The power of “I Am”: how Maryam Ganni inspires the champions of tomorrow

The Jackie Fisher Empathy Tour made a stop at Place Cartier on January 20, our first collaboration with the Lester B. Pearson School Board. Students and staff were moved by Maryam Ganni. who shared her personal journey of resilience living with a visual impairment, and spoke passionately about the importance of nurturing a positive inner voice. Her message was clear: to become a champion in life, we must first cultivate an internal dialogue that leads with kindness, builds confidence, and serves as a constant reminder of our own strength.

 Throughout her talk, Ganni emphasized the practice of “feeding” positive thoughts, exercising self-love, and using affirmations to strengthen both our inner and outer voices. Students were invited to participate in a reflective activity, completing cards that began with the prompts: “I am…” and “because…” The responses they wrote on their cards were honest, genuine, and deeply human. As students took turns sharing their personal strengths, such as “I am strong…”, “I am capable…” and “I am independent…”, the gym echoed with the cheers and support of their classmates. These cards can now be read outside the gym on a bulletin board where students pass by all day.

Though it was a bitterly cold day outside, the inside of Place Cartier gym was transformed. Ganni shifted the tone of the room entirely, leaving every participant with a sense of warmth and positive energy. Denise OBriain, special education technician at Place Cartier, shared her thoughts with us on Ganni’s visit: “She was an amazing speaker for our students. Half of our audience were our special needs students, and they were the ones who participated the most. They stood up, they spoke, they answered her questions, and they talked from their heart.”

 A heartfelt thank you to the incredible Place Cartier staff and students for welcoming us into your community. With the generous support of The Jaclyn Fisher Foundation, Inspirations is proud to continue bringing messages of empathy, resilience, and empowerment to classrooms across the Greater Montreal and surrounding areas.

 For information, contact info@inspirationsnews.com.