You're Not Alone! Opportunity Lost for Children!

In today's era, you would think that schools give the best intention for our children. However, this story changed that fact.

Dear QLA Mentees/Devotees:

I rarely use my platform to further projects that are not QLA related! But some issues are too important not to share!

You have heard me say on you tube and in person, how the educational system fails those who need it most—those who depend on it to move from poverty to prosperity. This is a matter of immense public interest. Poor kids, mostly minority, lose out to rich kids, because valuable lessons they need are hidden by schools, that stuff their students with platitudes, instead of real life. And this isn’t happening in stuffy colleges, its happening where you least expect it -- in American high schools! Where we expect openness to life’s ideas!

The letter I enclose is an example of this educational travesty.

Oxford University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. One would think that Oxford, through Oxford Entrepreneurs (OE) would be stuffily disdainful of an outsider like me, and my strongly worded thoughts and ideas. But Oxford wasn’t too stuffy or close-minded to let their students hear me. Good for them. Oxford students are already bound for success, and surely don’t need success - oriented ideas the way poor kids do. But Oxford helped their kids hear another nonpolitical correct voice- mine through OE. About another path. Mine. Ours. After about 1000 years of existence, Oxford seems eager to have its students to hear about different paths to success. Bravo for Oxford!

You would think that American educators would want our kids, especially our kids from poorer families, to hear what top rated Oxford students hear. But you’d be wrong. American schools now hide their students from ideas like mine, if they don’t approve of the man or the message.

I enclose as proof, my letter to Opportunity Charter School in Harlem, NYC. They invited me to speak! But after many weeks of planning and me travelling there at my expense for this event, they abruptly banished me and my ideas, the very night before I was to speak. Seemingly, this happened over my fairly strong political views and possibly my endorsement of Donald Trump. Someone there, I don’t know who, seems to have had an attack of the vapors, and decided only “approved” ideas and “acceptable” people can speak. And I thought that would be Oxford’s reaction!

In conjunction with my speech plans, I had coincidently invited a Harlem based mentee Diane Rivera and her daughter to hear me speak, in her backyard! She had recently attended the castle experience and was to meet me at the Charter School that morning! Of course that didn’t happen! You can read below for yourself what she wrote to the school! As my mentee she made me proud! She obviously understood the vast importance of the event, that was kept from the children!

For those of you that feel as I do – that our kids should not be held back--you might consider making your views known to one of many consumer like “watch dog” groups. I expect they would also be stung, as I am, to see that kids are being intellectually suffocated by educators who block the ideas of “disapproved” speakers.

Respectfully,
To your quantum life and business!

Dan Pe?a


From: Diane Rivera

Subject: 50 Billion Dollar Man Dan Pe?a Cancelled to Speak at Harlem Charter School

To say I was over elated to find out Mr. Dan Pe?a, The 50 Billion Dollar Man, the greatest High Performance Coach of all time would be addressing the students at a Charter School in Harlem AND we are invited to attend with our 12 year old daughter, is an understatement. My initial thought, how favored are the children that will have the opportunity to receive his story. A story all can benefit from.

I have been a Harlem resident since 1990. I watched this neighborhood transcend from a drug and rat infested ghetto (where I lived for many years I was surrounded by abandoned buildings) to now gentrified. A neighborhood where my 3 children ages 5 to 24 have attended its public schools, catholic schools, charter schools and now most recently an Independent private school. I am familiar with the cultures and conditioning of the mindset for many. The hope and possibilities are endless for those who receive this experience from Mr. Pe?a.

A month prior I learned of Mr. Pe?a and his work and accomplishments for the first time ever. Out of inspiration or desperation 4 days later I set out to Scotland (my first time abroad) to attend his 8 day QLA seminar. My life has been forever altered for the best. I know firsthand the value Mr. Pe?a message delivers.

My excitement for the children turned to great disappointment when I received the email the night before Mr. Pe?a's scheduled appearance, that school officials made the decision to cancel. It was very disheartening. The children have been cheated of this opportunity.

I grew up in the ghettos of The Bronx, Harlem and Yonkers. I was raised in a home where drugs and alcohol were abused. Neglect, negativity and fear was a daily experience. Poverty was not only our financial status but our mindset. Visions of grandeur, a dream life and a positive belief system was not only frowned upon but you were made fun of for even mentioning such thoughts.

From K - 12th grade I attended 9 schools(4 being High Schools). I went from being an enthused, bright student with a passion to learn, to a student barely passing. Not due to lack of intelligence but instead allowing my spirit to be broken and becoming a product of my environment. I allowed my circumstances to impact my education and my beliefs negatively. I was not fortunate to receive the message from Dan Pe?a "it is not what happens to me, but how I react to it" until I was 45 years old. No concept of that.  I did not have a mentor, a hero/SHEro to follow. No one cared enough or I went unnoticed within the school system.

Fortunately I built enough resilience (I was a feisty child with a fire within) to overcome many adversities and live what I like to describe as a extraordinary mediocre life for myself and my family. Making "the best" of my situation. My "short comings" I believe are due to information, resources and truths I did not receive during especially my most impressionable years.

Mr. Pe?a's philosophies, principles and what some may consider harsh truths provide hope and opportunity for all. His message is clear and direct. His ability to successfully reach and affect all classes from poverty to world class is second to none. He has a proven track record of success stories and the "secret" to achieve greatness with discipline, strong work ethic and accountability.

My most impactful take a way’s from Mr. Pe?a:
How debilitating fear is and how to conquer it
The power of the mindset and belief system
Everything is connected to self esteem

Given the opportunity Mr. Pe?a would deliver a phenomenal message to the students of the school, faculty, staff and parents that would make a difference.

I mentioned this opportunity to my daughter who is in entering the 7th grade (she is familiar with Dan Pe?a). Her words to me "mommy the kids at my school need this, well the neighborhood lottery children for sure. They already have a limited belief system".

Mr. Pe?a should be given the opportunity to address the Harlem community.

Diane Rivera