Mar. 15, 2018 -- Calvin Terrell is a nationally known inspirational speaker who spoke to Heights High students, parents and staff on March 1 & 2. His presentations were tailored for each group but there were topics that were included in all presentations.

Part of his thesis was that we can all benefit from expanding our view of others and how we respect or see the people in our lives. He dissected the word Respect: Re means again and Spect means to see or to look.

He proposed that when we feel the urge to judge or place others in a category without much thought, that we could stop to consider what that person has experienced. We could consider the opportunities they have been offered, the challenges or barriers in their life and the many small and large influences that all of us face everyday.

He also suggested that we take more time to build up each other and not to tear down. “We can turn to kindness and not cruelty,” he said.

At times those in each audience were laughing, crying, dancing and greeting those sitting near them.

In all meetings he implored, “I am begging you,” he said, “To take care of yourself, to take care of others and to take care of the earth so that we can to create a better humanity.”

For more than twenty years, Calvin Terrell has lectured, trained, and lead comprehensive workshops for valuing diversity, equity, and justice building in schools, corporations, the military and civic organizations for thousands of adults, children, and youth throughout the United States.