During his visit to Vero Beach, Henry Winkler told an audience at the Emerson Center how he found success by overcoming his dyslexia. Among his listeners were several St. Edward’s students, including, from left, Ritter Marchant, Quinn Hiaasen, and Dylan Toomey.
Ritter Marchant leaned forward in his chair as he listened to actor-author Henry Winkler talk about what it was like being part of Happy Days, the 1970’s ABC sitcom that made his character “The Fonz” a household name all over the country. The St. Edward’s fifth grader hadn’t come to the Emerson Center to hear about Arthur Fonzarelli and the Cunningham family; he was there to find out about Hank Zipzer, Winkler’s fictional character who is better known as “the world’s most amazing underachiever.”
Yet as Winkler went on to tell about how he dealt with his dyslexia both on television and in the classroom, Ritter and others couldn’t help but be inspired by the message he sends out every time he speaks in public: “Every one of you has greatness in you – and it’s your job to figure out what that greatness is and follow your dream.
“I wanted to be an actor ever since I was 7 years old,” Winkler goes on. “I remember my teachers and parents telling me I would never achieve my dream, yet I did. I knew what I wanted, and I believe that everybody can do what I did if they choose to and want it badly enough. We, you and me – everyone is powerful. “My advice is to trust your instinct; your gut knows more than your head. Take your time, let your instincts percolate and the right thing will just come to you.”
Read the entire article in the November 2009 issue
True Tails is a series written by Amy Robinson for Vero Beach’s dog lovers. Ask Amy about your dog’s behavior by clicking below.
Facebook Comments