You can’t be successful if you don’t know how.
That was one message young men got at Saturday’s Tied to Success workshop at the Liberty County Performing Arts Center. The workshop, sponsored by the city of Hinesville, was for young males ages 10 and up, and included sessions for fathers and single mothers. Approximately 100 people attended.
Pastor Henry Frasier of New Dimensions Christian Fellowship was the morning keynote speaker and talked about the importance of getting an education.
Terry Searles, who recently resigned from the YMCA and is a DJ, talked with the 14 to 16-year-olds. Searles talked about following the wrong people and demonstrated how to influence others. He gave the young men advice on how to navigate being a success and having faith in yourself.
"You cannot lead, teach or show anybody what to do if you don’t know how to," Searles said. "Be with people who believe in themselves even though we all do something different and influence others to also believe in themselves."
Searles told the boys that "sometimes success can be wrapped up in
things that look like failure and failure wrapped up in things that look like success."
Searles wants to help kids hone their skills.
He likes to bring students together by having them create their own experience.
Pastor K. E. Brown of Destiny Christian Center is an accredited financial counselor. He talked with the adult men about finances.
One of the things he discussed is the importance of having a second income and the difference between passive and active income.
Terry Johnson talked to the single mothers about their significance and taking care of themselves
"Tell yourself ‘today on I will move beyond ordinary and from now on I will be extraordinary’" Johnson said.
She emphasized the need for mothers to take care of their bodies, destress and ask others for help as they pursue making their lives better.
Dr. Future, a character played by Von Gilmore, talked one-on-one with young men about their plans and options. Gilmore said he wanted them to think creatively and encouraged them that they too can be doctors and lawyers.
A theme for the workshop was #FutureonFleek.
Gilmore said, "It means that the future is bright, being optimistic and to not limit yourself because if you do then you’re not reaching your full potential."
After the sessions, everyone gathered for lunch and listened to keynote speaker Anthony Johnson.
Johnson talked about the prodigal son and encouraged the youth to be careful about who they associate with and their decisions.
The young men then recited a pledge that included promises to make a difference, focus on achieving excellence, maintaining a positive attitude, making good decisions and never giving up.
Victor Alfaro, 16, said he learned about the keys to success and to not let others bring him down. He wants to pursue a career in underwater welding.
Joseph Wynn, who is a volunteer with Tied to Success, enjoys working with young people. Wynn said the purpose of the workshop was to teach young men to be men, life fundamentals, how to be good students, positive behavior at home and how to tie a tie.
The lunch was catered by One Love Island and Soul Food.