Zack Ballinger
by Addie Tresnak
On November 18, 2022, motivational speaker Zack Ballinger flew in from Atlanta, Georgia, to give a few words of wisdom to our senior seminar class. Ballinger gave us a backstory, a very inspirational one. He talked about where he came from, and how he was raised, especially mentioning he came from a small town, like ours. Because he came from such a small village, people always doubted him and his dreams. His goal was to make a lot of money, and he worked hard towards that goal, ending up attending the University of Tennessee after high school. After college, he became an extremely successful salesman, earning multiple awards at his workplace. However, due to the stress he went through at his job, he ended up losing most of his hearing but made a significant comeback as an even more successful motivational speaker, something he genuinely enjoys doing.
I really enjoyed listening to today’s speaker. Throughout my high school career, I’ve always dreaded what my future holds for me. The thought of leaving this part of my life behind has been terrifying. Ask my parents, I always talk about how much I dread working a job I hate every day for the rest of my life until I retire in my 60s and live the final ten-ish years I have left of my life doing nothing until I die. Listening to Ballinger’s speech today made me realize that it doesn’t have to be that way. While I do struggle with figuring out what I plan to do with the rest of my life, what career I want to pursue, and what college I even want to attend, it’s nice to get the reassurance that one, you don’t have to commit to something if you find out you don’t like it, and two, you don’t have to go down a career path you hate. This was another speaker who once again, helped me realize that your future isn’t something you have to dread, but something you can make great.
Four County Community Foundation holds several funds that award grants directly to your local community. Grants support your schools, your museums, your food pantries, your local parks and trails and so much more. Consider donating to your Community Fund today!
Your donation will come right back to your local community.
The Team
Ava DeVlaminck - Editor
Lily Finnigan - Reporter
Kaeleigh Gourieux - Reporter
Kaitlynn Knuth - Reporter
Logan Korth - Reporter
Audrey Napolitano - Reporter
Penelope Spencer - Reporter
Claire Wright - Reporter
Email: SCzerwinski@drydenschools.org
Website: https://www.drydenschools.org/
Location: Dryden High School, Rochester Road, Dryden, MI, USA
Phone: (810) 796-2266
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drydencommunityschools
Twitter: @DrydenSchools