On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, Detroit Catholic Central High School’s Athletic Department attended the “We Get To Inspire” speaker series. The event was held at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM and featured Best Selling Author Jon Gordon. 

The Get-To Foundation honors the legacy of Ben Jones, a Hillsdale college athlete known for his positivity and leadership who passed away in 2020 at the age of 30. Ben consistently inspired others to consider obstacles and obligations as opportunities by shifting one’s mindset from “have to” to “get to.”  

According to Tim Hornak, President of the Get To Foundation, the purpose of the foundation is not to give away something tangible, such as a gift or a pair of shoes. It’s to remind others about the good that surrounds us every day and that shifting our thoughts from negative to positive can be life changing.  

The entire Athletic Department Staff of Detroit Catholic Central High School attended the event, along with nine students and more than 50 other schools. This year’s key speaker, Jon Gordon, has authored several books on mindset and leadership, including The Energy Bus, The Carpenter, Training Camp, The Power of Positive Leadership, The Power of a Positive Team, Stay Positive, and more.  

During his talk, Mr. Gordon encouraged his audience to begin each day with prayer and a gratitude walk. He recommends keeping a success journal by writing down one success you had each day. He stated that you will become a success when you see that you are successful, citing a study from Duke University showing that optimists make more money and achieve greater success.  

He also used his wife as an example. She was feeling tired, discouraged, and broken down. After going to the doctor and getting bloodwork done, she learned that her genetics were comparable to an Olympic athlete and immediately started feeling better. The only thing that changed were her thoughts.  

Mr. Gordon also discussed topics such as how to fuel every day by feeding the positive, uplifting our mind and soul, dealing with fear, and encouraging ourselves and others.  

“The Get To Foundation put on a great presentation about how in life we don't have to do anything, but instead we get to. The message is profound and instills gratitude for the small things in life that we get to do,” stated attendee Stephen Juncaj ’18, Detroit Catholic Central High School Digital Strategist and Head Esports Coach. 

To learn more about the Go To Foundation or to get tickets to an upcoming event, visit http://gettofoundation.org.