About Wayne
After high school, I decided to abstain from college and go straight to work, much to the disappointment of my parents. About the age of 30, I started to realize that the long hours and physical strain demanded by the restaurant industry were beginning to take their toll on me. Moreover, I was beginning to allow myself to accept that there was more to life than earning money during the day and spending it later that night. I was beginning to understand the concept of purpose. I enrolled in school to become an English teacher. I had no idea where that decision would lead me.
I earned a B.A. in English from Stony Brook University and continued on to earn an M.A. in Teaching English on the Secondary Level. I decided to expand my formal education and received a second M.A. in Elementary Education from the Department of Curriculum Design at Teachers College Columbia University. Eventually, I earned my Administrative Certification and served as Assistant Principal on Long Island, NY before retiring to pursue what has become my purpose: to positively influence the lives of young people so that they can envision, engage and accomplish a path towards satisfaction and joy.
At some point, while still a classroom teacher, I enrolled in a series of workshops that allowed me to recognize the belief system from which I was operating. These workshops were very different than the traditional therapy I had partaken in to address some of the questions and anxieties that I carried. They allowed me to take an in depth look at myself, and although at times it was uncomfortable, it was also liberating. I was able to see why I made the decisions I made and understand why I interpreted situations, interactions and relationships in the way I did. When I recognized the power in being my authentic self, I realized that I needed to offer my students this same type of insight.
I created and facilitated the Be Your Greatness experience at my high school for almost a decade. Through this program, my transformational public speaking, one-on-one Coaching and my writing, I have helped thousands of young people release self-deprecating beliefs, confusion and apathy and replace them with confidence, focus and determination. The pressure to live up to the expectations that are placed on young people by their exposure to social media can hinder their social and emotional progression. I empower youth to recognize the greatness within themselves, and to live from that awareness.
I am grateful that the Be Your Greatness Program has been a positive influence in the lives of many young people since 2009. Through this program, many young people have been able to gain clarity and realize dreams they did not even know they were allowed to dream. I am blessed to continue my work so more young people can step into their greatness. I welcome you to join the Be Your Greatness Program and let me teach you all that I’ve been able to share over the past decades. BYG things happen when young adults grasp their greatness. Have questions? Feel free to e-mail me at ThinkBYG@BeYourGreatness.com. I look forward to hearing from you.