From the Streets to ENMU

In honor of this year’s Black History month, Eastern New Mexico
University’s Student Affairs Office has offered a line-up of motivational
and insightful events. One of these upcoming events is motivational
speaker Monti Washington’s “From the Streets to the Stage”
presentation coming to ENMU Feb. 26.
Students have a great deal to look forward to at this event, according to
Samuel Coronado, a coordinator on the Associated Student Activities
Board. The board is in charge of choosing which events come to ENMU,
and upon hearing Washington’s speech at an event, Coronado shared
that he and the rest of the coordinators were all in tears by the end of it.
“We were all so inspired by his story,” said Coronado.
Their inspiration was more than understandable to any who know
Washington’s story. According to his page on the Contemporary Issues
Agency website, Washington grew up in poverty and experienced much
abuse within the foster care system. These were only a few of the many
challenges he faced in his young years. Despite his many obstacles,
Washington beat the odds and has created a successful career for
himself. Not only did he graduate college, but he did so with two
degrees. He is a nationally recognized actor, poet, model and
motivational speaker. He is also the co-founder of a non-profit
organization created to inspire today’s youth called Truality.org.
While speaking about why students should attend the event, Coronado
explained, “I think it’s very powerful. Students need to understand that
where you are isn’t where you’re going. If you can humble yourself and
understand that this is all part of a journey that you’re on – that’s when
real growth starts to happen.” He went on to say that he believes many
youth of today are confused about who they are and confused about their
identity, and in this way become impressionable and influenced by
whatever they are surrounded by, “I think Monti’s a great source to
shake people out of that,” he continued. “He’s very nurturing, but he’s
also very motivational.” Coronado said he believes Washington’s
presentation will fuel honest self-evaluation from which many students
will benefit. Coronado expressed the feeling that Washington’s
presentation invoked in him and his fellow coordinators. “We left that
event feeling like, ‘we just want to go out save the world!’”
Students can look forward to attending the “From the Streets to the
Stage” event for free with their student ID. It will be held in the Campus
Union Building Ballroom at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26.