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Testimonials

Below you can find testimonials from professionals with whom Scott has worked, parents who have seen him teach, teens he has inspired, as well as an endorsement from former President Bill Clinton.

Corporate

Scott, thank you for coming to Alliance Bernstein and speaking on behalf of the LGBTQ & Family ERGs. I loved how you brought feelings of equality to a level that relates to everyone: gay, straight, ex-convict, victim of abuse or broken-home or whatever. We’re all human at the end of the day. Thank you again for positively impacting so many people.

Anonymous Alliance Bernstein Private Wealth Management, New York City

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Words really cannot express your lecture. "Thank you" is not enough. You left an everlasting, inspirational, moving, heartfelt impression on this company that will echo for a very long time. Everyone I speak to has said that this was an amazing event and a job well done. It was greater than I could ever imagine. I keep re-living it. I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart for the time, emotions, and strength you input and left here with us. We are so fortunate and blessed to have had the privilege to spend the afternoon with you. I'm so glad we were able to get the OK to simulcast to the 4 Irving Place down in the city, our sister company CECONY, which is absolutely great. This was the first event that our Multi-Cultural Advisory Committee has ever broadcasted between companies. This is history in the making. Thank you Scott for everything,

Tatiana Joyner Senior Analyst - Financial Services, O&R

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Scott – thanks again for speaking to the employees of Ernst & Young. Based on what I’ve heard, your presentation was a perfect balance of educational, thought provoking, and emotional. I’ll work with our planning committee to see how we may be able to integrate you into further member events. I also really appreciate that you were able to stick around after speaking and connect with some of our folks – was a great personal touch.

Mitchell Fehr Manager, Financial Accounting Advisory Services, Ernst & Young LLP

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Thank you very much for presenting at our annual Strategies and Solutions conference on May 18 an 19. Your participation was instrumental in making the conference an overwhelming success. It was pleasure to work with you and I look forward to collaborating with you on future projects.

Jacqueline Morgan, MPH Conference Coordinator, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Resource & Consultation Center

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I would like to thank you for agreeing to participate in New York State's Bureau of Direct Program Operations' staff meeting in Saratoga on such short notice. Staff was very impressed and moved by your comments. Your panel was was rated as one of the top segments of the two-day staff meeting. The success of the session was due to your excellent presentation.

Robert Fulani Regional AIDS Program Supervisor, State of New York Department of Health, Western Region

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Dear Scott, I can't begin to thank you for speaking with the teenagers at the Juvenile Detention Center. Your ability to engage their attention and interest is a true gift. Your honesty and frankness was especially appreciated by them. It was quite obvious from their numerous questions that you piqued their curiosity about HIV. As you were talking, I was watching their faces and many were absolutely riveted. I also watched the teacher and counselors who were in attendance and they, too, were paying close attention. Hopefully, some of our teenagers will change their dangerous behaviors and attitudes towards themselves as a result of your talk. Thank you for thinking about us and taking your time to give to these children who are so troubled. Take care of yourself and please let us know when you are back in town and can spare some time for us. Sincerely,

Andrea S. Barna, R.N. HIV Services Unit, Fairfax County Department of Health

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Thank you so much for the informative and timely presentation at the conference today for the Society of Pediatric Nurses. We received an overwhelmingly positive response form the participants. The talk was perfect.

Linda Hurwitz RN, MS, CNAA Chief Nursing Officer , Blythedale Children's Hospital

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Professionals

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us-let alone on the anniversary of your diagnosis! You are truly remarkable, and your sincerity was definitely felt throughout our Sanctuary. We hope that your discussion here at Temple Emanuel will further promote questions and discussions, here or in their own homes, with our teens and families. Thank you.

