On March 20, 2024, Mount Vernon High School was honored to host Alex Sheen as a guest speaker. Sheen, the visionary behind “because I said I would.”, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering character development and resilience skills, captivated the audience with his compelling message.
Driven by the observation of countless broken promises in society, Sheen founded his organization to address this pervasive issue. How often have we heard individuals pledge to quit smoking or commit to exercising more, only to falter in their resolve? “because I said I would.” offers a refreshingly simple yet potent solution to this challenge.
Sheen’s journey began with a humble gesture: offering ten free promise cards to anyone who requested them on social media. Overnight, his idea gained monumental traction. The cards, elegantly minimalistic with the organization’s name in one corner and ample space for personal promises, serve as tangible reminders of commitment. By physically handing over these promise cards to those they’re accountable to, individuals reinforce their dedication, fostering a deeper sense of responsibility.
The essence of “because I said I would.” lies in its profound simplicity and unwavering sincerity. Sheen’s passion for the advancement of humanity resonated deeply with the Yellow Jackets, igniting a collective determination to strive for improvement. In his inspiring address, Sheen reminded us that even the smallest steps toward progress hold immense value, underscoring the transformative power of individual accountability and collective action.
Jacket Journal Editors are putting together clips of his presentation and a one on one interview which will be published soon.
