By Mercedes Caldera-Perez
The Centennialight
Tuesday September 17th, Bulldogs gathered to attend a drug and mental health awareness assembly led by Tony Hoffman, former BMX racer, who spoke on his story of sports accomplishments, as well as his struggle with mental health and substance abuse.
Hoffman is a former pro BMX racer who later moved to focusing on coaching due to an injury.
Hoffman shared how, despite his many accomplishments at a young age, he was suffering from severe anxiety and depression, including suicidal thoughts. These circumstances caused him to start abusing substances which led him to a life of crime and homelessness, later being sentenced for four years in prison where he started his journey of turning his life around.
He mentioned that he had a spiritual experience while in prison due to seeing a quote on the top of his cell's ceiling.
“Be careful what you think because your thoughts become your words. Be careful what you say because your words become your actions. Be careful what you do because your actions become your habits. Be careful what you make into a habit because your habits become your character and your character becomes your destiny.”
He has been a motivational speaker for the past thirteen years, traveling the United States 250 days a year to speak at schools, venues, and events. Hoffman is an owner of a drug and alcohol treatment facility, pH Wellness, as well as the founder of the Freewheel Project which aims to help at-risk youth through action sports.
The assembly was framed not as an anti-drug PSA, but more as a share of experiences, as well as a reminder that help and support is available for those in any level situation. The hour concluded with a short Q&A before students were released.
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