Dr. Rena Alpert ,

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Dear Scott: I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to join our retreat. Your words were so powerful and loving. My clients were truly moved by your message, as was I. One client said that you were the best speaker he’d seen in 20 years of attending our retreats. I hope we can work together again in the future. I wish you all the best in your journey of spreading love and self-respect. Kind regards, Ryan

Catholic Charities ,

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I attended the CME dinner Tuesday night and I wanted to personally thank you and tell you how much I enjoyed the evening. Your choice of speaker's really touched my heart. I purchased both of Scott's books, so that I can share them with my sons and other family members and friends. I am happy to say that the next morning, my 16 year old picked up one of the books over breakfast and began reading it. He asked me where I got it and I told him about the dinner and asked his opinion on whether he thinks it is appropriate that a dentist speak with him regarding being careful when you have open sores in your mouth because you can catch STIs. His response: "It's a doctor mom, that's what they're supposed to do, tell you about stuff that can hurt you if your not careful." So once again, thank you. It was a very interesting evening and I learned a thing or two myself about communicating with my teenager. It was nice to know that my sons are "normal" in keeping their secrets and now I know how to better get them to open up and share them with me.

Mary Margaret, Social Market King (Co-Founder) ,

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Sometime when I was in high school in the early 2000s, you came to speak to the teens in my synagogue. Over a decade later, I still remember how deeply your presentation touched me, and, in particular, your connection in a letter between the words “sacred” and “scared.” That lesson is one that I carry with me into many different pastoral care situations as I do my work as a cantor.

Hinda Eisen Labovitz Cantor , Ohr Kodesh Congregation, MD

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Many people experienced a weekend they will never forget. Those that came to the Beth Shalom were brought to tears and laughter many times over. Hearing your words uplifted and informed everyone. No one came away unchanged. We have you to thank for that. Words adequate enough to express appreciation fall well short. You are a gifted orator, teacher and mensch. May HaKadosh Baruch Hu take note of your acts of generosity of spirit and time. May the Holy One bless you as you have brought blessing into other’s lives. Who knows how many lives were saved? Who knows whose lives will be unalterably changed? No one knows except the One. You started us on a new path of growth and discovery. No one can tell where it will lead but we are walking in a new direction now. Thank you for being here and enriching our lives.

Jonathan Case Rabbi, Beth Shalom of Columbia, SC

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My students were across-the-board so impressed with and inspired by your presentation. The students in my classes were skeptical beforehand, but you won them all over. Not an easy task...I would know! In particular, they were pleased with your evenhanded stance on social media (they feel they're always told it is bad for them) and moved by the way you connected with them. Thanks again for an amazing visit!

Zoë Constantinides Teacher, Champlain College, Lennoxville, Quebec

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Thank you for an important and provocative program. My own daughter commented on how exceptionally well you "get" kids. While parts of your presentation concerned me because of the graphic nature of your talk, I found your presentation, especially your conclusion, especially uplifting and inspiring. I also loved the way you wove Jewish teachings throughout your talk. You engendered important conversations between our students and their parents, and we will continue to work to create a loving, accepting and embracing community at Temple Sinai for our kids. Thank you for serving as a catalyst for this important work. You are a remarkable educator.

Michael A. White Rabbi, Temple Sinai of Roslyn

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Thank you so much for meeting with the students in our GSA. You connected with them, you saw their beautiful souls and you opened your heart to let them to see yours. So extraordinary! A few of the students said you gave them much to think about and they can’t stop thinking about what you said. One said “he took the thoughts I had in my head and spoke them out loud for the first time in my life.” Your strength, courageous human spirit and honesty resonated on so many levels with all of us. Both individually and as a collective body, your words were exactly what we all needed. Thank you for being you!

Laurie Mitchell & Robyn Raleigh Gay Straight-Alliance, Lynbrook High School

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I can't think about any moment of the day without smiling. It was an honor to be in the room with you. Watching you lead is an education in itself.

Adam Hammond School Psychologist, Spackenkill High School

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An enormous thank you on behalf of Bishops College School. Feedback has ranged from "Best guest speaker ever!" to "He really understands us," to "He breathes acceptance," to simply "He was super-awesome!" One of my students summed things up well, saying, "I think everyone of us was able to hear what we needed to hear in the presentation." My students appreciated your willingness to answer their questions. I've had several requests to invite you back.

