Colleges & Universities
Aspiration. Inspiration. Optimism.Strive
for the goals you dream of. They can become reality!
Over many years, Dr. Paul has received heartfelt emails following his presentations at universities nationwide. These are among the thank-you notes that Dr. Paul has received from university students and professors.
This video (at right)
shares some of the recent testimonials following his college presentations at Montclair State. The professor and his students generously share their thoughts.
Scroll down for more
video testimonials.
Testimony from University Students and Faculty
Dr. Paul Wichansky is the real deal! His delivery and spunk through motivational speaking is unmatched. They way he uses his emotions, expressive mannerisms, and tone of voice puts you IN
his life stories as he tells them to you. When he speaks, you feel like you are going back in time with him reliving the moments he speaks of.
I walked away from his presentation in awe for how much one person can impact another through just words and life events. I feel grateful to have been able to listen to his stories. Dr. Paul truly embodies the unique qualities of a motivational speaker and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have heard him speak in my graduate level course at Montclair State University, Applied Sports Psychology class with Dr. Gilbert.
As he said to us, "No one can be you, better than you." Without a doubt, he will move you and inspire you when he speaks! Dr. Paul, thank you for making my life just a little bit better with your words of inspiration!
Erin Keenan
Graduate Student, Applied Sports Psychology
Montclair State University
As a college professor for over 30 years, I've had hundreds of guest speakers in my classes: famous athletes, winning coaches, world-class experts, even the governor of the state! Only one of these speakers has ever received a standing ovation from my students: Dr. Paul Stuart Wichansky.
College students are appreciative; they are just a little reluctant to show it! Not so with Dr. Wichansky.
He stole their hearts. For some, he changed their lives. How do I know? My students have told me, sometimes years later.
Dr. Wichansky has spoken in several of my classes and, every single time, it was an amazing event. He is a remarkable speaker and even a more remarkable person.
Dr. Rob Gilbert
SUCCESS HOTLINE
Professor of Sports Psychology
Montclair State University
It was such an honor to see you speak this evening at Loyola University Chicago! Your outlook on life is truly amazing. Positivity isn't always an easy thing to embrace, but as you explain, I do believe that there is always a lesson of good to be found in the bad that we experience. The struggles and hardships we each take on in life help develop our individual character, and shape who we are as people.
If everyone shared your incredible attitude to appreciate people for just the way they are, the world would be a much better place. Please continue to share your story with others, because you're making such a difference to those you touch.
I also applaud your appreciation for Billy Joel - he's one of music's all time greats!
Lauren Bogacz, student
Loyola University Chicago
Dr. Paul is simply the most inspirational person I have ever met. He and I have formed a wonderful relationship since meeting many years ago at Rutgers University. I have had the honor of sitting in on several of Paul's motivational assemblies and I have seen, first-hand, the impact he has on everyone from elementary school children to corporate professionals.
Paul's reflections on diversity and the unique abilities of individuals are captivating and are sure to leave an impression on even the hardest of hearts. Paul's story is not one you will soon forget.
Anthony Nugnes
Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Paul, you have worked really hard to create the life you've always wanted from a place where many people easily give up and end up feeling sorry for themselves (many people do this even without a disability!). You live as an example for others that there is so much more to life than most people even dare to dream of! So many people lose sight of their dreams and do what works in the moment, eventually settling for a life that eventually makes them unhappy.
Your assemblies are a powerful counter-strike against that whole concept, and it's really inspiring to see that there are people out there looking (and succeeding!) to make a difference in our world!
Michael Holak, student
Rutgers University
My students were asked to write a reflection after your presentation, and all of them were glowing! I will forward a sample of them to you with a formal thank you letter, so you can have some individual feedback. Some students said it was one of the best experiences of their lives.
Diane Giannola, Professor
Rider University
Paul made me realize how disabilities do not hold opportunities back, but it just takes a different route to achieve the same outcome.
People with disabilities are motivated and happy, goal-oriented at everything in life, while the rest of us are usually content to reach a certain level and then stop achieving for more.
John Leyua, student
Cook College
Paul's story and self-presentation are delightfully inspiring. My [graduate]
students received him with enthusiasm. His presentation would also be relevant for younger students in the schools.
Judith Diamondstone, Ed.D,
Harvard University,
Cultural Diversity, Rutgers Graduate School of Education
Dr. Paul, Most of all, you're something that I always wanted to be. A hero. Not someone who flies around in red tights and a cape, but someone who can change the world, one person at a time.
You're going to change the world, I know it. Someday, everyone is going to be smiling. I hope to inspire others like you have inspired me.
Alec McCrea
Trooper Youth 87th Class
student, University of Tampa
Paul, you are amazing! That is the only way I can sum up how quickly you have made me laugh and feel so inspired. Your stories are fantastic and loaded with such insight, passion, and humor! You are one of the most unique and truly amazing new friends I have ever made. I brag about you constantly to my other friends and family, and can't wait until you get to meet them all. Anytime, seriously anytime, you want to get together again, and grab some food, or just hang out as friends you let me know.
