A retired CIA veteran shared an inspiring story about Gib Smith, a former swim coach and college swimmer who battled leukemia while continuing to swim and compete, even raising $12,000 for the National Cancer Institute. The veteran used Smith's story to encourage high school graduates to embrace adversity, contribute to their community, and find purpose in their life decisions as they embark on their own adventures.
Building your adventure: CIA veteran shares an inspiring story about courage with graduates
OpinionValuesHighschoolSocietyCancer
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A retired CIA veteran shared an inspiring story about Gib Smith, a former swim coach and college swimmer who battled leukemia while continuing to swim and compete, even raising $12,000 for the National Cancer Institute. The veteran used Smith's story to encourage high school graduates to embrace adversity, contribute to their community, and find purpose in their life decisions as they embark on their own adventures.
- 1 Late 1980s: The CIA veteran met Gib Smith, who was an assistant swim coach.
- 2 1988: Gib Smith competed in the Chesapeake Bay Bridge swim race, raising $12,000 for the National Cancer Institute.
- 3 Ongoing: Gib Smith battled and beat cancer, earned a law degree, got married, and had two children.
- 4 Current (around this time of year): The retired CIA veteran speaks to high school seniors.
- Inspiration and guidance provided to high school graduates
- Reinforcement of values such as courage, resilience, and community involvement
What: A retired CIA veteran shared an inspiring story about Gib Smith with high school graduates. Gib Smith, a former swim coach and college swimmer, fought leukemia while continuing to swim and compete, including raising $12,000 for the National Cancer Institute. The veteran used Smith's story to impart lessons on courage, overcoming adversity, community contribution, and finding purpose.
When: Around this time of year (graduation season). The veteran met Gib in the late 1980s. In 1988, Gib competed in the Chesapeake Bay Bridge swim race.
Where: Washington, D.C. (Capital Sea Devils). Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Why: To inspire high school graduates as they take a momentous step forward in their lives. To teach them about building their own adventure by embracing challenges, contributing to society, and making intentional life decisions.
How: Through a speech delivered to high school seniors, recounting Gib Smith's personal battle with cancer and his dedication to swimming and fundraising, drawing parallels to life lessons.