Here is a profile of DJ Gregory made for the ESPN series.
Please watch and watch actively. Take a few notes.
- Look for images or details that others might not notice.
- Think about the questions being asked and the sources used to get this story.
- Listen for key ideas and notable things that are said. Jot them down.
After watching the profile, use your notes and in the Comments section, respond by addressing these questions:
1) Share with us something from your active listening and viewing that you noticed that others may not have. Something said? An image? Use your notes to share something.
2) What is the purpose of this profile? What feelings or ideas did you take away from it?
3) Connection to your life. Does DJ remind you of anyone in your life? Do you have a friend or family member who has a disability or even a 'crazy' dream that reminds you in some way of DJ?
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| DJ Gregory on the PGA tour. |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUSHN5EB0v8
1) the main thing that i noticed that others in the class may not have noticed is the breadth of the goal itself. Nobody, walks the whole course. I don't even walk the entire course when i play.
ReplyDelete2) I think the purpose of the profile was to show that humans are capable of incredible perseverance. I don't think i could have done that, but DJ did the unthinkable and he accomplished his dream.
3) The connection to my life isn't profound, but it is insightful. I play golf pretty often, and so i understand the challenges that average golfers have to deal with when we play. It is hard enough to hit the ball straight using two hands, but i could never come close to shooting a 100 round using just one hand.
This profile changed my perspective on the game. I get annoyed or frustrated when i hit a bad shot, end up in the woods, water or sand. But when I think about what DJ is doing i really cant complain.
I really admire his goal, for someone who was told that he would never walk in the first place to walk the distance he had, that nobody normally walks, is quite incredible.
DeleteI like your first point I had no insight, I've never played golf he really does make it a point to walk it all really awesome you caught that.
Deleteone thing i noticed was that even though he is not easy for him and he is not the best he does not stop just because its hard for him. he keeps pushing for his dream. it amazed me that he walks to every hole and doesn't ride in the golf carts. and that he would put multiple bandaids on his feet to keep blisters from happening. what i think the purpose of this profile is is for everyone to realize that even though things can get hard it doesn't mean you should give up you have to keep trying. My boyfriends cousin has autism and she is always trying to put a smile on everyones face even when things are bad for her or upset her she is always smiling and she inspires me everyday to never give up and just keep smiling.
ReplyDeleteI always am inspired by how people with autism are always just great people. I have never met anybody with autism that has been mean to anyone, they always just love life and that is how it should be for everyone.
DeleteThe band aids comment amazed me. I do not believe I would have the amount of passion DJ has to go through so much pain to reach his goal.
DeleteOne thing that I noticed that others may have not noticed in the class is how much respect and support he got from everyone around him. The more he kept walking, the more respect and support he recieved from not only friends and family, but the golfers he was following and interviewing. I think that the main purpose of this profile was to show the viewers watching that no matter if someone says you can't do something, doesn't necessarily mean you can't actually do it. DJ was told he would never be able to walk and look at what he just accomplished . . . walking every single hole of that Golf Tournament for a year. Yes, DJ reminds me of a kid I grew up with from Kindergarten to my Senior year. Andrew had autism, and even though he knew he was different than everyone else, he didn't give up trying to learn the same things, and he was always there to cheer someone up. Out of all the 80 students in my class, Andrew was friends with every single one of them. This profile was very insperational.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it was cool to see how others around him supported him and learned from him, like when Kenny Perry said DJ changed his perspective on life.
DeleteIt amazes me how happy and helpful people with autism are even when being made fun of they never let it hurt them!
DeleteI love the determination your friend Andrew had for learning the same things people without disabilities would and also am very amazed that he was friends with everybody that was in that 80 student class.
DeleteOne thing I noticed that others may not have would be how hard DJ is on himself. He sets a goal sees it and goes for it. No matter what comes in his way. Another thing would be that he kept count of all the falls he had, which I thought was very interesting. I believe the purpose of this profile is to show society that the impossible can happen. DJ's parents were told he would be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Now look at him, walked that PGA 2008 tour. Incredible! Connection to my life would be more of how watching this profile makes me feel differently about my life. DJ did something totally out there that no one else would even think about doing. I am sure that took a lot of courage. I wish that I could be that courageous!
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you that DJ Gregory was much harder on himself than anyone else, but that it was him pushing himself towards his goal that let him accomplish the seemingly impossible.
DeleteI agree that the amount of falls that he experienced never really affected him in regards to his determination to "get back up."