By the way, your writing is impeccable. I can't remember the last time I wrote so much without having to do it for college! See how you yet again inspire. I need to add that your unique BMW is just too amazing! You seriously have a (pimp) ride.
Keith Grabowsky
student, Rutgers University
I frequently run into his one-of-a-kind personality at the fitness center or at Old Man Rafferty's, his favorite New Brunswick restaurant, and enjoy his upbeat attitude.
Besides Paul's staggering walk or impaired hearing, his disability is completely masked by a radiant smile and unbelievable confidence.
Christopher Kemph
Department of Exercise Science
Rutgers University
- Paul brought to our lives today a realization of how very blessed we are, that each one, in our own way, is gifted. I have always believed that when the Lord takes one facility away, He leaves us with others far better. The problem, as I see it, is that so often we are unaware of this reality and we suffer needlessly. Paul reminded me of this today, it is a message I hope will stay with me. It is a message that so many young students I meet day to day do not understand. Paul's drive and determination, and his bond with family, are what I want to be able to instill in my students.
- Well done - inspirational - positive - passionate.
- Different type of workshop. Very inspirational!
- Speaker was full of energy and it was catchy. He was happy to be here and it showed.
- Terrific! I truly enjoyed listening to Paul. He has an engaging personality and really connects with the audience.
- Very inspirational and brings a renewed awareness of a variety of issues, disabilities, bullying, prejudice, etc.
- What a good moving speech - positive presenter! Paul has the ability to help everyone smile. It's easy to do, but not necessarily something that comes easy to all. Making this a goal and not just an occurrence was definitely pointed out, I should work on this a little harder. It is notable that this may be the hardest goal I might ever set for myself.
- Taking pause to appreciate what someone with a disability can do or, more importantly, to appreciate the positive attitude they can maintain. Shame on me for complaining!
- He motivated us to look at the big picture to help motivate our students.
in-service professional workshop for all district high-school teachers
Cumberland County High School, NJ
Hello, Paul!
I don't know if you remember me, you walked into my freshman health class. I was the girl who kept her head down. I remember knowing what you were going to talk about, I remember knowing exactly how you feel. I remember how great it felt, when a boy who used to be one of my closest friends when my cerebral palsy was at the worst, talking to you. Even though he's one of the biggest class clowns. I knew he knew what you meant, and I knew he still cared.
I remember glancing at you afraid, so afraid because I wanted to tell you, but I didn't know how. So then I came up to you at the end of class and then I told you, "Paul, I also have cerebral palsy." And then you smiled and said, "But it doesn't need to have you." Those words will be in my memory forever because I never thought of it that way. I remember how surprised I was to see you at Cook College during our Agricultural State Convention. I remember how nice it was to actually see you again. I remember seeing you at the basketball game at the Elementary School, where my brother was playing. I wasn't sure if it was you, but then I realized it was when I saw the bright shirt.
I'm doing a report on Heroes for my Sophomore English class. I went to your web site because you are one of my heroes. I want you to know that. Thank you for coming to my class. Thank you for coming to my high school. Thank you for going down to the elementary school and talking to them. You were in all my siblings classes, and some of my friends. Thank you for opening their eyes, and for opening mine. I wish you all the best, and hope you come back again, because there are new people and everyone needs to know what it's like.
Maybe someday I'll have the courage to speak as you do, and tell them about me.
Maybe someday.
Danielle Conk
[Three years after I received the above email from Danielle, she was elected the High-School Student of the Year for the entire state of New Jersey! What a fabulous achievement. No wonder my students continue to inspire me.]
Video Testimonials
Elementary Schools
Taking the "Dis" out of "Disability"
Emphasizes the critical issues of tolerance and respect and relates these topics to self-esteem and the development of a "Yes! I Can" attitude. By sharing his life experiences, Dr. Paul uses himself as an example to help inspire students to learn from their mistakes and failures, and in the process, helps them realize that success is available with hard work and determination. His captivating analogy that describes the long-term effects of teasing encourages students to develop compassion and an understanding of others, and learn to emulate ethics as the basis of good character.
Middle and High Schools
Access to Success:
A Dream, Motivation, & a Winning Attitude!
His interactive presentation outlines a prescription for success which includes strategies to avoid the temptations of peer pressure while re-channeling that energy into becoming a positive peer leader. Students are taken on a journey of self-discovery through Dr. Paul's own life experiences, his humorous and insightful stories, and even a dramatic video. A Q&A session follows each program. Follow-up classroom visits are available to help stimulate discussion, student interaction with Dr. Paul, and critical thinking.
Avoiding Substance Abuse and Peer Pressure
Healing the Holes of Self-Esteem
Describes the memorable experiences for Dr. Paul's success which includes strategies for dealing with peer pressure and abstaining from drug and alcohol use. In his program, Dr. Paul shares some effective strategies for "Saying No" to drugs and highlights the dangers associated with substance abuse (drugs, tobacco, alcohol). He explains how substance use/abuse can induce low self-esteem and self-worth. This is a captivating program designed to discourage middle and high-school students from experimenting with these substances and encourage them to take care of their health as one of the hallmarks of high self-esteem and peer leadership. A Q&A session follows the program.