Educator and best-selling author of Who are You? Stedman Graham offered district students insight on how to answer this important question as they learn to develop their identity.

Community Unit School District 308 students were treated to three days of music and an inspirational message, Aug. 27-29. Along with Graham, notable singer and songwriter Caroline Jones performed for students at Long Beach Elementary School, Oswego East High School, and Plank Junior High School. 

Graham shared his important message while encouraging students to develop a strong personal identity. 

“It is never how the world defines you; it is how you define yourself,” Graham said. 

Graham invited several students to the floor to answer the question “Who are you?” and encouraged them to name as many things as possible that they love within 30 seconds. He also encouraged students to go home and write down 200 things they love within two hours. 

Singer Caroline Jones played a variety of original and cover songs for students and encouraged them to follow their dreams and be creative. 

When she played her song “Spirit of the Earth” she told students it was inspired by the Mahatma Ghandi quote: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” 

When she played her song “Happy as You Go” she told students that they are in charge of their own happiness.

“This is about not using external measurements for your happiness,” Jones said. 

Source: Oswego East