with your condition”
Now, I wonder … ” How does your device thing work.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle I heard loving words”
This made me think … ” everyone matters”
Now, I wonder … ” how she eats.”
Today, I heard / saw … “Thank you for coming in, Giselle.”
This made me think … ” Your message of kindness, respect + inclusivity is so important, especially in our world today.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Something of course though she tried her best to present something good with …”
This made me think … ” What’s my motivation?”
Now, I wonder … ” Why are certain people born with disadvantages.”
Today, I heard / saw … “Today I heard/ saw Giselle give a presentation about love and kindness.”
This made me think … ” This made me think about how everyone is different and is loved.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how complicated the machine you use is. Thanks for coming to our school.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How to love yourself and others.”
This made me think … ” About myself.”
Now, I wonder … ” How did she get the courage to do such a thing.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw Giselle and I heard that we shouldn’t hate ourselves and love people instead.”
This made me think … ” That I should love people and love myself.”
Now, I wonder … ” That what if people isn’t nice to each other.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle was speaking about love and her life’s troubles.”
This made me think … ” That this may affect us and our lives”
Now, I wonder … ” What if I was like that… struggling, or pushing myself.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Never give up on urself.”
This made me think … ” If you don’t give up you will succeed!”
Now, I wonder … ” How long does it take to succeed? When you are struggling.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I saw a confident person about herself”
This made me think … ” that all people are the same”
Now, I wonder … ” No”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A presentation on love and inclusiveness!”
This made me think … ” You should include others even when they’re disabled, different race, gender and more!”
Now, I wonder … ” If I can get through my own challenges and help others!”
Today, I heard / saw … ” About how to love and to be inclusive.”
This made me think … ” We all are different and everyone deserves the same respect because we we are all human beings.”
Now, I wonder … ” If people that are different can do the same things as us, everyone can do everything, just people do it all in different ways.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard that we were fulfilled by love.”
This made me think … ” Made me think about my own life.”
Now, I wonder … ” What challenges await later in life.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I heard about Giselle’s story.”
This made me think … ” This may me think of how strong Giselle is.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how Giselle became so confident in herself.”
Today, I heard / saw … “Her saying she is happy with the people she’s with.”
This made me think … ” how she’s able to do things, and being kind to others even in a hard situation”
Now, I wonder … ” how’s she doing, and if she is doing okay.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle inclusive and self love presentation”
This made me think … ” I think she’s very incredible and amazing”
Now, I wonder … ” I don’t wonder anything.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” how to include and love and respect no matter what”
This made me think … ” if I should be kinder respect people more”
Now, I wonder … ” -am I a good friend -if I am respectful”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A presentation about love, and Giselle’s back story.”
This made me think … ” How important love is and inclusivity and treating everyone with kindness.”
Now, I wonder … ” How hard it is for people with disability to get through everyday life.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw Giselle and heard her story.”
This made me think … ” That no one should be left out.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder nothing.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today, I saw you! A very talented person who strived and worked hard to spread words of love and kindness.”
This made me think … ” This made me think that … we should always treat people with kindness, respect, and love. And to keep healthy relationships.”
Now, I wonder … ” Why are people still so mean despite all of the awareness, love, and kindness they are given? Despite the lessons they are taught?.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talking about her life and how she can stand up herself and walk.”
This made me think … ” That it’s impressive for her to go up in front of the whole school and speak publicly”
Now, I wonder … ” If being born with that is rare.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I heard about Giselle’s life”
This made me think … ” No better what every should be treat the same”
Now, I wonder … ” I don’t wonder anything”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle and her mom and dad.”
This made me think … ” That they were going to do a presentation.”
Now, I wonder … ” where Giselle is going to go next.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I learned more about love and kindness “
This made me think … ” about including people and to always be kind and treat them with kindness. “
Now, I wonder … ” now, I wonder if I should be kinder and let people join game”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A great presentation”
This made me think … ” About love and how different people think.”
Now, I wonder … ” If all people respect different people differently.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle’s story.”
This made me think … ” How great it is to see people like her happy.”
Now, I wonder … ” What kind of treatments do you have to go through.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw the things she did when she was young and how she was facing daily challenges”
This made me think … ” That she has been carrying this burden and I feel bad for her.”