DeleteOne thing i noticed that others might not have is that this was both a physical challenge and mental challenge. It says at one point that he was putting 8 or 9 bandages one each foot everyday just to try and stop the blisters. He could have used this as an excuse and stopped his challenge, but he didn't. And i believe that this is the purpose of the profile. Not only to spread the story of DJ Gregory but to also show that nothing is impossible. Never let anyone tell you no or that you cant because the only one that can stop you is yourself. This profile in a way reminds me of my dad. My dad also had a "crazy" dream growing up as a child of a family with 5 brothers and sisters. They were quite poor and my grandpa worked in the steel mills in Pittsburgh but my dad said one day he would work his way up to the top of a business. He worked his way up from dishwasher to COO of Damon's Corporate before he quit for personal reasons. These stories are similar because both DJ Gregory and my dad refused to quit or take no for an answer.
ReplyDeleteThat a good point you are making about the physical and mental challenge he has. Having to put on 8 to 9 bandages on each foot must be a real challenge considering the pain that he is going through to try and accomplish his goal
DeleteDreams come true when you put your heart into it glad to hear your dad made that happen.
Delete1. One thing I noticed that others might not have was when Kenny Perry said "How can you see kid struggle around the golf course and then you're out there complaining playing golf." He said DJ Gregory really changed his perspective about everything. This stood out because when I played golf for highschool I played with way to many people that cared more about winning and being the best than actually playing and enjoying golf. DJ Gregory cares much more about being able to play and enjoy golf than anything else about the game.
ReplyDelete2. I think the purpose of this profile was to not only tell DJ Gregory's story but also share the message that even though things in life get tough sometimes, giving up should never be an option.
3. This profile reminds me of my older brother. When he was 8 he was diagnosed with Leukemia and had to go through chemotherapy. The doctors said he would have trouble in school with learning. However my brother put in a lot of effort and graduated high school in 2012 as a Valedictorian and is now studying in biochemistry at main campus.
I agree with you on you're response to the first question, many people take what seem like everyday activities for granted. there are many people out there who cant do what the average person can or struggle at it, and they make every effort to try their hardest.
Delete1) Something I noticed that others may have not, was when the interviewer asked DJ Gregory about Sunday, November 9th, the final day of the PGA 2008 Tour, DJ began to tear up with happiness and also his dad was tearing up.. This gave me goose bumps! This is honestly such a motivational story and I was surprised that this was my first time hearing it. The last statement of the video was, “It’s the walk that left a trail, from a boy told he could never walk, to a man who left his footsteps across an entire sport”. This statement was strong and really inspirational because although DJ was told that he would never walk he persevered as a child and made it all the way to be able to do something, not even a walking man would think about doing.
ReplyDelete2) The purpose of this profile was to show and teach people that it isn’t about saying “No, I cant do this” and giving up; that even the impossible is able to be done, so if you want to do something, or believe you could achieve something that you love, you should preserve and do everything you should to achieve your goal. “If you have a dream go after it, don’t let anyone tell you no” (Gregory). This profile gave me goose bumps and truly made me see life in a different perspective. I know every once in a while, ordinary people will tell you to never give up on your dreams, but it doesn’t mean as much as when someone who starts with so little, tells his or her story of accomplishing something so big, and not giving up on his dream.
3) DJ’s story is similar to my uncle’s story. Although my uncle did not have as much ambition and love towards achieving a goal, my uncle had to amputate one of his legs from the knee down. He was very upset and torn at the fact that he was going to lose his lower leg, and thought he wouldn’t be able to walk again. He sat in the hospital whining and moaning that he lost his leg, but with support from his extended family, he was able to get inspiration to start walking again. Like I said before, he was not nearly as close to having as much motivation as DJ Gregory, but I respect him for being able to pick himself back up at such a tough time in his life.
I totally agree on your purpose with this profile. It was a true profile stating to never give up on the impossible. I really like the quote you shared on the first paragraph. Wow, that's really crazy that you can relate that much to the store about your uncle. Definitely alot of respect for him for getting back up.
DeleteYes, that is exactly how i felt. Something that seemed and should be impossible for him to do- he did! Its so simple to say, but i mean how many of us try to do the impossible? maybe his dreams are really bigger than ours, when you really think about it.
DeleteI agree with your response to the first question. It was such an uplifting story, it surprises me that I didn't hear of it like many others probably haven't.
