This past Thursday, the CHC community had the opportunity of welcoming Izzy Ezagui to our campus to share his story. Izzy served in the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) and is now part of the reserves. Izzy was our first Distinguished speaker for this year, so to kick things off, we talked to some students in the CHC upper school to hear what they had to say. When asked why students believe that CHC brings in distinguished speakers like Izzy Ezagui, they had various responses. Nick Capria (‘19) told us he believed that we bring in these speakers to motivate and remind us “that we aren’t the only ones going through tough times.” Lily Belle Grant (‘19) also agreed with Nick on this subject. They think speakers show kids how whatever they may be struggling with, there are other people out there who are dealing with similar situations – and they got through it and came out stronger.  Caroline Estes (‘19) thought she leaned in the same direction as Lily and Nick but elaborated they bring in these people to inspire and to show us different paths in life.

Later the three were asked, what lessons did they think we can learn from Izzy himself? Caroline responded saying he was able to show us “to always persevere through tough times and still be able to do whatever you set your mind to.” Lily and Nick both felt that his main point was to never give up. Something may be difficult either mentally or physically but when you don’t give up, great things happen for you. You will always come out on the right side of the rainbow – the side with the pot of gold.