A Surprise Visit

50 Comments

Last week, I had the honor of being invited to participate in the Hearst Publication’s Ultimate Prom 2009 kick-off.

Each season, MyPromStyle.com plans a dream prom for a high school in New York City, complete with red carpet, celebrities, and big prom concert! Last year, St. Francis Prep earned the prom with performances by JoJo, Ashanti, and Lloyd. This year, the students at the School for Fashion Industries earned the party and to my surprise, chose me as their guest. When I got the invitation, I absolutely had to accept.

When I turn on my radio, I hear plenty of songs about being paid, getting money and spending it on the luxuries of life. The hope, the promise and the potential that I witnessed that day in the eyes of those students reminds me that it’s just as rewarding to pay it forward as it is to get paid. Though we often take it for granted, time (especially time spent encouraging one another) is a luxury that we can all afford to spend!

 

Posted: January 24th, 2009 | Under: Inspiration, Live, Press

50 Comments on “A Surprise Visit”

  1. 1 Alexander Dilliplane said at 3:37 am on January 24th, 2009:

    I recently just spoke at my old high school to motivate the students. It feels great to give back and motivate others. Keep on pushing forward! All the best to you with the album and all your future projects.

  2. 2 John-Bam Ramos said at 3:40 am on January 24th, 2009:

    so dope, one of these days imma be like you, imma be in the studio right beside you dancing like a fool.

    http://www.myspace.com/dabneyliveson

    any feedback is welcome

  3. 3 Daytona Jones said at 3:57 am on January 24th, 2009:

    Moments like these stick with people forever.

  4. 4 Facebook User said at 4:18 am on January 24th, 2009:

    OOH Ryan
    you’re an inspiration to many..
    all the best
    we’re routing for you tiger!!

  5. 5 Tarek Khatib said at 5:04 am on January 24th, 2009:

    Simply an INSPIRATION! + I liked that Obama-type speech.

  6. 6 Kiran M said at 5:54 am on January 24th, 2009:

    ohhh, it feels like were back in the old nextselection.com days or even the early ns4life days with all these updates :D

  7. 7 Gimitwz Mo said at 7:35 am on January 24th, 2009:

    ~ your inspiration groove°n ~ you are the reborn Prince of 2009

  8. 8 Kevin van der Wijst said at 9:30 am on January 24th, 2009:

    It’s a nice initiative of MyPromStyle and a inspirational video.

  9. 9 Facebook User said at 10:36 am on January 24th, 2009:

    Ryan is always giving back :-)

    ~Ms. Instrumental~

  10. 10 Jacques Webster said at 10:44 am on January 24th, 2009:

    The Graduates
    http://www.myspace.com/mastermindatwork

    <!–

  11. 11 Jacques Webster said at 10:46 am on January 24th, 2009:

    i love ryan is he inspiration to the music i demolish

  12. 12 Aaron Watson said at 11:40 am on January 24th, 2009:

    Very humble Mr.Leslie, Keep inspiring, i sure am inspired.

  13. 13 LuuChi Agbasi said at 2:33 pm on January 24th, 2009:

    hey ryann!!…u are sooo gud!!
    ok anywaiz..i was wondering if you could bring out a full version of that song you remixed at the beginning of your new hit single…which i love very much!!…lol..how t was supposed to be..
    you know…the diamond girl accapella remix…can u bring out a full version plssssssss??…trust me, uld mke alot off money out of it!!…lol!
    Bless
    xoxo

  14. 14 Nicolas Soru Najm said at 3:17 pm on January 24th, 2009:

    As usual, incredibly well said. Your speech was heartfelt and inspiring. Even to someone like me, simply watching a video on the internet. Thank you Mr. Leslie. Thank you.