DeleteSomething that I heard while I was watching this video that I found interesting was how far he was walking in total, 900 miles. An image that was shown the i thought was interesting was all of the golfers who were supporting him throughout his journey. the purpose of this profile is to spread the story of what he did to leave his mark on the sport of golf. They are able to show this through the journey he made and the people who he change through this endeavor. I can not think of anyone in my family who had a mental disorder or physical disability but it does make me think of the struggles I have had to deal with because of my ADHD. I am able to relate to this because of the struggle I have had to accomplish a goal.
ReplyDeleteI admire that so many golfers supported this mans dream to walk that distance something a normal person could do relatively fine but with his condition was nearly impossible.
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DeleteThe incredible distance he walked stood out to me as well as I watched the profile. Just watching the clips of him as he walked the entirety of the golf course left a profound message.
DeleteI agree! The amount of miles he walked was incredible! I don't think I would ever imagine setting that as a goal.
Delete1) One thing that I noticed that others may not have is just the drive he had to not accept that he may not be able to walk ever. He didn't take no for an answer he defied the doctors prediction and did something he wanted to do for himself.
ReplyDelete2)The purpose of this profile is to show people that anything is possible even if someone says it cant be done. DJ showed everyone the drive he had and Im sure he inspired not only the golfers but everyone he encountered at the tournaments and across the world.
3) This has a very personal connection to me because one of my best friends also has cerebral palsy and he also had a big dream too. He grew up loving horses and using them for therapy, and he had a dream of opening a ranch to help others use horses as a form of therapy and to give horse lessons to other people. He accomplished his goal this year when his family opened their own ranch and started giving lessons to people. He may have accomplished this dream, but its only beginning.
it is great that your friend never gave up and that always makes me happy when people never give up on their dreams
DeleteI also have a friend who is like yours. Although he is not into horses like yours, mine has several ambitions one of which being a sports medicine doctor and i know you just like your friend he will achieve his dream!
DeleteI agree with your response to the second part of your comment about anything is possible even if people tell you it cannot be done. DJ really helped put out that anything is possible. He went from "not being able to ever walk" to the "man who did the impossible" and "the man who walk every tournament for the 2008 PSA Golf Tournament", he really shed light on my life, along with several other's lives.
Delete1.) The one thing that I really noticed was the quote "It changed my perspective on my life" from Kenny Perry. Its amazing to see how one mans dream can effect so many others round him.
ReplyDelete2.) The purpose of this profile is to shed light on this mans struggle and see him overcome it. It gives anyone who watches this a sense of 'i can do this' afterward.
3.) DJ's story is a very astounding one. My aunt was born with Cerebral Palsy but far worse, her whole 40+ years on this earth she could not walk, talk, or do anything that a normal person could. But she really brought the whole family together, she unified the family through the struggles and the good. That is the connection to my life.
I agree on what you put for the purpose of this profile. It really does shed a light on DJ's struggle and to see him overcome it. The connection you have is really close to this since they were diagnosed with the same thing. That's really cool that she brought your whole family together.
DeleteI like that there was a personal connection with you, a lot stronger connection then mine. That really does help to make the story personal and shows the triumphs that people are capable of. I thought it was a really good profile.
DeletePeople don't say that very often, and when pros say that people sometimes think they say it just to say it. I feel that its one of the most sincere comments. Not only that but I have a feeling he may have made some changes about he looks at life from then on.
DeleteI do not really remember that quote you talked about for the first part of your response, nor did I think of it that way, and I like how you pointed it out. Although, at the time, DJ probably thought that he was completing his dreams for himself, he actually effected a lot of other people and helped them realize the true fact anything is possible if you put your heart into it!
DeleteI think that is a really great quote. It's so inspiring because it shows how DJ's perspective is so admirable. that quote is also great because if you were to try and summarize this profile in one sentence, I think that would be the perfect quote to do so.
Delete1. The thing that stick out is how mich they just kept showing him play golf, what I mean is they really make a point with him being able I love out his dream.
ReplyDelete2. The purpose of the video is to show things can be overcame, you can make your dream come true.
3. The person who comes to mind would be my great great grandmother, she was 98 living at home when she passed away she never gave up, she was just a determined woman who pushed threw everything, you could say she was a trooper cause no matter what she made life happen.
Personal connections are what make profiles really pop in my opinion. I think it would be really easy to not read that actively if you don't have at least a small connection to what you are reading. I see a common theme with people who are disabled, that is perseverance in the face of a life time of adversity.
DeleteI would have to agree with Jacob, although it's not a direct correlation, their is a connection through never giving up and always pushing through tough times. Your grandmother sounds like a wonderful person, she reminds me a lot of my own who is fighting cancer for the fourth time!
