The ESI team pays tribute to a young man, U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman Justin Zemser who was tragically killed in the recent Amtrak train derailment. Justin was returning to NYC to see his family and to present at the 2nd Annual ESI Male Summit that took place on May 16th at Channel View School for Research. Before attending the Naval Academy, Justin spent 7 years at Channel View where he graduated and was the valedictorian for the Class of 2013. In his speech he encouraged his classmates by saying:
“The time has come for all of us to take a decisive look in the mirror, unafraid to question the decisions we’ve previously made, the actions we are currently taking and the life-long voyage we are planning to undertake. Each one of us must look to establish who we are as individuals, defining our most passionate beliefs, molding our differing mind-
sets. Only then, once distinguishing those intricacies that separate us from the masses, can we truly begin to take accountability for our lives. As young leaders and future contributors to society, it is no longer acceptable to simply cut corners or give in to the numerous pressures surrounding
us. Starting from this day on, if you want something out of life you must be willing to make sacrifices; you must be willing to test your limits; you must be willing to stay true to yourself at all costs.”
ESI remembers Justin, his family and the Channel View family.
By Paul Forbes