Challenging kids (and adults) to live smart and live strong has been a passion of mine for the last 10-12 years. In working with people of all ages over this time span I have seen that it is also an important, life changing challenge.  The challenge to Live Smart and Live Strong is part of my new assembly program designed for kids in grades 1-12.  During a 40-45 minute presentation I challenge kids to do two things.

1.  LIVE SMART -to think of the consequences of their decisions in order to make wise choices.
2.  LIVE STRONG -to do what they can, with what they have, where they are.

--What to expect if Kevin comes to your school--

During the presentation Kevin talks about the decision he made to dive off of a boat dock when he was 19. He tells about how he went from feeling invincible because he had just learned to barefoot ski, to feeling totally helpless because he was drowning in three feet of water. He tells of a conversation he had with his father after he became paralyzed in which his dad asked him, “Kevin, what were you thinking about when you dove off that dock?” To which he responded, “I don't know Dad. I guess I just wasn't thinking.” He uses this conversation and the events prior to diving off the dock to show that he was actually thinking about his decision, but that he wasn't thinking of the consequences.

He shows how one small decision carried huge consequences and how 13 years later, the decision still affects every moment of his life. The challenges of daily life with a disability are discussed, the statistics of how many teens become victims of brain and spinal cord injury are shown, and the fact that a lot of these types of injuries (as well as a variety of other mistakes) can be prevented by thinking about the consequences of our actions first, is made clear.

Kevin shares how as a teenager he was an All-state basketball player who graduated in the top 10% of his class. He describes his goals and dreams as a teenager and how he never dreamed anything like this would happen to him. He tells how he has fought to overcome the personal challenges associated with being paralyzed, both immediately after his diving accident and also over the years following. The hilarious story of how his 4 year old brother and a bird that pooped on his shoulder helped him overcome his biggest obstacle (which was learning to live with a situation that he did not like, but could not change) is sure to make everyone laugh, yet at the same time see that life is full of things we sometimes have to learn to live with and make the best of.

He concludes by talking about the fact that a lot can be accomplished despite having to live with some unwanted circumstances. Whether the circumstances are a result of your own mistakes or someone else's or they just happened, we must make the best of life. This is seen in Kevin's life motto: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are at, and don't worry about the rest.” It is also seen in his accomplishments since becoming paralyzed, working part-time as a tutor at a local grade school for 8 years, working part-time at an afterschool program for kids for 9 years, and working full-time as a Youth Minister for 4 years.

During this presentation Kevin also:

• Tells students that they are here for a reason, one of them being to make a positive difference in the lives of those around them.

• Challenges them to make the right decisions when it comes to using drugs and alcohol, choosing friends, boyfriends, and girlfriends.

• Shows them that many of the decisions they make now can affect their entire life.

• Shows a Power Point presentation that gives statistics and general information on brain and spinal cord injury.

• Shows pictures of himself as a teenager, playing basketball, at prom, and at the lake a week before becoming paralyzed.

What students and teachers are saying:

Dear Kevin Olson,

Thank you for taking the time to talk to us about your experience.  The other day a kid got his football stuck up in a tree.  He was going to climb it to get his football.  It was pretty high up there.  His friend told him to remember what Kevin said about making bad choices.  So he decided not to climb the tree. 

Sincerely,
Mackenzie Weiser
5th grade, Grinnell, KS

Dear Kevin Olson,

Thank you for coming to talk to us.  I liked hearing about your life.  It is too bad about what happened.  I'm thinking about the consequences all the time.

Sincerely,
Megan Schoendaler
5th grade, Grinnell, KS

Dear Kevin Olson,

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us last week.  It was a heartfelt story to many of us, as well as a wake-up call for us to be careful always, and to use good judgments. You had some very powerful statements and have learned to overcome much in your life.  We wish you the very best of life and will remember you always.  Come back and visit us here in Grinnell any time!

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Weiser
5 th grade teacher, Grinnell, KS

It's with great pleasure I write this testimonial about Kevin Olson.  I had Kevin at Royster Middle School and have known him since that time as a friend.  Kevin does an outstanding job of relating to young people.  He has devoted his life to helping young people and has done this by not only being a good example but showing what hard work and determination can accomplish in their lives, all without using drugs or letting others influence them.  He is a great motivational speaker.  Kevin speaks from the heart and young people listen.  I recommend him very highly to speak to any young group.

Ron Spire, Retired Principal
Royster Middle School, Chanute, KS

I have had the privilege of working with Kevin Olson for many years, and have come to respect and admire him for many reasons.  He is a unique and special young man whose life has literally touched thousands of lives.  Kevin is an outstanding speaker who relates to people in a special way.  I have witnessed time and time again how Kevin's message has changed lives.  I have seen people of all ages and walks of life laugh and cry as he relates his journey.  His story is one of hope and the triumph of the human spirit. 

Margaret Bideau
5th Grade Teacher
Alcott Elementary
Chanute, KS