Motivational speaker and rising actor Monti Washington spoke to an intimate group of Georgia Southern University students and faculty on Monday about the power of confidence.

While most students in the audience appeared to be at Washington’s speech for class assignments, it became apparent that they were genuinely listening to what he was saying and enjoying the informative, funny and at times unconventional presentation.

Washington made a point to the audience that your past does not define your future, and used his life story as an example.

Growing up, Washington was the product of a broken home, with his mother living a hard life and his father not being in the picture.

Because of these unfortunate situations, Washington and his two younger brothers became products of the foster care system, traveling from home to home whenever a new bed became available.

Washington recalled his time in the foster care system that consisted of abusive caretakers and suicidal thoughts.

Although Washington’s childhood was met with obstacles that would seem unimaginable to some people, he did not let these moments define him as a person, or stand in the way of his future and success.

Washington went on to graduate high school at the top of his class, and college where he received two degrees and graduated magna cum laude.

“We have this misconception that our past experiences determine our potential for the future,” Washington said. “I don’t think it determines what you’re capable of in the future, I think it prepares you.”

Washington encouraged the audience to work hard towards their dreams and to have confidence, making the crowd repeat the word to him.

“You can’t achieve a level 10 dream if your confidence is at a level 5,” Washington said.

The speech became very interactive, as Washington had audience members write down their goals, talk about aspects of themselves that made them feel the most confident, and take part of an exercise that showed that you truly cannot judge a book by its cover.

“We don’t look like our stories, because the simple fact is that we are all greater than our story.” Washington said.

Washington travels across the country motivating students and providing guidance.

You can read more about Washington and his story on his website.

Anthony Belinfante, The George-Anne News Reporter, ganewsed@georgiasouthern.edu.