Feedback
St. Mary Queen of Creation – January 30, 2012
Thank you so much for coming to St Mary’s last night and sharing your story, of opening eyes and hearts, of connecting and energizing a community to partner and take care of each other even during the challenging times. You sharing your story, your pain, your life- learned lessons, opened up that safe, comfortable place for people to grab a mic and share their story. Thank you. Thank you. You started the ball rolling. It is our job to keep it on the move.
Linda Jarvi - Director of Youth Ministry, St. Mary Queen of Creation
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Utica Learning Academy – January 19, 2012
Dennis, You came to my school today for the Suicide and depression presentation. We were in a room filled with my classmates and fellow teachers, but when you were speaking, everyone disappeared and I felt as if you were speaking directly to me. Reaching deep down inside the person I am and pulling out all of my words, frustrations, fears, and confusions. My best friend died by committing suicide. My mother tried to take her life. I also had a long childhood filled with physical, verbal, and emotional abuse. I was put into anger management at the age of 11 because i was angry at the world. At my parents. At myself. I couldn’t cope with what had happened to me during my childhood. It was a vicious memory constantly on repeat inside of my head. Little do people know, behind my smile i am someone who is pushing through depression. I am pushing through agony and bitterness and fear. I have contemplated suicide 3 times the past 2 years, and have thought about dying and wondering who would care almost every single day for the past 4 years of my life. No one would guess that, but when you were speaking and glancing around at everyone including myself, i felt like you saw right through my facade. You understood. I was crying and extremely upset while you were telling your story. It gripped me at the core and yanked out all these feelings that i have been shoving down to the pits of myself for all of these years. I let it all out. I connected. i felt understood. I didn’t feel afraid anymore. I didn’t feel angry, or hurt, or bitter. I felt relieved. I felt more than i ever have before, Hopeful. I thank you for every single word you said because they will be playing in my mind for years to come. I am going to get through this. I can do it. I know i can because look at you. You’ve inspired me and taught me how beautiful life really is, and can be if you choose to live it fully. I will live it with my whole heart. From now on, even when times get tough. I know I can, thanks to you. God bless you.
Marie - Student
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L’Anse Creuse High School – November 2, 2011
Last year I had a student who shared with me the many struggles, challenges, and depression she had suffered in her life and how she had planned to commit suicide in the 7th grade. She went on to tell me about how this wonderful presenter, Dennis Liegghio, saved her life and changed her mind. I was intrigued by her story and impressed with how this one person and presentation had not only saved her life but inspired her in the right direction that lead her to success and to becoming a positive role model and leader within our high school. I decided then that I wanted to surprise her and bring Dennis to our school this fall, her senior year.
I can’t say enough about the wonderful presentation Dennis brought to LCHS. With over 600 students in the gym, you could hear a pin drop. Dennis has a unique way of presenting to teenagers using his gift of musical talent, visual slides, and his story that the students connected to. The presentation of his life was very inspiring and motivational and helped many students to understand depression and the value of life. Dennis taught students keys to happiness and taking care of themselves. The positive feedback from both the student and staff evaluations showed us that this was one of the best speakers we have brought in to our school. Our students and staff really enjoyed having Dennis visit us and highly recommend his presentation. We know he saved one very valuable life and our belief is that his presentation had the same positive impact on others who are suffering from life challenges and depression. A must see for all teens!
Ann Mueller - Guidance Counselor, L’Anse Creuse High School
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Macomb Community College – October 13, 2011
Excellent! I wasn’t expecting a first person experience presentation, so this had a great impact on me. Seeing the clinical symptoms applied to real life experience was beyond effective! – Dorothy, student
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Excellent job – perfect mix of being informative and personalized / emotional. The song was excellent! I hope you return to Macomb again! Very wonderful of you to present on such a crucial topic. – Cassandra, student
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I learned that I may be depressed. I am definitely not suicidal, but I have a lot of the symptoms, because I hold my emotions in. Nobody every knows what’s going on in my mind, but I am going to change that starting today :) – Donavin, student
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I thought it was very moving and really gave me insight into how many options people really have when seeking help. – George, student
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A very personal account of depression, but it had such a positive message that it helps so much to hear. – Ryan, student
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I thought the presentation was powerful and moving! I loved how open and vulnerable Dennis was, sharing his experiences, feelings and music. – Heather, student