Now, I wonder … ” How her life will be when she continues to grow and I hope that God will bless her and heal her. Amen.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Self and love Giselle”
Now, I wonder … ” How I should love myself”
Now, I wonder … ” how would you feel if you were made fun of”
Today, I heard / saw … ” About how important self love is.”
This made me think … ” I am perfect as is and I shouldn’t let mistakes bring me down.”
Now, I wonder … ” What are ways to”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard lot of respect love.”
This made me think … ” that made me think”
Now, I wonder … ” I …”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a very good presentation”
This made me think … ” that God makes people in their special way”
Now, I wonder … ” how hard it is for her.”
Today, I heard / saw … “that anything is possible if you believe in yourself”
This made me think … ” about all the things I can accomplish if I think positive”
Now, I wonder … ” What else I can do to show more love and be kind.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I saw Giselle Gaylie.”
Now, I wonder … ” What I can do?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Aujourd’hui j’ai entendu”
This made me think … ” Cela m’s fait refléchir”
Now, I wonder … ” Maintenant je me demande”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw Giselle and I heard her presentation”
This made me think … ” It made me think about how I should be grateful I can talk, walk hear, eat.”
Now, I wonder … ” How does Giselle stay positive …”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A public speaker named Giselle”
This made me think … ” about the other public speakers like her”
Now, I wonder … ” How she makes speeches like that”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … ” About all the hardships she has probably been through”
Now, I wonder … ” What is the happiest and most memorable memories she has.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie.”
This made me think … ” You can find good in any situation”
Now, I wonder … ” How can I show love”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Someone say something kind.”
This made me think … ” I should be kind to everyone.”
Now, I wonder … ” how to show kindness.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” how hard her life was”
This made me think … ” about how easy my life is.”
Now, I wonder … ” how smart she was.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How to love.”
This made me think … ” About how to love.”
This made me think … ” How old she is. Wish the best for you.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … ” I should love myself.”
Now, I wonder … ” How hard people have it.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … ” How it affects her life”
Now, I wonder … ” if she has just as much ability as anyone else to do what she wants.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … ” How it affects her life.”
Now, I wonder … ” if she has just as much ability as anyone else to do what she wants “
Today, I heard / saw … ” The computer think she had.”
This made me think … ” Wow that’s amazing”
Now, I wonder … ” how does all of that work”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that you are strong even if you ask for help”
This made me think … ” I can do anything with help.”
Now, I wonder … ” what else I can achieve”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Somebody who is challenged doing something helpful.”
This made me think … ” can everybody do this”
Now, I wonder … ” People who are inspired by you want to do the same as you”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Why love and kindness is VERY important”
This made me think … ” Why caring for people overcomes negative effects”
Now, I wonder … ” If I am a good person doing the right thing.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” About love”
This made me think … ” how to show love. love is good”
Now, I wonder … ” How to show love”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a presentation”
This made me think … ” how hard it was for her.”
Now, I wonder … ” how it feels”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a lot of empathy.”
This made me think … ” About respect and love.”
Now, I wonder … ” How I can love one another”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How we can love others at all times”
This made me think … ” why do people bully each other”
Now, I wonder … ” how can we keep loving”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a growth of the future.”
This made me think … ” How I can be a brave person.”
Now, I wonder … ” what can I do for the world”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Love”
This made me think … ” how to love others”
Now, I wonder … ” if even …loved”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I saw her walk and I think it’s really cool and she was talking about her life and love.”
This made me think … ” To appreciate myself and to love myself.”
Now, I wonder … ” When she will get more and more better at her walking.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard love.”
This made me think … ” I could do what she did.”
Now, I wonder … ” how she did it.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” She struggle in life.”
This made me think … ” it is hard for her.”
Now, I wonder … ” She loves people and had seven years of public speaking.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard love”
This made me think … ” OK”
Now, I wonder … ” the story”
Today, I heard / saw … ” An assembly about self love.”
This made me think … ” To love myself the way I am.”
Now, I wonder … ” How Giselle Gaylie’s life is now.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A presentation of love.”
This made me think … ” that people’s negative opinion of me doesn’t matter.”
Now, I wonder … ” what people would think of love if there was no love in the world.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A person who was disabled and talking about love. Also inspiring us to not give up.”
