The Bird House Project Presentation
Authors have connections to the community.
by Cassi Barnett
February 11, 2010
On Monday, February 8, speakers Kris Munsch and Jeff Fouquet were at Ness City High speaking to our student body, students from Western Plains, and some residents of Ness County.
I am pleased to announce that I had an opportunity to interview Kris and Jeff to get to know more about them and their stories, so that I can share that information in my web story.
As I interviewed Kris, I learned more about his tragic story. Kris explained to me the "dark hole" that had overcome him when his son died. He said, "It was a feeling that I wasn't sure where I was in life, I didn't know where to turn. My emotions were scattered and I felt despair." I then asked Kris how he overcame this "dark hole", and he told me "I took one step at a time, and I found a plan and worked at it." Kris told me that his motivation for writing the book The Birdhouse Project was the fact that he saw a vision and the vision was one that could make his life better. Also, finding his co-author, Jeff, was a big help as well. Kris couldn't put into words how much writing this book has helped him to get a grip on life and progress forward. He also said that he couldn't write fast enough to keep up with his excitement to get his story out and to tell people about it. I asked Kris if he had any advice to give to any one of our students, and he said, "Use the five steps: (1). Don't judge; reach outside and inside, we are all the same. (2). The events in your life do NOT define you. (3). A plan without action and commitment is just a wish. (4). A series of simple steps can cover great distances. (5). Who burnt the bridge has nothing to do with who lifts the hammer.
As I interviewed Jeff, I learned more about his past and the troubles he struggled with. Jeff told me he struggled in his teen years and when he even faced jail time, he realized that this wasn't him, he wasn't that person. So when I asked Jeff what motivated him to become a better person, he told me that he himself made a strong decision that the choices he was making were wrong and that realization pushed him to change his ways to become a better person. I also asked Jeff what advice he could give our students and staff and he said, "Don't let your mistakes define you." Jeff told me that he wouldn't be the man he is today, wouldn't have a family, and wouldn't have much to offer had he not taken that step in life and made his decision to change.
Both Kris and Jeff told me it is hard to talk about their pasts. It is extremely tough to talk about some things even in a small, personal place like the coffee shop. They both know that they have truly put their pasts behind them, however, because both took that step in life to move forward and progress in life. They only look back to help others with their futures. These two gentlemen told me they were honored to be back at the Ness City High School to speak to our student body as well as others, and that this is where it all started. Kris picked being a teacher for his profession because he knew that when he was in school and worked out in the wood shop, that it was right for him to be a teacher someday. Even though he had many other business experiences first. Jeff is also a teacher and he told me he picked teaching because education was the biggest tool to help himself and that he loves to teach. I asked Kris and Jeff both what has been their biggest help to carry on everyday, and they told me that it was not being willing to fail, and that they would do whatever it takes to not fail.
I really enjoyed their speech to our students. They did an outstanding job. I would like to thank both Kris Munsch and Jeff Fouquet for coming and sharing their stories with us, it really meant more than words can say!