Deletei agree. I liked the emphasis of him being shown playing golf. that was sweet! i mean how may people can golf one handed? and he has to lean with his other hand. I cannot even pretend to have that much focus in my game.Watching DJ was impressive to say the least.
DeleteI think it was good to show him playing golf. It helped to show that he really has a love for the sport and that the people play the sport respect him for what he is doing
DeleteOne of the quotes that stood out to me, more than any other was at the very beginning. "A long walk, not toward perfection, but possibility." This was a very profound quote for me because throughout life you see many people attempt to reach perfection in something, but no one will ever truly reach perfection within their lifetime. It takes a man, such as DJ Gregory to teach us that what each person is searching for is not perfection, but really the joy in doing something we love and what it brings to our hearts. To me, DJ Gregory,embodies and teaches others pure gratefulness. Another aspect of this profile that stood out initially and throughout the entire video was the beautiful imagery of the golf course with a background of naturalistic music. It filled the message of DJ Gregory's inspiring story, with the surrounding imagery of the beauty and serenity of golf. This profile was very profound in it's message, showing that no matter what the circumstances may be, anyone can achieve their goal. Honestly, as corny as it may sound, watching this profile video on such an inspiring man and his story really did bring tears to my eyes. I cried throughout the entire profile because it evoked strong emotions of sadness, serenity, beauty and joy. I do not have anyone in my life at the moment that reminds me or is in the same situation as Dj Gregory, but the impact of his message will certainly be remembered.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the quote everyone today always looks for perfection, even though that rarely ever happens. People take for granted the things that come easy for them, that don't come easy for others
DeleteOne his thoughts that struck me deep was his desire to not see himself on television. Even though he had completed a powerful journey, at no step along the way did he want people to feel bad for him or show him sympathy. He didn't boast about the attention that was given, he was down to earth and humble about the opportunities he was given. He was not embarrassed by himself, or the condition that he was in, instead he simply did not need all the attention to satisfy him, only the tremendous satisfaction of completing a dream. Although this profile is used to show the troubles and triumph of DJ on his travel to walk every hole of the pga tournament in 2008, the deeper meaning behind it was dreams. They used the example of DJ to show that hard work and dedication truly pay off, and no matter how hard the circumstances may be, how many obstacles may stand in your way, or how many people say you can't do something, you can always do it. Always pursue your dreams and don't let anything get in your way. This relates to me because I too have a friends that has Cerebral Palsy and was in the same boat as DJ. He wanted to play sports his whole life and was unable to play many, and got picked on when he did because of the lack of movement in his legs. This did not stop him however, and he continues to play sports with the rest of us and continues to make us laugh and smile with his positive outlook and charm everyday.
ReplyDeletei agree with you that it was really interesting and heavy when he said that he doesn't like to see himself on TV and its inspiring how humble he stayed throughout the whole thing.
Delete1) what i noticed most is how they showed how much he loves golf by showing him playing it often.
ReplyDelete2) the purpose of this profile is to tell DJ Gregory's story, and show how he put his mind to his goals to over come the difficulties.
3) the person who DJ Gregory reminds me of is my step grandpa, who was a heavy smoker from his early teens, and developed many health problems from it. He is now 67 and still does everything he can to live the life he enjoys.
i noticed what you first said also and thought it was obvious that DJ Gregory really did love golf. And its really inspiring how hard working he is and how he wont take no for an answer
DeleteI do think it was really great how they tied in something that DJ loved to show how inspiring he is instead of just focusing on him and his life. It also showed how he got a lot of support from other golfer and if anything, it taught me a little bit about golf.
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ReplyDelete1. One thing I noticed was that in the profile, in the pictures they showed of DJ, he was always smiling. Even though he has a difficult disability, he was always smiling. Even though they probably purposely picked those ones, he just seemed like a really happy person.
ReplyDelete2. The purpose of this was to inform its readers. Inform about who DJ is and why he is such a amazing person. Its also to give hope and inspire people to be the best they can be and strive for great things and not give up. OR even just to appreciate how lucky we can be but don't realize how good we have it.
3. I don't know anybody who has a disability but somebody else that kind of reminds me of DJ is my brother. He is such a good and hardworking person. He has had a lot of obstacles stand in his way, but he has never given up.
I like it when he has to get up, because DJ Gregory prefers it when he is taught on his own. I have a hard time learning on my own, unless it is necessary. I don't motivation to do it myself. But soon after I recognize that he has motivation, and is determined. I don't know what to think of myself. I feel I could be great, right now I'm not while he has more challenges.
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