This made me think … ” When I take walking for granted and should be more grateful”
Now, I wonder … ” how long miss A helped her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle and her published book. “
This made me think … ” how I got bullied in kinder and how she handled it.”
Now, I wonder … ” how she got her disability.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” She kept going through hate.”
This made me think … ” How blessed I am.”
Now, I wonder … “What she will do next.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard lots of love and I saw her walk!”
This made me think … ” People don’t have friends or family to show love.”
Now, I wonder … ” whats it like to have no love?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That Giselle had a cerebral palsy”
This made me think … ” How lucky and blessed I am”
Now, I wonder … ” what if I had the same problem.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” What loved really is.”
This made me think … ” to be kind”
Now, I wonder … ” how to do something nice”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Pictures of her life”
This made me think … ” It made me think of love”
Now, I wonder … ” How she survived everything she’s been through.”
Today, I heard / saw … “About love”
This made me think … ” how blessed I am.”
Now, I wonder … ” Why love is important”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How she going through all of bad thing”
This made me think … ” How does she feel”
Now, I wonder … ” how is she so happy “
Today, I heard / saw … ” about love and to take care of everyone.”
This made me think … ” that I should treat everyone with respect.”
Now, I wonder … ” what disabilities feel like.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard that her life may be hard but she never gave up.”
This made me think … ” It made me think she never gave up on her problems.”
Now, I wonder … ” Never give up on something that you love.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard her say quotes.”
This made me think … ” how special I am.”
Now, I wonder … ” How I can help others.”
This made me think … ” Like me and my family”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw a device that could translate thoughts into speech.”
This made me think … ” Of all the people who needs help. Giselle helped me open my eyes.”
Now, I wonder … ” How can I make stuff like that to help more people?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” About her story and I learned about love.”
This made me think … ” How did she become a professional public speaker”
Now, I wonder … ” How she and her parents did all of the wonderful stuff in the past.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard how hard her life is, but with the help of others it is easier.”
This made me think … ” If I ever got hurt lots of people will help me.”
Now, I wonder … ” How people with disabilities get their help.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I heard alot of new things about how far the technology of today has come.”
This made me think … ” This made me really impressed because I feel like it’s amazing how far she’s come and how advanced the technology is.”
Now, I wonder … ” I still can’t understand how the device reads her mind and catches brain signals.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” About love, and that asking for help is OK when we need it.”
This made me think … ” About love and helping out others..”
Now, I wonder … ” if I can change the world by helping others.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard that there was a presentation for people with disorders”
This made me think … ” that we are all the same no one should think someone is not human so they put this presentation.”
Now, I wonder … ” did everyone listen and took this to their brain”
Today, I heard / saw … ” An intelligent woman sharing her life story. I also heard we should love everyone.”
This made me think … ” That everything is possible.”
Now, I wonder … ” how a computer knows what she’s thinking.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” to not to judge anyone”
This made me think … ” everyone can persevere”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw Miss Alvarez …”
This made me think … ” Made me think how she communicate.”
Now, I wonder … ” how hard it was to transportation”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard about her and her story.”
This made me think … ” can people really befriend themselves”
Now, I wonder … ” if she’s 28 or 29″
Today, I heard / saw … ” That we should never be insecure of what people say about us.”
This made me think … ” That we should motivate ourselves more and love ourselves more.”
Now, I wonder … ” Why others have to tear us down from insecurity?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A lot of never giving up. Being with your loved ones are the best.”
This made me think … ” This made me think to be more aware of people like her.”
Now, I wonder … “What is the hardest part of her life?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” All your stories starting at birth to now.”
This made me think … ” That you’re resilient throughout your life.”
Now, I wonder … ” What are your most motivational times.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Another God creation, an autistic girl called Giselle”
This made me think … ” How are people with disabilities struggle and survive”
Now, I wonder … ” that God can do anything and by believing in God and Christ”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard the struggles of others”
This made me think … ” That anything is possible with the right amount of help.”
Now, I wonder … ” Why people don’t ask for help”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw a person determined to become a motivational speaker, beating her challenges.”
This made me think … ” that I have no excuses, and maybe we can make the world more inclusive.”
Now, I wonder … ” if we can make the world a more inclusive space for people with disabilities.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” about the life of a person with a disability.”
