Recently, representatives from Camfel Productions came to Padua Academy.  Three large multimedia screens were set up in the cafetorium to show a presentation called “Get a Grip.”  “Get a Grip” was presented to us to show how we can improve our self-control and take charge of our lives. The presentation gave various examples of the power to say “no,” resisting temptation, and creating a better sense of who we are with bright colors and quick moving visuals.

The first segment showed sports fitness.  Two high school sports stars were featured.  They talked about how they had to work to get to where they are and all their effort could not have happened without perseverance and self-control.  Another girl featured displayed her self-conscious body image regarding her weight.  She criticized herself and never felt good enough.  Eventually, through prayer and faith, she had the power to resist the temptation of starving herself.  It was her faith in God that allowed her to shed self-hate issues from her mind, giving her the ability to become closer with not only herself, but God.

Faith played a major role in this presentation, especially in a segment of a boy who had lost his father.  He blamed God for his father’s death.  This affected his relationship with his mother, his grades, and his emotions.  He found help through counseling and reconnecting with God.  Bullying was also a prominent featured issue in this presentation, especially cyberbullying.  When teenagers were asked if they have ever been perpetrators of cyberbullying, a staggering 50% admitted to taking part in it at some point in their teenage lives.  The people featured in the video showed us the importance of taking a stand against hurtful actions and words.  They also taught us that the will power to do the right thing will always outweigh our temptations to do the opposite, especially when it comes to working as a team.

Another part of the presentation talked about good work ethic.  In this segment of the presentation, a team of students were making a solar boat for the upcoming competition.  As they got closer to competition, they unfortunately did not make the cut.  With their better preparation skills for the next competition, they finally made it into the competition.  Their ongoing work ethic and team effort earned them third place overall after the race.  “Get a Grip” presented how to set standards for yourself, do what is right, and make your life positive.  As the presentation told us, “self control moves you towards a goal.”