" "Don't Tug on the Wire!" …Huh?? "Wireinthenose.com?" What is this?? I have to admit that I was skeptical when first confronted with Chris Bowers' website information. As the advisor for a very active Student Council, I like to think that I can see beyond the "black and white" information in front of me. And, after seeing part of his presentation on his website, I was convinced that he would be a perfect match for the Waterville Homecoming assembly - and I wasn't disappointed!!

Chris Bowers' presentation was one the BEST motivational programs I have seen in 19 years as Student Council advisor. He is energetic, enthusiastic, loud and funny. All of these are necessary requirements to captivate an audience of 12-19 year old students (as well as their teachers). His message was clear and concise. His rapport with adults and students was wonderful. Even the adult teachers and community members have been singing his praises since the assembly."

-Leslie Olivera-Van Wormer
Waterville High School, Waterville, NY

"Well, what can I say except "Bravo!!" The kids really enjoyed listening to your stories and were definitely impressed by your vibrant style and, of course, your important message. The teachers and administrators that were in attendance concur with the vote of the kids. I will always remember the "wire in the nose" lesson and will share it with the younger teachers whom I mentor."

-Donna Letzter
Director of Student Activities
DuPage Valley Conference, IL

"I just came home to a daughter who couldn't stop talking about your presentation today. From all she's told me (and demonstrated to me, the refrigerator dance for one), you did an awesome job. As a parent, I thank you for reaffirming something I've been teaching her, (something I've recently been learning myself) if you're afraid to make mistakes, you can't grow."

-Parent
Dakota High School, MI

"Man you are soooo funny! What you said really struck a chord. The other day a girl I know wrote a love letter to this boy who is my friend. He doesn't like her, neither do I. He asked me to make copies of the letter so he could hang them around the school. After you talked to us about other peoples feelings I took the letter and threw it out. I'm glad I did, Thanks!!"

-8th Grade Student, NY

"The day after you spoke I went to computer class and my account had been locked. I started to get so mad in the middle of class. The suddenly I remembered "Don't tug on the wire!" It totally made me smile and think of the steps I had to take to solve the problem."

-High School Student, FL

"I just want to thank you on a personal level but also for my whole school. After your talk it was all smiles in the halls. There wasn't a conversation going on where you weren't a part of it. People were stapling those ties to their shirts, just like you, and random people were going to random people and telling them not to tug on the wire. The way that you presented got through to even the toughest of people at my school. There wasn't a single person in the gym that wasn't paying attention."

-High School Senior, CA

"I want to tell you I really enjoyed you being at my school. You made me think a lot about myself and others. I used to think poorly about myself and I was always worried about what other people thought about me. You made me think differently."

-High School Freshman, IN

"It really did make me realize that if you act as yourself, others will respect you for it. It was really wonderful to see everybody come out of their shells and just be their goofy selves."

-High School Senior, TX

"You just came to my school today and I wanted to congratulate you on being one of the only speakers to ever keep my whole school's attention for that long. Usually there is talking, we get restless, and the speaker has to ask us to settle down. Your stories were very interesting and relatable. Well, okay so I don't know anyone who has ever had a wire in their nose "LOL," but I could relate to the whole...if you overreact everything will get even worse…message. It's so true!!"

-High School Student, VA

"In addition to many direct positive comments about you, we had one actual implementation of your advice. Daniel (the German foreign exchange student) was standing in line to talk. He turns to me and asks: "Do you think it's too early to ask a girl to prom?" I replied, "I guess we are about to find out." He thought for a minute and turned back: "Will I die?" We agreed that it was unlikely and he went forward with the risky endeavor and was successful. Good work!"

-Dave Peters
Activities Director
Tahoma High School, WA

"I attended the HOBY seminar for southeast Ohio in 2002 when I was a sophomore in high school, and I just wanted to tell you that to this day I still remember that experience and what you taught me. I can still remember the hilarious speeches you gave. I watched the video on your website again and I just about laughed myself to death when it got the wire in the nose part! After that weekend, I had to search far and wide to find a smiley face tie, as the black slacks, black shirt, and smiley tie became my favorite outfit after that. Since that weekend in 2002 I have taken many risks, which have lead me to having a life most young men can dream of. I am a sophomore at the United States Merchant Marine Academy now, and am doing things I never could have even imagined. I have endured much leadership training since my time at HOBY, but I always look back to you as one of my founding cornerstones of leadership. That time at HOBY was really the first time I started to look at myself as a leader and who I wanted to become, and you provided me with a role model that I was proud to follow. You showed me that I had the power to become a good leader and change the world for the better. I just wanted to say thank you for what you have done; not only for me, but for the thousands of other kids who have been fortunate enough to have heard you speak."

-Graduate, OH

"It was amazing to see 2700 high school students completely engaged with Chris' presentation! His humorous approach made a connection with our entire school community, both students and staff alike. Due to such a large audience and the location being a high school gym, we created a giant projection screen to display a close up video image of Chris throughout his performance...this worked beautifully! The students in the back rows were able to see the subtle facial expressions that are such an integral part of Chris' program. Chris would be a steal at twice his asking fee! Thanks!"

-Brent Swolsky
Guidance Counselor,
Schaumburg High School, IL