[ML247 Mentor Post]

By Justin Boudreau
Speaker, Author, Expert on teens

I have a friend who shared a cab with Kurt Cobain.
I have a friend who attempted to commit suicide while in College. Today he is married and has a 5-year old son.
I have two best friends who traveled the world for a year.
I taught a student who watched his father get shot in a drug deal gone wrong.
I have a friend who was personally invited to the white house by a President of the United States.
I have a friend who lost his best friend because he chose to drink and drive.
I have a friend who instead of reaching the summit of Everest, chose to save a life.
I taught a student who now works for Free the Children in Africa and is friends with Lisa Ling.
I have friends who have filed for bankruptcy and lost their homes.
I have a friend who opened his own school.
I have a friend who is a woman and is legally married to another woman.

While I have opinions on every topic under the sun. I try not to judge people solely based on their beliefs. That allows me to see people for who they are.

On stage, I ask students that I have never met before to give me a chance as I attempt to open their hearts and stretch their minds.

So while we most likely have never met, please know that I accept you AS IS.