The Mark Highlights
Special Guest Nathan Harmon poses for a picture with Sierra High Students.
Nathan Harmon gives an inspiring demonstration in front of Sierra High Students.
Sierra High Students Feel Impact From Guest Speaker
By Aisha Saeed
Life as we know it can change in an instant. Students at Sierra High School learned just how quick that instant happened for Nathan Harmon, in a reckless drunk driving accident that changed his life forever.
Community Outreach Student Intern
He started his speech in the middle of a crowd of students who sat on the bleachers in the large gym of the high school. One Friday night, Harmon met with fate after leaving a bar with his friends. Harmon sat behind the wheel of his car before crashing into the trunk of a tree on the side of a road. The high impact accident took the life of the woman who sat in the passenger seat beside him. Harmon shared with Sierra students that the accident forced him to look within himself, to change the direction of his life. Upon discovering his own empty wounds, he embarked on a journey of healing and self-reflection. He soon found his purpose in motivating others to take control of their own lives, too. Nathan Harmon is now an international speaker and founder of Your Life Speaks, which teaches youth about the impact of individual choice; our circumstances do not define the lengths that we can
achieve in our lifetimes. He proceeded to the front of the crowd. His loud, impassioned voice was heard throughout the entire room. He said, “We all have our own storms, and the truth in it doesn’t define you… I can control how I react, how I respond, and what I do.” He advocated the idea of vulnerability and seeking help from family and friends. His powerful message resonated with many Sierra High School students. Kendall Sellers, a sophomore at SHS, felt especially touched with his speech. She said, “His speech inspired me to be the person that I want to be and surround myself with people that will support me… I am more aware of my feelings now.” Many students appreciated his honesty and his relatability, each feeling more empowered and motivated than before entering the room. Nathan Harmon brands his message, Your Life Speaks, on various social media sites. In addition, he has his own podcast entitled “Real Life with Nathan Harmon,” where he engages in different topics such as mental health, kindness, and being your own champion.
