Have you ever felt physically restrained by a mental situation?  Have you ever thought that you could not do something in your future because of your past?

In Alton Jamison's motivational speech Wareham High School freshmen and juniors on March 15th, Jamison helped students realize that they could overcome their problems and break through their "mental handcuffs" no matter what has happened in their past.

Alton Jamison began his presentation by walking out with an orange jumpsuit over his shoulder, telling the story of his father who was imprisoned for multiple years after robbing a bank. Several years later, Jamison recounted that his father took his own life.

Jamison then talked to the audience about his own struggles, including not believing in himself at a young age and also the trouble he had coming to terms with his father's death.

Despite his struggles, and after putting himself in his father's shoes, Jamison was able to overcome his problems because of one reason: the promise he made to his father to never end up like him.

After sharing bad decisions throughout his speech, Jamison made the audience repeat "No more handcuffs!" and "I won't!" As his speech came to an end, Jamison left the audience with many positive and encouraging words and phrases such as, "It's not how you start, it’s how you finish."

After the presentation, students were given the opportunity to approach Jamison to ask him any questions, receive an autographed information card, and to buy his book “No More Handcuffs."

Students who attended Jamison's presentation left with a new positive view on life and how to deal with personal situations. Jamison left a very positive impact on the students and faculty at Wareham High School.

Additional information on Alton Jamison can be found on his website, http://altonjamison.com.

Jamie Silva is a junior at Wareham High School.