Just Be You, a local 501(c)3 non-profit, is set to this fall launch its self-compassion based school programming, targeting middle and high school students, and will host its kickoff event at the Gaillard Center this September.
“Just Be You has been a passion project in the works for a long time,” Beth Rucker, who founded the non-profit in 2017, said. “Empowering these young adults through our programming, encouraging them to embrace their unique self, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to identify their own voices and to see them know that they are enough is so rewarding.”
Just Be You, in partnership with the Gaillard Center's Education and Community Program, is hosting its Motivational Speaker Series Kickoff event on Wednesday, September 25th at the Martha & John M. Rivers Performance Hall. Students will have the opportunity to listen to conversations from a panel of esteemed guests – Corey Miller, Darius Rucker, and Angel Roberts – as they reflect back on times from their teenage years. You can learn more about each speaker below.
“The goal is to bring speakers who have achieved both personal and professional success and are willing to talk about the adversities they faced along the way,” Just Be You Executive Director Austin Nelson said. “We want our students to hear firsthand that it is not always easy growing up, that we all deal with challenging moments. Our hope is our speakers will help open the door for conversation, because when we start talking about these issues that are so common to being a teen, then we can start normalizing them.”
Schools will have the opportunity to sign up for in-school workshops taking place after the event. In addition, teachers can sign up to have the Just Be You team come to their schools for personalized workshops and assemblies, all free of cost. All Just Be You programs are based in self-compassion teaching and focus on the daily challenges of life as a modern teen. To learn more, visit justbeyou.org.
About the speakers:
COREY MILLER
Corey Miller is a former linebacker for the South Carolina Gamecocks with a 9-year career in the NFL. He currently is a television sports anchor and father to the Carolina Panthers' Christian Miller.
ANGEL ROBERTS
Angel Roberts is a Myrtle Beach native, an award-winning choreographer, and founder of the national dance movement Peace Love Hip Hop. As a former Hollywood designer, she won an Emmy for her costume work on That 70's Show. Her favorite part of dance is still interacting with students.
DARIUS RUCKER
Darius Rucker is the multi-Platinum lead singer and rhythm guitarist of GRAMMY award-winning Hootie & the Blowfish and since has dominated the Billboard Country Albums charts with his solo career. He is a Charleston native.
