Abigail Dunlap, Story Editor
Photos by Abigail Dunlap
“You are always one second of strength away from a completely different life.”
That was the message motivational speaker Tanner Clark delivered to NCHS students during his recent visit on Monday, February 9, challenging them to rethink mistakes, distractions and the power of a single decision. In his assembly, titled One Second of Strength, Clark encouraged students to recognize the impact of everyday choices and how even one second can shape the direction of their lives.
Clark was invited to speak in response to the school’s recent Phone Ban. While the policy has been considered successful, it has also required adjustment from students navigating new expectations around phone use during the school day. In an effort to provide perspective and support during this transition, school leadership and the Parent Faculty Association (PFA) sought an engaging speaker who could address the topic in a meaningful way.
“The PFA and Principal Egan decided to reach out to New Canaan CARES to find an engaging and interesting speaker for NCHS students, particularly someone that could discuss social media and cell phone use,” Natalie Jones, a New Canaan PFA member, said. “New Canaan CARES suggested we meet with Tanner Clark as he gave speeches to neighboring communities last year.”
With over 15 years of experience in the motivational field, Clark has spoken to more than 80,000 teenagers nationwide. His message focuses on personal accountability, resilience and awareness of distractions.
“Given the new phone policy at NCHS, the administration felt Tanner Clark would be a great person for students to hear from at this time.” Jones explained. She added that his goal was to help “students to come away inspired and recognize the distractions all of us encounter daily and how to overcome them.”
Overall, Jones and the PFA hoped that Tanner’s words would inspire out-of-school change in student’s perspectives about their phones and social media.
But beyond the reasoning behind his visit, Clark’s message resonated most in the stories and lessons he shared directly with the students. In an interview taken before the speech, he expanded on the ideas behind One Second of Strength and what he hopes students take away from his assemblies.
In the interview Clark explains that he didn’t start with aspirations to be a motivational speaker. He originally worked in brand marketing before transitioning over. “I didn’t know how to become a motivational speaker. I didn’t even know what that meant. I just saw an opportunity, and I’ve always believed that when a door opens in your path, you have to decide if you’re prepared to walk through it. I was always willing to walk through the door.”
When asked where he felt he made an impact, Clark shares a moment that occurs during each of his assemblies. “When I’m speaking to students, I can look into their eyes and see the ones who are struggling. You can see when you’re making a connection, and you just hope they make a decision to change,” he said.
Photo by Abigail Dunlap
One of the main points Clark makes during his student assemblies surrounds acknowledgement of addiction to one’s phone. “These devices are designed to steal your time, steal your energy and steal your happiness. Teenagers have to be aware of that, because awareness is always the key to growth.”
He also establishes the importance of control of oneself. “Teenagers today are struggling with more anxiety, more depression, more comparison and more self-doubt than ever before. If you’re not aware of what’s happening to you, how can you take control of your life,” he said.
Clark was able to connect with students through not only his words, but through a relatable and sarcastic sense of humour. “The happiest moments of your life are never when you’re scrolling. They’re when you’re present—with friends, family, teammates. No one says, “Remember that time I scrolled for three hours? That was amazing.” He was able to interact and create some laughs with the NCHS students, which brought lightness and mutual understanding to an otherwise dark and humbling topic.
Clark concludes his presentation with NCHS teenagers with a message that ties together the main points of his speech. “Your mistakes don’t define you. Your struggles are shaping you. And your next second is always yours to choose.”
