By Andrew Corselli
The students at Lawrence Middle School received an inspirational message work the hardest you can each day because you never know who’s watching.
Howard Eskin, a Philadelphia sports radio and television personality since the early 1980s, was the keynote speaker at the school’s Career Day on Friday morning. During his 25-minute speech, he bestowed his wisdom about how to get ahead in life, gaining employment and the importance of hard work and responsibility.
”If I had to point to one thing for my success, it’s responsibility,” he said. “If you’re responsible you will get ahead, if you work harder you will get ahead.”
In addition, he stressed to the children the value of heeding lessons and instructions from teachers. He said that he wishes he appreciated his teachers more when he was in the same position as those in the audience.
”I wish I listened to my teachers more,” he said. “I was an average student, an average person. I never really got it until I was in 11th or 12th grade.”
Mr. Eskin went on to speak about the importance of higher education, and how a lack of a college degree can derail future success.
”In today’s world it’s very difficult to get a job, let alone an interview, if you don’t have a college education,” he said.
Another point the 50-year-old sports personality made was that potential employees shouldn’t fret over what their salary may be while on job interviews. He said that the most important thing is getting experience and doing what you love.
”When you start your career it’s not about how much you get paid, it’s about getting through the door and getting an opportunity to be in that business,” he said.
Mr. Eskin finished up saying, “I believe people can do whatever they want to do if they put their mind to it and want to do it.”
The school was able to land the speaker through Rob Grusman, who works with Mr. Eskin at radio station WIP in Philadelphia. Mr. Grusman’s girlfriend, Alyssa Katz, is a Spanish teacher at Lawrence Middle School and put in a request to have Mr. Eskin speak at Career Day.
Mr. Grusman relayed the proposal and Mr. Eskin said he would be happy to do it so long as his schedule permits. In doing so, he made at least one student’s day.
”It was really cool because I never got to meet him before,” said eighth-grader Rafael Lebelesteriei, who is a fan of Mr. Eskin.
Other speakers on the day included Adam Miller, an assistant district attorney from New York City; Melissa Rice, a vice president of Goldman Sachs; Craig Robinson, a personal injury lawyer who was also a finalist on “The Bachelorette” last year; Gene Swanhart, director of training at the New Jersey Special Olympics; and over 30 other men and women with occupations such as banker, musician, publicist, lawyer and firefighter.