This made me think … ” How was her life and what difficults she have”
Now, I wonder … ” How is that family life and how they feel.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” An inspiring presentation”
This made me think … ” If they made their dreams come true what’s stopping me.”
Now, I wonder … ” what things I can be capable of to inspire others”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard a lot of information about her, and it was all nice …”
This made me think … ” This made me think how she survived this much years”
Now, I wonder … ” If she is feeling well or not.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That all people matter”
This made me think … ” everyone is the same”
Now, I wonder … ” that not all of us are special”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talk about her life and self love.”
This made me think … ” About other people’s disorders and talents”
Now, I wonder … ” What special talents do people even with disorders have”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Someone who isn’t afraid to speak up.”
This made me think … ” This made me realize no one is better than another”
Now, I wonder … ” How much money she has”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard that with God anything is possible.”
This made me think … ” that how anything is possible like the girl”
Now, I wonder … ” What more can I achieve now that anything is possible.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” – about love – about how our family helps us be our best person – learning about ourselves in order to learn to be the person God created us to be -Never give up or let”
This made me think … ” -I have many people in my life that help me to be the best person I am – I should be thankful for them.”
Now, I wonder … ” – If I can find the courage to become the person God made me to be?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” She can talk with the computer. She is very positive. She loves God.”
This made me think … ” Made my heart warm. Made me grateful. Made me feel happy because she has such a wonderful family.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder about how wonderful computers in positive thinking are.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” – About love and I can love myself. Also I heard that I am special. My parents and teachers can help me when I make a mistake.”
This made me think … ” I can listen to myself and love myself. I am happy for being myself.”
Now, I wonder … ” I can do better next time to be kind to myself and other.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” – Information about love and kindness – how does L learn how to do different things like walk. – Giselle is always happy even though she has some challenges. – Being grateful for who she is.”
This made me think … ” – to always have a positive mind and be happy. – Even when something is hard, keep trying. – God loves everyone / and made everyone unique.”
Now, I wonder … ” – How to always stay positive even when times are challenging – how to be more like her and show love and kindness to our friends and family.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” – About love – her parents helped her walk – Ms. Alvarez help her while she was at school”
This made me think … ” – If someone is unable to walk they can practice walking with help and their parents – if someone is unable to talk they can get a special computer.”
Now, I wonder … ” – What happened when you were little? – When did Giselle first stand up?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Pictures of Giselle from when she was little too big.”
This made me think … ” That Gisele was happy.”
Now, I wonder … ” By walking by herself it shows that if you work hard and ask for help you can accomplish more. “
What Their Words Meant to Me
Reading through all the Exit Tickets gave me a clearer picture of the impact my presentation had on the students. Their reflections showed me that they weren’t just listening — they were connecting the message of love, kindness, and perseverance to their own lives in thoughtful and meaningful ways. I could see how my story encouraged them to look inward, to question how they treat themselves and others, and to imagine how they might face their own challenges with more courage and compassion.
Seeing their insights reminded me that sharing my journey isn’t just about telling my story — it’s about helping young people recognize their own strength, their own worth, and their own capacity to grow.
I always feel honoured to help students recognize how truly amazing they already are, and how they can continue becoming even better versions of themselves.
A Morning Filled with Love
As I left the school, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude.
Grateful to Ms. Fernandes, who first thought of me last year and extended the invitation that opened the door to this beautiful opportunity.
Grateful to Ms. Di Muzio, whose leadership and support made it possible for me to speak to the entire student body this morning.
Grateful for every teacher and staff member, whether they stopped to speak with me or supported the morning in quieter ways — each one contributing to the warmth and welcome I felt throughout my visit.
Grateful as well for Ms. Cantori, whose kindness greeted me at the start of the day and who later kindly helped make sure I received the students’ Exit Tickets.
Grateful to the students who listened with open hearts and received my message with such sincerity.
Grateful to see Ms. Alvarez, who played such a meaningful role in my educational journey and whose pride in me still touches my heart.
Delivering this presentation was an honour — a privilege I do not take lightly. And the connection, kindness, and genuine warmth I experienced throughout the morning became a beautiful highlight of a presentation I was truly grateful to share.
It was a celebration of connection, kindness, and the power of love in action.
It was a privilege and an honour — one I will carry with me always.
