Students participated in “no backpack day,” an event designed to rebuild relationships after summer break. Throughout the rotation of activities and assembly, students had the opportunity to hear from Tei Street, international speaker, trainer and educational consultant share her motivational stories and advice.
“I give students the same messaging that I gave my own kids. I want my kids to be well and to thrive and I want that for all kids. For example, I don’t smoke, drink or use illicit drugs. I tell kids that from the stage. I also live like that at home, because I don’t like hypocrisy,” Street said.
One way Street is able to reach student perspectives outside of visiting schools or in person is through her social media use. Active on Instagram and TikTok, Street utilizes social media as a tool and as a broader way to engage with students.
“Social media has increased and supported my career because I love social media. It provides a way for students to get to know me and for me to support them. Occasionally, I get DMs from parents who come on to tell me of the impact of my speech on their child,” Street said. “That always warms my heart. I love watching young people soar via Instagram and I love to laugh following them on TikTok.”
Whether it was pulling students up to create scenes and to set examples, Street’s form of storytelling is rooted in her passion for student support.
“I love speaking with middle and high school students and prefer it to collegiate speaking and to corporate speaking with adults. I try to use material, examples, and stories that are informational, educational, and entertaining. I use my strong wit and sense of humor to engage students. I have a non-judgmental approach to interacting with students and they usually feel my authentic heart when I am speaking,” Street said.
Street’s time at NPHS as a motivational speaker, consultant and mother, curated for a strong speech on guidance, burnout and resiliency.
“My advice is to learn to love yourself unconditionally and without apology. When people love themselves, they make better choices for themselves and are less likely to make self-destructive decisions. That’s hard to do in a culture that preys on the self-esteem of young people by having an ever-changing and ever-illusive standard for what it means to be ‘enough,’” Street said.
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