  15. 15 Derrica Lavon Wilson said at 3:50 pm on January 24th, 2009:

    Man Ryan, I can’t even describe how much I admire you as a person. I believe your image matches who you really are and I LOVE that in an artist! You said it so right about the content of music today!!! I’m so sick of the same washed up, lame, whack lyrics on the radio. That’s why I can barely listen to it. I’m 22 years old and all I listen to is oldies, “Motown.” I know when you finally get that big BREAKTHROUGH you need, man it’s a wrap!! You WILL dominate the game, I know it!!! These words I say are genuine and from the heart. YOU, Mr. Leslie, are a true inspiration to ME and millions of others. You will prosper in the music industry!! Even you don’t, you’ve already won as a person! You’re # 1 on MY LIST!!! Always…. =)

  16. 16 Yamill Vallecillo said at 4:43 pm on January 24th, 2009:

    cool!

  17. 17 Neldrick Martis said at 9:47 pm on January 24th, 2009:

    Man u be doin more then music
    keep it up u gunna make it 1day
    keep the videos commin :D

  18. 18 Lola L'amour said at 11:25 pm on January 24th, 2009:

    beautifully said.

  19. 19 Facebook User said at 11:27 pm on January 24th, 2009:

    That’s so cute for you to motivated young people to follow their dream. Really humble.

  20. 20 Ana Orrach said at 12:26 am on January 25th, 2009:

    “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

    Your making Aristotle proud!

  21. 21 Facebook User said at 12:45 am on January 25th, 2009:

    keep doing what youre doing. or should i say keep gettin better..take care

  22. 22 Jessika H said at 1:02 am on January 25th, 2009:

    I might sound like a parrot repeating what has been said many times before, but you are a very inspiring person. I love what you do with the schools and how you share your knowledge with the youth (KIP). I was wondering though if Next Selection has any internship programs? Keep raising to the top because the sky has no ending.

    xox

  23. 23 Gerrel 'gaks' Saunders said at 1:09 am on January 25th, 2009:

    LOVE LOVE LOVE your music and style dude. I’m from the west indies,more specifically – Trinidad and Tobago. I gotta say that you got quite a few fans in the Caribbean as well……

    keep doing what you doing.
    ‘Valentine’ is my fav song of all time :D .

    check me out at – http://www.facebook.com/pages/GAKS-designs/49074455162

    let me know what you think…peace

  24. 24 Aadam Ishmael said at 5:13 am on January 25th, 2009:

    Hey Ryan,

    This is not a typical “your great” message, there is no doubt your a musical genius, i just heard your radio message about you not having enough fans. Maybe you have never thought about it, but you need to come over to london. Im telling you! the fans are crazy, the hype about you over here is nuts! everyone has been waiting for your album to drop for a while now. Im a producer/singer aswell and that means you build up a lot of connections, friends and collegues, and there is not a single person i have spoke to that does not support the ryan leslie project! If you ever have a minute, hit me back dude.

    Keep up the greatness
    Mr a.i

  25. 25 Aadam Ishmael said at 5:14 am on January 25th, 2009:

    h

  26. 26 Aadam Ishmael said at 5:17 am on January 25th, 2009:

    sorry, i had to do this so it stands out!Hey Ryan,
    This is not a typical “your great” message, there is no doubt your a musical genius, i just heard your radio message about you not having enough fans. Maybe you have never thought about it, but you need to come over to london. Im telling you! the fans are crazy, the hype about you over here is nuts! everyone has been waiting for your album to drop for a while now. Im a producer/singer aswell and that means you build up a lot of connections, friends and collegues, and there is not a single person i have spoke to that does not support the ryan leslie project! If you ever have a minute, hit me back dude.
    Keep up the greatness
    Mr a.i

  27. 27 Rachid Boukir said at 10:39 am on January 25th, 2009:

    i’ll do anything to keep my dreams..

