Behind Closed Doors July 18 and 19, 2003 On July 18 and 19, The Memphis Challenge held its
first retreat -- "Behind Closed Doors" -- at the
University of Memphis.
Memphis Challenge students from all classes gathered
for a weekend of honest conversation, motivation and
fun. The inspiration began on Friday night with
keynote speaker Pam McKelvy, Channel 5 news
anchor/reporter. Pam encouraged students to decide
what they want from life and "make their own video."
"In your video, you decide how to execute your plan.
Apply yourself and make it happen for you," said Ms.
McKelvy. "In my video, I'm finer than Tyra Banks,
smarter than Hillary Clinton and richer than Bill
Gates."
After Ms. McKelvy's positive thoughts, the students
were surprised with a special guest, motivational
speaker Les Brown. Mr. Brown told the students to
develop their minds and communication skills, have
passion and remember to be flexible. He was impressed
with the caliber of students in The Memphis Challenge.
"There's greatness in the room," Mr. Brown said. "I
feel blessed to be in your presence."
The evening concluded with breakout sessions -- a
chance for students to ask direct questions to a panel
of men and women from all different career paths --
and an opportunity to relax and have fun.
On Saturday morning, the theme of the day was
recommitment -- to The Memphis Challenge and to one's
self. Students were asked to develop a personal
mission statement and then say aloud one thing they
planned to do to reach their higher ground. A
candlelight ceremony ended this special and moving
retreat.
Special Thanks:
Behind Closed Doors Peer Planning Committee:
Christopher Owens (2000), Ashley Foxx (2001), Isma'il
Rashada (2002) and Marcie Graham (2003)
On July 18 and 19, The Memphis Challenge held its
first retreat -- "Behind Closed Doors" -- at the
University of Memphis.
After Ms. McKelvy's positive thoughts, the students
were surprised with a special guest, motivational
speaker Les Brown. Mr. Brown told the students to
develop their minds and communication skills, have
passion and remember to be flexible. He was impressed
with the caliber of students in The Memphis Challenge.
On Saturday morning, the theme of the day was
recommitment -- to The Memphis Challenge and to one's
self. Students were asked to develop a personal
mission statement and then say aloud one thing they
planned to do to reach their higher ground. A
candlelight ceremony ended this special and moving
retreat.