Scott Kelso Bishops College School, Canada

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Scott has the transformative ability to impact upon and change others' perceptions of themselves and of the society around them. Every talk he gave was different, and every time I found myself dealing with a lump in my throat and a sense of connection to the extraordinary person in front of me. From the conversations I've had with students since his talks, it's been clear that I'm far from the only person to have experienced this in Scott's presence.

Hannah Brady UJS President, England

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Scott Fried is a mind-blowingly powerful speaker who invites us to reassess the way we interact with each other. Indeed his profile on Twitter simply states, “I teach kindness” – we couldn’t muster a more accurate and succinct description than that.

Blake Ezra Photographer, London

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It has been a year since the Lynbrook Human Relations Day program. I thought the feeling in the building following your visit was palpable. I wanted to let you know that when we attended this years’ program, the teachers were still talking about your program from last year. In fact, one teacher even cried when recounting a story that you had told.

Andrea D. PTA President, Lynbrook High School

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We had such a positive reaction to the assemblies from the students and staff; I know you made a positive impact on so many young lives. I am so grateful that we were able to have you speak to so many students and I look forward to seeing the impact. The life lessons are so important - much more important than the curriculum we teach each day. I am also so proud of my students for organizing this event with you. The one thing we strive for in our DECA chapter is to grow student leaders and to come to their advisors for help when they need it.

Sharon Cutler DECA Advisor, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High

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Scott, There are no words. Your lecture was one of the most inspirational, passionate, and amazing presentations I have see thus far in my entire life. I want you to know the impact that you have had on Hofstra students. For the past 2 days, just about every other person has stopped me in the student center and said how amazing they think you are. Some people said that you changed their life. Many people had free HIV testing that was being given in the Student Center yesterday because of your presentation. I hope that you will come back to Hofstra to lecture again. Your words are truly an inspiration. YOU are an inspiration. You are famous. You are loved. You are most certainly enough.

Jennifer Gold Graduate Assistant for Service and Leadership, Hofstra University - Office of Student Leadership and Engagement

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I have heard nothing but amazing things about your visit. I am so glad everything went well and thank you for great stamina throughout the day. I know we kept you busy!

Alison Wearing Director of Student Life, Lower Canada College, Montreal

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On behalf of Penn State’s Presidential Leadership Academy, I want to thank you for the time you spent with our students. They enjoyed your presence very much and continue to discuss your presentation and your story. You have made a tremendous impact not only o the Presidential Leadership Academy students, but the multitude of students from across the university. Your willing to share your time and your personal story is sincerely appreciated. We are most grateful.

Melissa Doberstein Director, Presidential Leadership Academy, Penn State University

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The feedback we have received has been very positive. Youth workers and clergy have told us that they gained many tools to help them in their work with teens: knowledge of adolescent issues, resources to access and a sense of confidence to keep moving forward in their work. We could not have asked for better feedback.

Rabbi Laura Novak Winer, RJE NFTY Youth Workers Conference Director, Union for Reform Judaism

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It was inspiring to hear you speak about everything...anything!

Jason Lempert Lambda United, Director of Public Relations, Florida Atlantic University

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We are all deeply affected by your inspiring words and the exemplary way you live your life. I feel blessed to know you and the students and parents were honored to be in your presence.

Ellen Fox Religious School Director, Temple Solel - San Diego

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Your words were inspirational and I know you had an impact on every student who was fortunate enough to hear you speak.

Raina Goldberg Assistant Director, Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach - Florida

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Your message was so personal and so well done that you could have heard a pin drop in that packed theater. And instead of hoping that maybe some of them will get something out of it, I believe they all did. One of my students was sitting near me during the presentation and the tears were flowing - you must have said something that touched her to the core. Your message not only focused on AIDS, but on the pervasive loneliness that many teenagers experience and their constant striving for love and making a connection with others. Your message has something for everyone.

Julie Halpern Director of Student Services, Mid-Pacific Institute - Hawaii

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Your talk stressed four very important topics for the students to ponder: that life is full of contradictions and choices we can make, accountability, feelings and the sacredness of all of us. These topics gave the students a lot think about and discuss with the Rabbis and amongst themselves. We are very grateful for your enlightening talk.

Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig, Holli Goral, Ph.D., and Rabbi Joui Hessel Temple Leadership, Washington Hebrew Congregation

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I know that each teenager that heard you speak will remember your message and, God willing, learn to love themselves on both the inside and outside. Your message will never be forgotten!

Aleza R. Kulp Educational Director, Westchester Jewish Center

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The high level of energy and strength you provided the participants was outstanding. Your ability to engage each person and truly reach every participant is a gift. The honest demeanor you held while speaking in a group and one-on-one captivated everyone.

Amanda S. Wachstein Advisor, NFTY Pennsylvania Area Region

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Parents

I just wanted to say thank you for giving such an inspiring, insightful, emotional and moving talk today. (I was the one that was compelled to hug you at the end.) You brought a wealth of information, ideas and tips that are accessible for me, as a mother, to actually use, but you also gave me a space to reflect on my relationship with my 3 daughters and with my parents and to reflect on how beautiful and precious my life is. I have never heard anyone present in the way that you did..with such warmth and passion and expression that brought every word that you said come to life and touch us all.

With Love, Olga ,

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I was happy to be with my granddaughter and see what an impression the speaker made on her. He touched on so many important subjects to our youth, some that parents and grandparents weren't in tune with or have yet to discuss with their kids. Sammy was so touched by his stories that at the conclusion, she turned to me and said, "I have to go and hug him." She talked about him and cried the entire way home. I asked her if she was crying for him or for the friends he lost. She said she was, "Crying for the world." Sammy took away more than just the bracelet he gave her. If anyone can help fix the world -- she'll do her share. She's a very special girl and thanks for offering up a special evening that gave her more tools to deal with life.

anonymous grandparent ,

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My son was so incredibly moved by you, your story, and your talk. I heard all about it in the car on the way home after swim practice. Your talk provoked such a beautiful and intimate discussion between us. I can't remember the details of our conversation but racing up the FDR in the dark I was moved to tears-- by the love you shared with those children, by the way you and your message opened Nicholas' heart, and also by the gratitude I felt that he could share his thoughts and experience with me. Thank you so much. With much gratitude,

Amira ,

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I bought his books to give to my teenagers when they get older, so they can read them when they are parents themselves. Have faith in me when I honestly state that since your appearance in Minneapolis last Sunday, you have been "with me." You sit silently on my shoulder and near my heart. I was totally captivated and deeply touched by your warmth, honesty and being at ease discussing the issues that are paramount for all of us. I felt honored to have been in the auditorium with the students and their parents. You are truly an extraordinary human being and a "Mentch."

A Grateful Grandmother ,

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Scott woke me up to the fact that drugs, sex and risky behavior are issues for my teenage kids NOW. Not someday soon but RIGHT NOW. His message is even for 'good kids' and straight-A students. When he speaks to the kids, you could tell what the real issues are FOR THEM - a sense of themselves and their own self-worth, not just peer pressure or drugs or sex. He understands what's at work in teenage behavior. Any parent of a teenager has GOT to hear Scott Fried.

Dan Ojserkis ,

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Scott's message is at the same time both deeply personal and universal; his presentation compelling. Parents will be moved and educated by Scott's story.

Mark Soifer ,

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Scott Fried has a way of talking about uncomfortable, unpleasant issues that need to be discussed in a way that makes teens want to listen and ask questions. He reassures them that others share their thoughts, feelings and fears and that they are worthy for who they are. He is a startling and powerful speaker.

Karen Schwab ,

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Scott's ability to connect with humor, intelligence, compassion, memory and caring to parents and children was a sacred gift. He is the greatest, most inspirational speaker I've ever heard! I feel sorry for any teen who couldn't be there!...What an exceptional and motivating speaker. I've never seen a group of kids this age sit still for that long. Thanks for such a phenomenal gift....Scott is the most outstanding speaker I've ever heard and I've heard a lot of speakers. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to hear him and meet him. He is a real gem.... All teens should have an opportunity to hear him and his message.... I couldn't believe how the kids opened up and shared such profound personal stories.... Thank you for such a rare gift. ....I am writing to tell you that your presentation made a profound impact on my 14 year-old daughter. When she came home from school yesterday she sought me out and sat me down to recount what you had said. Clearly it resonated with her and seemed to bring her an inner peace I have not seen in quite a while. Your personal experience moved her to feel pain and concern for you and that is important. But as her Mom, what was more profound was how you moved her to feel more comfortable about herself. She was disappointed not to see you in the halls of the school so she could tell you how much your talk meant to her. Give her generally shy nature, that shows how much you touched her.

