Dave Pelzer is looking for real heroes to step up to the plate.
Pelzer, author of The New York Times best-selling book “A Child Called ‘It,'” believes that college students of any age, sex or race can serve as one of those heroes.
“We are all on the mission to greatness, so prepare yourself for greatness,” Pelzer said to two crowds in Olscamp Hall last night. He spoke in front of a sold-out conference room and the speech was also broadcast in Olscamp 111 to another few hundred people.
Best known for detailing his life-threatening childhood abuse by his mentally disturbed, alcoholic mother in his books, Pelzer emphasized the importance of empowerment and resilience to anyone who has been through abuse of their own.
The real heroes in Pelzer’s mind are those who can persevere through personal hardships and learn to put it behind them. He also called on those who help their fellow man and are willing to work menial jobs all day just so they can provide for their family.
“I’m going to clean toilets with my tongue in 120 degree weather; I don’t care, as long as my family is cared for,” Pelzer said.
Pelzer summoned Clint Eastwood from the film “Gran Torino” numerous times when encouraging young Americans to “man up and step up” to the challenges of getting an education and earning a living.
“All you need is three meals a day, [and] exercise for your mind, body and soul. You don’t need an iPod or Blu-Ray DVD’s. That time is dead and gone,” Pelzer said.
Pelzer’s visit was in conjunction with a workshop on “Promoting Empowerment and Resiliency in Children and Families Who Have Experienced Abuse and Neglect” that took place earlier yesterday.
Grad student Danielle Pickut attended the workshop and gained some lessons from Pelzer’s speech.
“[Pelzer] had a no-nonsense approach. He’s not afraid to step on people’s toes. Moving on from hardships instead of dwelling on them will give you a good experience,” Pickut said.
Pelzer, a former Outstanding Young Person of the World award winner, had advice to give on various topics including survival, parenthood and even sex, but one of his main points was moving forward from what has happened in the past.
“If something unexpected happened to you that was not your fault, if somebody really hurt you mentally, physically or emotionally, and what they did was horribly wrong, that was not your fault,” Pelzer said after asking for the audience’s full attention. “Do not live in fear.”
