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It’s Craniofacial Awareness Month. I have already done many posts and videos about my journey but I want to use this post…for a special reason. As a kid, I was like “I’m normal.” “I don’t need any help with anything I’m just like everybody else.” I practically refused to acknowledge my facial difference because honestly, it made me feel alone. Like I was the only person with a facial difference and I fought to prove I was like everybody else and could do what everybody else could do. When I did accept it as a teenager it was in a negative way. “Girls don’t like me because of my face,” was my go-to response when I couldn’t get a girlfriend.

It wasn’t until a few years ago that I actually appreciated my Craniofacial Deformity. Yes, I look different but a lot of good comes with that. It means when you see me and we talk, you won’t walk away and forget about it. I leave a lasting impression. That’s awesome to me! Then throw in the fact I have been using my experiences to inspire others through motivational speaking and writing an autobiography just made it better.

However, I have to say the part that makes me most grateful and appreciative of my Craniofacial Deformity is the fact that thanks to Facebook I have been able to meet so many others with facial differences. So, that little kid inside me that always felt like he was the only one in the world with a facial difference is jumping with joy. I have met so many others with facial differences that I have connected with and bonded with and it is just absolutely amazing. I am very lucky to be born with a Craniofacial Deformity.

I had a great summer and did not one but two talks in the area. I am very appreciative of those that attended and those that watched on Facebook Live. Now that the school year has started I wanted to let everybody know that I am available to speak to students about a variety of topics. If you think I’d be able to inspire the students at your local schools send the school an email with my information and let’s see what we can do!

Email: Coreyt0304@gmail.com

Empowering Port Jervis on the 17th at Empowering Port Jervis at 7pm at 11 Fowler Street, Port Jervis, NY.

An Autobiographical lecture. Come hear Corey talk about his strengths and his weaknesses and what keeps him inspired. He will tell stories of his life, living with a deformity and he will captivate you with his words and wisdom. He is an open book ready and eager to answer questions about who he is and where he is going.  He will help you find your way through the journey of life.

and then

August 18th – 2:30 at Kay Tieman’s 1st annual Craft Fair
at Veterans Memorial Park 23-79 Main st. Otisville, NY 10963. I will be discussing the effect they have had on my family.

I hope to see you there!

Last week I spoke to the third and fifth grade classes at Hamilton Bicentennial ELementary school in Cuddebackville New York. They were holding their annual leadership day where different people come in and speak to the class. This year’s theme was overcoming obstacles. The classes I spoke to had read and watched Wonder by R J Palacio so I told the classes my own Wonder story. The kids were so warm and welcoming. I spoke briefly about myself, telling them I was born with a severe facial deformity similar to the protagonist in WONDER. I gave a brief summary of myself and then left it to the kids and asked what they wanted to know.

“How has being born like that changed your outlook?”

I would never expect a kid that age to have such a great question and articulate it so well. I told him that I was grateful for the outlook it gave me because I was able to see the absolute best and the absolute worst of people but could read people very well.

Then Today I went to Port Jervis Middle School and spoke to the seventh grade. They had seen WONDER at the beginning of the year and Mrs O’Connell had shown them my videos at http://www.youtube.com/coreyt0304 so they were happy to see me. I did the same thing as I did with the elementary and told them a little about myself. These kids were a little older and a little more reserved but once I made a few funny stories they opened up. One person asked me if I could drive and I told her no and how when I was turning sixteen my mother let me try and I mistook the gas for the break. “I’M HITTING THE BREAK1” I yelled pretending to slam down on the gas. The room loved it.

I want to thank PJMS and HBE for welcoming me and I can’t wait to return next year.