Ethan Zohn Wins 2005 Rookie of the Year Award
From campusactivitiesmagazine.com
Many of you may remember Ethan Zohn from the second season of “Survivor.’ It took place in Africa, and Ethan walked away the winner and donating his $1 Million prize to charity.
Now, he has shifted gears and joined the ranks of CAMPUSPEAK, as a lecturer. Ethan started speaking a while back, but just into his third or forth date he was called back to “Survivor” for their All Stars special. Since his return, Ethan has been speaking to campuses for about a semester.
Obviously, being the Reader’s Choice Awards Rookie of the Year signifies that Ethan does not have an abundance of experience in speaking to the college market, but that doesn’t mean his program lacks quality, charisma or impact.
In addition to his college shows, Ethan speaks to the soccer community (of which he is a big part), high schools, community centers and Jewish groups. All together he has done about forty dates since he started.
This early in a career, it is common to see the most profound changes in a program or in an entertainer’s general approach to his craft. Ethan explains that he is no different.
“My program has developed a lot. I remember the first time I gave a speech I had it all written out and was stuck behind the podium with almost no direction. I tried to memorize what I was going to say, but I was so nervous. The jokes I tried to throw in didn’t work very well and the general flow of the show was not very smooth. After every show I look back and say ‘Well, this kind of worked and this didn’t and I try and modify accordingly. The evolution of my show has definitely been pretty amazing. I have found through the questions after my presentation what the kids are interested in. So I have taken a lot of those questions and incorporated them into my speech. That has given it much more thorough and detailed content.”
Ethan explains that not only has his knowledge about himself, his show and his audience developed, but there have been leaps in the technology of his presentation as well. “At first, I had no audio visual stuff Ð nothing to act as a supplemental guide to my show. Now, I am able to present video of me in “Survivor” and my Grass Roots Soccer campaign in Zimbabwe and CNN coverage. I think it really helps the kids to connect what they are hearing to what they see in front of them. I have brochures and little bonuses that just make the experience better in general.”
While Grass Roots Soccer is a priority for Ethan (see our January 2004 cover story for more details), this is not the main focus in his lecture. Ethan points out the inner strengths in us all, especially in adverse conditions.
“When I was on “Survivor,” the white noise of the entire world was filtered out. I really got to know myself extremely well. In a situation like that, you are stripped down to basically nothing and all you have left is your character and your personal values. Those personal values are what I learned through my education and college life. I just want to share that with the kids. Even if you are sitting out in the seats thinking I am full of shit, everyone has times of trouble. You might not know what you are doing with your life, or it might be your first time on campus and you don’t know anyone and you’re scared. These are all normal feelings. I have dealt with them and I am trying to help other people deal with them. From going on “Survivor” to being on campus for the first time, everyone has the same basic feelings and there are ways to cope. When you are down on your luck or having a hard time, all you have is character and personality and that is what matters. That is what truly counts. I just want to let all the kids know that while you might be tempted by different things or don’t know what to do, it’s what’s inside that counts. It helps guide you and that is the way to predict your future, create it yourself. Anyone has a perfect opportunity to go on and do great things. The only thing holding you back is you.”
A prime example of the strength of character and personal values is what Ethan did with the money he won on “Survivor.”
“I could have gone and gotten a new apartment and car and the works, but I chose to make a difference. I believe I learned the importance of these beliefs in college, and I want to share them with others.” This is a key aspect that gives Ethan so much credibility when speaking. It is apparent that the financial gains are not his motivation; it is making a difference.
Ethan is certainly a positive role model in a world of pop icons that are praised for doing some of the most depraved things in our society. Everything from sex and drugs to violence are glorified everyday and Ethan Zohn shows us all a better way.
BOOK IT! For more information on bringing guiding light Ethan Zohn to your students, contact Dan Kennedy at CAMPUSPEAK at (303) 745-5545.