1) The author writes a letter to Joe thanking him for his mentorship in Toastmasters four years ago which has profoundly impacted his life. 2) The skills he learned from Joe, such as public speaking confidence and presentation skills, helped him succeed academically by passing literature exams and getting elected to leadership roles in clubs. 3) Most recently, the author won first place in a school speech competition by giving an impromptu speech where he drew on the motto Joe had taught him about how people remember how you make them feel rather than what you say.

1. 4/27/2014
Hi Joe,
I am extremely glad to hear from you! I am touched that the club was able
to expand and influence more people than I would have ever imagined. I
am thankful to God that he used me to pour blessings beyond
comprehensionto you! Out of all the Toastmasters I have becomefamiliar
with over the years, there is still not one that I have met as great as you. In
all honesty, if it were not for your help I would not be in the positionI am
today. The Toastmasters training I have received has helped me grow as a
student, leader, and person. I am astounded at the things God has done for
you through the seeds I sowed. However, I would like to take the time to tell
you the fruits of the seeds you sowed four years ago.
Coming into high school I had more courage than any of my peers when it
came to public speaking. I was able to skillfully give presentations,and hold
conversations with my superiors with confidence and dignity like no one in
my class could. For some time this was all I was able to make use of my
training. However, as I progressed inmy studies, my English teacher Mrs.
Ledman noticed my skill in public speaking at a poetry reading. Mrs.
Ledman suggested I use my "talent" more often. At that moment, the skills
you taught me brought back exponential results. As part of the International
Baccalaureate (IB) program examinations, I needed to converse with my
teacher about literature we had studied in class. I was able to effortlessly
pass with flying colors.Although there were many other speaking exams
which I had passed,the fruits of the seeds you sowed were not confined to
solely the academic realm. I joined the debate club at my school and won
the "BestSpeaker Award." I then was elected in to officesof clubs such as
the office of Treasurer of the National History Honor Societyand the office
of Presidentof National Spanish Honor society. My reputation as a speaker
began to grow around school.It grew to the point where I was personally
asked to guest speak at clubs around the school,and I was eventually able
to establish mini-seminars helping students around my schoolgain
confidence inpublic speaking modeled after the 8-week course I enrolled in
as a fourteen year old. Public speaking molded my resume and allowed me
to gain acceptance into top universities such as Brandeis University and
the University of Florida. I was even able to beat out seven other
competitors in a group interview for a job. However, the fruits continue to
yield.

2. This week was the schoolwide Tropicana Speechcompetition.Mrs.
Ledman had signed me up for the competitionbut I had put the competition
in the back burner as I am in the midst of preparing for college and finishing
high school strong. Eventually, the day of the competitioncame and I had
no speechto give because I had completelyforgotabout the competition.I
showed up to the competitionto tell Mrs. Ledman that I would be dropping
out because I had no speechand was totally unprepared. Mrs. Ledman told
me to "wing it" as she had faith in my skills as a public speaker. So, I was
forced to compete without a speech.I kept thinking of your impacting
quote, "People will never rememberwhat you said, but people will always
rememberhow you made them feel" which has now become the motto and
foundation of my public speaking career. I gave myself a topic I was
extremely familiar with, and treated the competitionas a four-minute table
topic. I watched my competitors as each one spoke.Although they were
prepared with power point presentations and note cards, they did not have
the poise,grace, and elocution that only proper training from a polished
expert such as yourself can bring. I took to the lectern with confidenceand
gave my four-minute impromptu speech.I won first place. Below is the link
to my schoolweb site acknowledging my victory.
http://ghs.pasco.k12.fl.us/?p=17687
That being said, it would be an honor to have you come watch me at the
district level competitionon May 10th. You have impacted my life beyond
comprehensionand I know without a shadow of a doubt that without your
place in my life, I would not be where I am today. You too have impacted a
number of other students and I know that your training will bear even more
fruit in my life as I begin my collegiate career.
Thank you for all you have done in my life and continue to do in the life of
others! You deserve that award! Thank you!
My warmest regards,
Aldo