  28. 28 Facebook User said at 2:52 pm on January 25th, 2009:

    Hey Ryan,

    I’m Currently a high school Junior and at this time in my life, taking two AP classes, being a triple threat in performing arts, and a Water Polo player, It’s about time I do something different. I recently signed up to take three months out of my high school career to go to the Rocky Mountains. You have inspired me to do so much more than what is expected. I don’t want to be a Jack of all Trades, but master of none; all I want to do is experience all that life can offer me and there is no better time than right now to do so. Thank you for doing what you felt necessary in order to succeed and helping others do the same, like myself. My name is Evan Grotevant (the name on my facebook page is backwards) and I am moving forward. If there is any advice you’d like to give me before I leave, my plane leaves on the 11th of February and my email address is waterdoggy10@aol.com. Also, my phone number is (914) 654-2991. I don’t mean to ask you for anything, but who knows? Our paths my cross someday and it could be sooner or later. Hope springs eternal.
    Evan Grotevant

  29. 29 Sean Mador said at 12:33 am on January 26th, 2009:

    yeah i can log in. btw nice video. its inspirational.

  30. 30 Facebook User said at 1:07 am on January 26th, 2009:

    the site is working again. yay! lol :)

  31. 31 John Blue said at 1:18 am on January 26th, 2009:

    yeah it works again….lol!!

  32. 32 Maggie Burke said at 4:52 am on January 26th, 2009:

    any senior would be crazy to not take some advice like that.
    you inspire me…everyday

  33. 33 Deejay Es said at 8:52 am on January 26th, 2009:

    good work man

    staying humble is wat keeps u on top

  34. 34 Leila Smith said at 9:32 am on January 26th, 2009:

    thats sweet i didnt go to my prom

  35. 35 Marc Caussade said at 10:08 am on January 26th, 2009:

    site is working flawlessly now good sir…

    your music is fire…love watching the videos of you in the studio…dope…and very inspirational…

  36. 36 Christina Elizabeth said at 10:47 am on January 26th, 2009:

    what an amazing creation God has made.

    harvard?? omg.
    :)

  37. 37 Mirna Almengor said at 12:58 pm on January 26th, 2009:

    You have such a beautiful voice Ryan ;) … love your songs!

    Mirna

  38. 38 Patrick Edmundson said at 1:32 pm on January 26th, 2009:

    Awwwww! Thats hot man. Motivation for those students cause you have most def been motivation for me. Man just keep doin your thing. You are the hope for everyone who has ever had a dream. You are the example and proof that no matter what your dream is if you stay focused and just go for it ANYTHING is possible!

  39. 39 Ngungu Muyovwe said at 11:00 pm on January 26th, 2009:

    Ryan Leslie Is the Truth.Check out his Diamond Girl Remix & 6 of 1 Thing Remix With Craig David…..

    Nothing But Heat….

  40. 40 Amir Khan said at 11:43 am on January 29th, 2009:

    This is what its all about right here. Using your elevated platform to influence others in a positive way. Positivity breeds progress.

  41. 41 Chelsea John said at 6:02 pm on January 29th, 2009:

    I’m just soo excited to have someone like Ryan Leslie to come to my high school to bring a positive energy and influence into our environment. I love his music!!!! I’m soo glade he was invited!

  42. 42 Tracey Hamilton said at 2:15 pm on February 2nd, 2009:

    You are truly an inspiration – every time a watch you… you make me want to pick up my guitar!

  43. 43 Tu M. Dong said at 6:47 pm on February 2nd, 2009:

    Man, I watch this video whenever people tell me that I can’t do anything. Thank you for the great message, God Bless

  44. 44 Gabriella Ciano said at 8:23 pm on February 3rd, 2009:

    FASHION HIGH SENIORSSS 09!!!!!!

  45. 45 Cameron A. Monroe said at 10:45 pm on February 19th, 2009:

    Bomb.com

  46. 46 Facebook User said at 6:26 pm on February 22nd, 2009:

    R-Les, you are a BEAUTIFUL, RADIANT being and you are a gift to us all from God above. I thank him for people like you :-)

  47. 47 Aaron King said at 11:16 pm on March 15th, 2009:

    Your show at the 9:30 club in D.C. was fire homie, you did you thing. The energy was crazy the band was fire and all was well. Keep doing what you’re doing fame, living the dream. One

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