Catholic school students in Bonnyville got a lesson about becoming the authors of their lives.
Last week, award-winning author and speaker Ben Mikaelsen was in town to share his story about becoming an author and overcoming bullying as a child.
“I say the things I wish I had heard at that age. I want them to go out of here empowered, look at themselves in the mirror the next time not as this dumb kid that can't do anything and has low self-esteem. I want them to look really hard and say 'is there someone inside there that's really special, because Ben Mikaelsen says there is,'” said Mikaelsen.
Born in Bolivia, South America, Mikaelsen was picked on at a young age for having light-coloured skin in contrast with other children. Growing up, he didn't receive formal education until moving away to boarding school at nine-years-old.
Students listened intently as the now-popular author told them of his childhood bullies.
Surprisingly, one of Mikaelsen's biggest struggles growing up was reading and writing. By the end of Grade 6 he was barely able to read a comic book when the family packed up and left Bolivia for Minnesota. After moving to America, Mikaelsen explained to the students that the bully got even worse, as he recounted enduring regular beatings.
“He definitely connected with students by bringing in the photos and personal anecdotes. Sometimes we have visitors and they don't want to get into the nitty gritty personal details. He was willing to share the good and the bad,” said Krista Bernard, a Grade 8 teacher at Dr. Brosseau school.
For someone who struggled with literacy, his revolution came thanks to the most unlikely source – a book. Johnathon Livingston Seagull was the first book Mikaelsen ever read. It told the story of a young seagull with a story similar to his own. From that point on, Mikaelsen's outlook started to change.
He started cliff diving, saved up the money to take flying lessons and started parachuting, even winning the Minnesota State Skydiving Championships.
When it came time to go to college, Mikaelsen scored at a Grade 5 reading level but, thanks to his dad holding a position at a college, he was accepted. It was there that his English professor told the unlikely author that he was an excellent storyteller, sparking his career.
Perhaps the most captivating part of Mikaelsen's life story was that of his pet black bear Buffy, which he adopted after a research lab had him declawed.
Now, with eight award-winning books, Mikaelsen shares his journey to becoming an author with students throughout North America, injecting messages about anti-bullying and encouraging students to be themselves and write their own life story.
“I'm hoping that the stories help them realize that bullying is still an issue, even though we might think it isn't. That's the bigger message he brings,” said principal Vince Spila. “Also, it's the idea to live your dreams, believe in yourself and pursue your dreams. I was really impressed with my kids. They were very intent so I hope they take something away from it.”
Before wrapping up his visit, Mikaelsen shared some exciting news with the students. His book, Touching Spirit Bear, is in the process of being made into a motion picture.
“It's been in negotiations for six months, but we just inked the papers last month,” said Mikaelsen.
On Friday, Lakeland Catholic School District teachers had the opportunity to take part in a session with Mikaelsen. The goal of the day, according to Mikaelsen, was to bring the teachers' focus back to the students and what they're really trying to accomplish in their career.
“I've had teachers retract their resignations after that talk saying 'I've got so caught up in the politics of it all that I forgot why I was here,'” expressed Mikaelsen, adding that he empathizes with the situations teachers are in.
“Parents should have developed a child that has respect and a basis for education, but a lot of the times the kids come to school and they don't have that. Teachers have to do it all. They have to meet standards, satisfy the parents and satisfy the administration.”
