Author Archives: Marshall Ramsey

The Commencement Speech

Posted on May 19, 2017 by Marshall Ramsey

Sunday afternoon, I will be giving the commencement address at East Webster High School’s graduation ceremony. The students worked hard for 12 years and now are stuck hearing me. I know — what a letdown for them. But for me, … Continue reading →

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Mistakes: The greatest education of all

Posted on May 18, 2017 by Marshall Ramsey

How we react to mistakes determines how we succeed. Number one: We all make mistakes. In fact, there was only one perfect human — and He ain’t us. What makes us special is how we deal with the after effects … Continue reading →

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You can do better

Posted on May 11, 2017 by Marshall Ramsey

Spring semester. 1991. The University of Tennessee- Knoxville. Humanities Bldg. Second floor. Speech class. Dr. Faye Julian is passing out the first graded exam of the semester. I wait as she works her way around the room. I could see … Continue reading →

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The calming of a soul

Posted on May 7, 2017 by Marshall Ramsey

I saw a man dump ashes into the Gulf a few years ago. I made up a story for him.  A lone elderly man walked on the beach with two small urns. This would be his last act of codependency … Continue reading →

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At mile 10: The gift a half-marathon gave me

Posted on May 7, 2017 by Marshall Ramsey

At mile 10 of the Magnolia Meltdown yesterday, I had something odd happen: I suddenly felt a surge of energy. Let me back up for a moment. I started the 13.1-mile half marathon with very tired and sore legs. I’d … Continue reading →

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The Next Level

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Marshall Ramsey

As my line ran over to Paul Lacoste’s station this morning, we noticed several quick-foot ladders. That meant lots of running and more raised heart rates. Mine was humming like a sewing machine already, hovering in the 140’s to 170’s. … Continue reading →

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Get Back Up: A Dad’s Lession

Posted on April 28, 2017 by Marshall Ramsey

Dad’s method of teaching waterskiing made water-boarding look humane. You’d hang onto the rope until you got up. And when you did, he’d do his darndest to knock you back down. There was no crying in waterskiing. But you did … Continue reading →

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The 30+ Club

Posted on April 27, 2017 by Marshall Ramsey

Nationally, 5% of students who take the ACT get a 30 or higher. Five percent. Yesterday, I had the honor of witnessing 115 Madison Central High School students walk across the stage and be recognized for being in that 5%. … Continue reading →

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An awkward silence

Posted on April 19, 2017 by Marshall Ramsey

For the past few years, my phone has gone off at least once a day with crisis about my parents’ health. Today, it sits next to me silent. Being 400 miles away, there were some days I felt helpless. (Have … Continue reading →

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The Battle of Banjo

Posted on April 13, 2017 by Marshall Ramsey

Back in the day when I had a daily radio show, my family decided they wanted to go on a vacation. Since I was chained to my microphone, they left me and our dog Banjo alone to fend for ourselves. … Continue reading →

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