EPS Middle Schools Host Speaker Kyler Erickson
Kyler Erickson, Omaha native and former University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) Men’s Basketball player, visited all five Elkhorn middle schools at the end of January thanks to funding from the Foundation’s Classroom Grant program. Kyler talked about struggles he’s gone through and how he’s turned that into something positive by sharing his story with others.
In 2011, Kyler witnessed a school shooting in his senior year at Millard South High School. This tragedy led to Kyler experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression as he began his college career. He spoke about how difficult it was to open up about what he was going through, but he eventually talked to some trusted adults and then found help through therapy. One of these impactful leaders was his UNO basketball coach, who told Kyler, “None of us are defined by what happens to us. We’re defined by what we do next.”
Kyler and his friends decided to make a pact: “However long we’re on this earth we’re gonna fight to stand up for people who can’t fight for themselves. We’re gonna try our best to prevent as many suicides as we can, to help people through the trauma that they’ve gone through.”
During his presentation, he encouraged students to use their talents, whatever they may be, to make the world a better place. Most importantly, he left students with this message, “You are loved, and you matter, more than you will ever know. If you think or ever find yourself in a situation that you may need some help, if you’re in a hole that you can’t climb out of,” Kyler says, “your teachers and administrators, every adult in this building truly loves and cares about every single one of you.”
Kyler also welcomed musician Nick Rucker to speak on his time in the military and National Guard. Nick has written three books, including one called Time Cap that is based on his journey in Baghdad and “getting his life back on track” when he returned. Nick invited students on stage to sing the YMCA with the crowd and then played an original song.
Kyler has turned sharing his journey into a career, traveling all across the country and speaking to over 700,000 kids. Kyler’s message to students was an important one, letting them know “It’s okay not to be okay.” The Foundation is grateful to be a part of these impactful opportunities for students.
