Volunteer Spotlight:  Michael Seligman

Michael Seligman has been an active volunteer for SFK since 2007. He has worked in the classroom as a Facilitator for SFK and SFK Youth, and has written short stories for the SFK Curriculum. He works as a professional writer and in his free time loves to go to the beach, write, run and hang out with friends. His favorite quote is: "If you can fly, then soar!"

What prompted you to volunteer for SFK?  I saw a video about SFK that was really inspiring.  Then an SFK Teacher gave a presentation and I just thought, "Wow, the program sounds amazing!"

What inspires you and keeps you volunteering with SFK?  Working with the kids and knowing that this program really makes a difference.  When you see the kids transform from Day One to Graduation Day and know that they've experienced these practical tools that will help them win The Game of Life.... that's inspiring!

Why do you think it’s important to volunteer with SFK?  I think if you have something to share, you need to share it with the world.  This isn't just a fun activity for kids, it's life changing.  I hope for the day when SFK is taught to every kid in the world. Imagine what kind of place this would be?

What is your top memorable experience volunteering with SFK?  There are SO many.  One of the most memorable took place in an SFK class I facilitated in. There was a little girl in the class who had so much love and so much energy and enthusiasm, but she didn't have someone in her life to tell her how great she was.  She didn't see her inner light. One day we were doing the Water Channel exercise and while all the kids were scratching their heads trying to come up with the solution to the problem, this little girl figured it out!  Right away everyone started congratulating her and giving her high fives. A few moments later, she disappeared.   The teacher went to talk to her to see what was going on.  We discovered that this little girl wasn't accustomed to getting so much positive attention.  She never heard anyone tell her how special she was.  It was such a new experience for her and she didn’t quite know how to handle it.  It’s great that SFK works through the children, as well as, through the curriculum to provide support and tools.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve seen overcome?  In the teen program one of the older students was disturbed by the concept of The Opponent and how our Opponent is there to challenge us. SFK teaches that obstacles are actually there to help us grow.  This guy had so many obstacles in his life and he thought it was his job to avoid them.  When he discovered that they weren't "bad" things, but things to be dealt with and overcome, I think it really turned things around for him.  The lesson really shined a light on something he was struggling with.

What have you learned from being an SFK volunteer? I have learned patience, and persistence. I can say that my life is better because of the volunteering I've done.  It got me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to connect with other people.  And the benefit of experiencing these beautiful lessons is that it helps me help myself and others. People are always saying, "Wow, thanks, that was great advice” and I reply "Don't thank me, thank SFK!"  Seriously!