Students in grades 3-12 had the opportunity to hear from Tom Gilles, a former professional snowboarder, at one of two assemblies today. Tom Gilles is a world record holder in snowboarding for the highest drop-in at 65’. He has appeared in extreme sports movies and TV commercials.
Tom spoke to the students about having the dream to be the best snowboarder. He used to be made fun of for having this dream by adults and his peers. But, a move to Lake Tahoe, heading to the slopes, and meeting a professional videographer, opened the doors to allow his dream to come true.
Tom encouraged the students to choose for themselves their dream, their attitudes, and what they think. He said, “You get to choose your dreams. You may not get to choose the outcome, but you get to choose the commitment.” He advised students to block out the negative because not everyone is for you. “Sometimes,” he said, “you have to say to yourself, ‘I just have to get through this.’”
Tom explained that he learned he has the power in how he responds to negativity and poor influences. He said, “When there’s disappointment and obstacles, what are you going to do? You have to choose. Don’t let life choose for you.”
Students can text Choice to 494949 if they are struggling with something. A Sportsworld representative is available to help them work through what is going on in their lives. Thanks to Sportsworld and SBL for bringing Tom to our schools.
