Last year, around this time, I posted about the Jeff Bezos (founder of Amazon) graduation speech that I planned to share with my gifted 5th graders. I did share it with them, and I intend to share it with my current 5th graders this week. They will go on to middle school next year, and Jeff Bezos says everything I hope these students will remember – much more eloquently than I can ever phrase it.
This weekend, I heard a TED talk on the TED Radio Hour from a different Bezos, Mark, who I assume is no direct relation. Mark is a volunteer fire fighter, and though his story is quite different, I am fairly certain that Jeff Bezos would nod his head in agreement with Mark’s message. One line, in particular, resonated with me, “Not every day is going to offer us a chance to save somebody’s life, but every day offers us an opportunity to affect one.”
And so, this year, my students will view two talks by men named Bezos. As a teacher for 23 years, I have tried my best to “save the shoes” on a daily basis. Before this group of kids move on, I am going to make one last attempt to enter that burning building and grab 16 pairs to dole out to my class. They might just throw them away, or they might slip them on and wear them forever. I will probably never know, either way.
But at least I’ll know that I tried. (If you would like to view some more inspirational videos for teachers or students, you can click here or here.)
I like that idea a lot too! You always find the best videos! 🙂
Thank you!
Mark and Jeff Bezos are actually brothers based on my Google research.
Wow! Upon further research, I do believe you are correct!
Mark and Jeff certainly are brothers. Mark is the SVP, Development, Communications & Events at Robin Hood, the leading poverty-fighting charity in New York City. Bezos joined Robin Hood following the sale of his advertising agency, excited to have found a way to use his powers of persuasion for good.
Bezos is the Assistant Captain of a volunteer fire company in Westchester County, New York, where he lives with his wife and four children. He is continuously amazed and motivated by the everyday acts of heroism–big and small–that surround him.
I believe he also a director at the Bezos Family Foundation, is a private, independent foundation established by Jackie and Mike Bezos, who along with their children and spouses, serve as directors. Our vision is that all young people are prepared to achieve their full potential and make a meaningful contribution to society.
In addition he is a helluva nice guy.
I am glad to hear that – especially the last sentence!
I don’t know Jeff, but I have worked with Mark and he is as genuine as they come. Check out his TED video.
Here are the two brothers talking on the same stage:
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/18/how-amazon-made-jeff-bezos-the-richest-man-alive-worth-141-billion.html
They definitely look like brothers, though Mark looks like a Spartan version of Jeff ;).