The Power of Emptying Your Backpack
Best-selling author and motivational speaker Sam Demma visited CDS on Tuesday morning to inspire both Middle and Senior School students in two uplifting assemblies. His message - “Empty Your Backpack” - encouraged students to hold onto the positive stories that lift them up and let go of the negative ones that weigh them down.
Walking on stage with a red oversized backpack, Sam demonstrated his philosophy that our energy is the currency that impacts everyone around us. As he put it, if you decide when you wake up that it will be the best day of your life, chances are it will be.
He urged students to unpack the opinions and expectations of others, reminding them that self-worth should never be determined by someone else’s words. “Keep the positive, let go of the negative."
Sam also spoke about the power of kindness, encouraging students to spread love and positivity through their daily actions to build others up rather than break them down. He challenged everyone to look out for one another, stay honest, keep learning, and find meaningful ways to connect.
At just 26 years old, Sam’s stories resonated deeply with students. He shared how his dream of playing Division 1 soccer was derailed, and how a Grade 12 teacher’s three simple words “Small Consistent Actions” changed his life.
Taking that advice to heart, Sam built a new “Plan A” after his soccer path ended due to injury, one that has led him across North America and as far as Kenya. Now an avid reader and lifelong learner, Sam published a book, Empty Your Backpack, three years ago - a reflection of his journey and the lessons he continues to live by.
He concluded his talk with simple but powerful reminder: "Take small consistent actions, keep your backpack empty, and your imagination full.
Thank you, Sam, for sharing your energy, positivity, and wisdom with the CDS community!
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
