Bird was the word this Friday
GALWAY–Today the student body welcomed guest speaker, Dr. Stephen Birchack, otherwise known as “Dr.Bird”, to discuss the issues of character, bullying, resilience, love, and relationships. Dr. Bird is a bestselling author, professor, counseling psychologist, father, husband, and a reformed class clown. He has been a college professor for over 30 years and is the author of 4 books. He plans to add more books to that collection soon, one being a children’s book titled ‘The Bird and The Bear’ inspired by his best friend growing up.
Dr. Bird grew up feeling different from his peers due to his height. He learned to embrace his difference and see it as a blessing rather letting it discourage him from following his dreams. He went on to be the first in his family to go to college in pursuit of his dreams. He claims he has always had an interest in human behavior, psychological theories and how we treat each other. When asked what inspired him to do what he does, he answered that he had multiple motives but one of the key influences was his school counselor. Dr. Bird said his school counselor always helped him out and he looked up to him not only because he happened to be the wrestling coach, but because he always saw the best in people. He also added that his two sons, Nicholas and Brandon, played a big role in inspiring him to be the person he is and to do what he does. Brandon is a national champion diver and his son Nick was a lifting world champion, taking after his father who received a gold medal in weight lifting. Nicholas, legally blind and having well over 20 major surgeries before the age of 20, overcame many obstacles. Dr. Bird said watching him over come his obstacles sure made his problems seem so small.
Dr.Bird now continues to stress overcoming obstacles and the power of one person. He began his presentation with a quote by John Wooden:”Do not let what you can not do, interfere with what you can do.” He addressed the issue of bullying and how physical wounds heal but emotional wounds do not. Bullying is not only physical but it can be verbal, reactional and relational. “If you can’t find it in your heart to love others, could you at least not hurt them?” — Dr. Bird
When speaking with Dr. Bird after the presentation he told me that he was concerned with the fact that we don’t talk enough about love and the way we treat each other. Dr. Bird said positive psychology has always interested him. He said we stress the importance of naming and fixing disorders rather than expressing positive feelings. He put things in perspective by telling students to imagine things in the victim’s perspective. “Think of how it feels to be laughed at. You don’t have to be mean, you’re better than that. I’m only one person but I have a voice. I can think for myself, I have a choice.” You may not be the one bullying but if you witness it and do nothing about it, you’re just as responsible. It only takes the power of one person. Great leaders believe in choices–your road is your choice.
Click on the link below for an audio flashback of Dr. Byrd’s presentation:
Adrianna Watrobski is a Junior who covers various sports, fundraisers, and events here at GHS. She is a part of our Varsity Volleyball and Track teams,...
Mrs. O • Apr 18, 2014 at 1:03 pm
I really enjoyed Dr. Byrd’s presentation, and I appreciated the extra information you discovered in your interview Adrianna!