Debra ,

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I am a mom and therefor a "pain absorber." We are all children at some level...the level that holds onto the big scary world of despair. Let me thank you again for your unselfish ability to open your heart to strangers. Let me thank you once again for your words that actually dissolved my heart heart guard and let me reach out anew to my teenagers. Last night, my son, who is 18, let me rub his shoulders and he requested an old lullaby. I sang him to sleep; he did not feel the grateful tears in my eyes. Life is so beautiful and cuts so deep at the same moment.

A Mom in San Francisco ,

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I am still recovering from the deep affect! You are one fine man, full of truth, dignity, fairness and sensitivity. Thank you again for making a difference.

I. Shub Baldwin School, Puerto Rico,

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You are an incredible speaker and person. I know you were going to be great, but I never imagined the impact you would make on my own life and with the relationships with my own children. I'm looking at them in a whole new way. I've gotten emails and calls about the program. You have to the best program/performance/speaker I've ever had in the eleven years I've been working here. Thank you, again.

L. Gordon Congregation B'nai Israel,

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I am a parent and was in the audience tonight with my daughter. She also heard Scott speak over the summer at camp. He did a wonderful job relating to both the kids and the parents. He gave us all so much to think about, be thankful for, and to watch for. As a probation officer, I have worked with hundreds of clients (both juvenile and adult) over the past 32 years. Although I hope I have touched the lives of others, I know that Scott's message has reached so many more. Please keep up the good work.

R. Gerson Pittsburgh,

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I was hungry and tired after a long day at work and had decided not to go to hear Scott speak tonight. My son told me that he would take care of himself for supper and that I had to turn around and go. Reluctantly, I decided I would go and leave quickly. But that's not what happened. I found Scott's talk very enlightening and learned a tremendous amount. I had to get used to the frank way he spoke and things he spoke about that I hadn't always given much thought to. However, his honesty and passion were infectious. I could not believe the time had passed so quickly. I have already implemented some of his recommendations and the results have been very positive. I feel that there is so much more that we could have learned from him and the short time we had with him was not enough. I am reading his books and listening to his CD, but I want more of him in person.

S. Kushner Bialik School, Montreal,

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Too bad parents can't rent him to live in the family for a while!

R. Levinson Temple Israel, Minneapolis,

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I am the mother of two daughters and I am also a gynecologist. I see many teenagers and speak to them about sex: what to expect and how to protect themselves, but I tell them I can not protect their self-worth. I now understand that it is really by negotiating teenage angst and getting through to the other side intact that brings self worth. I am frustrated by our educational system that does not allow our children the venue to ask true, real questions about sex and drugs. I think knowledge is half the battle in being "safe". The other half is luck. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the time, caring and yes...elegance you give to your lectures. You are appreciated by many and you will be in my head on many occasions as I am challenged by raising my two girls to have integrity with themselves and others and, as you so gracefully put it, elegance. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! millions to infinity......

Alexandria ,

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As a parent of two middle schoolers, former President of our high school District and a rookie speaker, I just wanted to thank you for your presentation to both the high school students and the parents last night. My wife and I were very enlightened. I know we are doing many things right but you gave us some very timely and insightful advice. I wish we would have brought our children last night but at least we know how to better help them along with journey to adulthood.

A Parent ,

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I GOT IT SO MUCH that I had a hard time staying composed as I sat through your talk. So much of what you said, I am glad to say, I try to apply as a parent. I don’t deny what goes on with teens and I acknowledge it vs. “turning a blind eye to it” as so many parents do. I have two amazing young men because of it as well as a very happy, peaceful household. You are saying things that really need to be heard but some people are not ready to hear it. Open dialogue is so important and if it starts at these meetings it will end up home as well. I, myself, paid a dear price as a teen for the choices I made or, should I say, was unable to make well. DON’T STOP doing what you're doing! I know you made an impact on my son, myself and even my husband!

A Parent in the Northeast ,

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Teens

The TEDx team would like to thank you for speaking at our event. You did a fantastic job. Everyone I spoke to said you were raw and inspiring. I also noticed that you were speaking to (name intentionally omitted). I don't know how much of his story he told to you, but he's a good friend and deals with issues every day that are incomprehensible to most. He's been searching for inspiration and peace for a long time but often refuses to trust strangers and closes himself off. When you said the line about the cancer coming back, which is exactly what he is dealing with, I saw him begin to shake slightly and he began hanging on to every word you spoke. You clearly struck a chord by your immense power to inspire others through uncomfortability and awkwardness. He approached me privately and told me that you made him incredibly uncomfortable with how raw you were. I laughed and said that's simply what you do best! He said that he was going to think about life for a while. You truly inspired at least one person today, if not the entire audience. Thank you again, and keep making people uncomfortable. It's magical.

Seth, TEDx Marlboro HS ,

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Hi Scott, Firstly, we want to wish you a happy and healthy Jewish new year! Today in class we realized that it has been exactly a year since you came to our school. Looking back on our experience planning the event with you, it's crazy how large your impact was not only on our community, but ourselves. We still hear our peers talk about you, and the video of the tens of dozens of students hugging and thanking you after the assemblies continues to be our favorite memory with you. We want to thank you for helping us create real change in our school and for playing a large role in our personal growth through our junior year. As we go on to apply for colleges and prepare for the next stages of our lives, your message continues to resonate with us and guide us through our lives. For everything you've done for and with us, thank you for leaving a lasting impact on us that goes far beyond words. We hope you are doing fantastic, and who knows, maybe/hopefully our paths will cross again.

Emily W. and Ryan M. – #IamEnough ,

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Thank you for helping me to choose to live when I thought I couldn't (and when I sometimes still think I can't).

anonymous student ,

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Hey Scott, So I basically just saw you talk for the 2nd time like 3 hours ago and you were just as amazing as the first time. So I was talking with Lisa and Rabbi as you were leaving, and I was too scared to tell you then, but you saved my life the first time I heard you speak and that was 3 years ago. Thank you so much.

Elyse ,

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Hi Scott! After catching up with you, I went home to my roommate who kept asking about the talk. Once I started talking about it and you, she got so excited and interested and wanted to know every detail you said. She then googled you, watched your TED talk from last year and kept asking questions. When your TED talk ended she said "wait that was it???? I want to hear more!" She loved what you stand for and what you talk about. I was so happy to share your story with her (and she was upset she couldn't come tonight). I wanted to say again how wonderful it was to see you talk; it's a joy every time. While I was walking home, the song “Galileo” by the Indigo Girls was stuck in my head. One line from the chorus kept sticking with me "I call on the resting soul of Galileo, King of night vision, King of insight." Based on this line alone, you are the Galileo in my eyes. You are the king of insight because you are able to touch people no matter who they are, where they came from or where they are going. You have an undeniable talent of being able to connect with people through your story and lessons and have such amazing insights. Lots of love, Talia

Talia ,

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Hey Scott!! I do not know if you remember me, but a few years back we met at a retreat for the American Red Cross camp. I met you with my best friend named Kelsey. I miss you so much and I want another copy of your book "If I Grow Up." I cannot find it; I know you gave Kelsey and I a free copy but I do not know where it is. Kelsey actually ending up passing away a few years ago. She died from a heroin overdose. Her parents asked me to do the Eulogy. I put you in it because she always said you changed her life. I know you changed mine. If you do not mind sending me a copy of "If I Grow Up” and the other one. Kelsey loved the other one! I miss her every waking moment of every day. Thank you for contacting me back.

Ashley ,

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I can truly say that you have changed Hendrix College for the better. You brought up issues that needed to be brought up and issues that had been tucked away. Your name has been floating around school and we would love to have back on our campus again. You are a special person to me and the rest of the campus.

Mari T. ,

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Beta Theta Pi was thrilled to host Scott Fried at the fraternity house to discuss dating, relationships, and consent. We had a fantastic conversation about 'what it means to be a man' in the context of the Greek system and in our roles as leaders on Penn State's campus. Scott's story is incredibly thought-provoking & inspiring and we all took something away that will help us grow as young men. Beta Theta Pi thanks Scott for visiting us and for the crucial work that he does on college campuses across the country.

Beta Theta Pi, Penn State University ,

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Thank you so much, Scott. Your talk touched me greatly and I will never forget what you said. Some of the stuff that you were talking about really hit home and now I know that I am really not alone. I am not the only one hiding from my parents and from my friends. I feel like i found something in your story that has made me stronger.

Kayla ,

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I would like to let you know that our grade has changed since you came to talk with us. We have become much closer. You have opened our eyes and made us realize what it feels like to be called names and made fun of. People who may have not been friends are talking and hanging out. I think that we have realized that people are not always what they may seem, and even if people are different, they are still people and they deserve the same respect that we give everyone else.

Gabbie, Age 14 ,

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You impacted my life like no one has ever done. I feel like now I can be a better person and really think of what really matters in life.

Haley, Age 14 ,

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t's not just that you speak the truth that inspires me. It's that you are okay with the truth that inspires me!

Alex, Age 16 ,

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Your story is sad, yet happy, and I hope you live to tell it for years to come. I just wanted to thank you for what you do and for your inspiration.

Isaac, Age 14 ,

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You make a difference. You get it: why people hurt inside. And you taught me how to love other people and myself. I wish you the best and i want you to know you are the most AMAZING person i have ever met. I will NEVER for get you Scott.

Sarah, Age 14 ,

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Your lecture made me think of a few times when I felt so alone and crying seemed like it would help, but I couldn't cry. I wanted that unbearable sensation of pain that happens when you cry. But it didn't happen. And the fact that I couldn't seemed to hurt more than anything. And I just wanted to tell you that I could relate to your story, it's not exactly the same, but I think it's pretty similar.

Aaron, Age 15 ,

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You might remember me. I am the boy who has the curly blonde hair and said "you changed the way I feel about HIV." Anyways, what I wanna say to you is that I felt completely different after you were done talking to us. I can't thank you more than I can put into words. You are a very loving person and I so very much appreciate you coming and talking to us about HIV and sex. Thank you so very much and remember that you changed the way I feel.

Sam, Age 14 ,

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I wanted you to know it meant a lot to me that, during the end of your time with us, you took a minute or two to just look around the room at every single student. I cannot tell you how much it means to me knowing that hopefully you remembered MY face and remember your time with ME. It is a great way to show people visually that you DO care about them, even if it was just a few hours. I cannot even begin to tell you about how much you moved/touched my soul.

Shaina, Age 15 ,

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I want to say thank you for helping my friends and me. You made it okay for me to cry. And something as simple as being able to cry has never felt so comfortable and okay before.

Elanna, Age 17 ,

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Thank you. You may have saved my life.

Anonymous ,

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I don't think that anyone has touched my life like you.

Alicia, Age 14 ,

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You have become a role model to me.

Caitlin, Age 16 ,

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I've gotten lots of speeches from adults before on how you shouldn't do this or that, but you are the first person that actually made me think.

Amy, Age 16 ,

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You are the only person I know that I can talk to about this. Everyone else acts like they could never get it. Thank you.

Myeesha, Age 13 ,

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Now I am starting to realize just how important life is and I shouldn't waste what some people would do anything for. So I would just like to say thank you for sort of slapping me upside the head and getting me to think.

Becca, Age 19 ,

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From the beginning until the very end of your program my face was streaked with tears. I cannot thank you enough for the time that you have spent teaching us and teens all around the world about how to stay safe and to save ourselves. I am not scared anymore. Thanks to you, I am know I am sacred.

Jamie, Age 17 ,

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Bill Clinton