I'm sitting in my hotel room in Montgomery, Alabama...

I'm sitting in my hotel room in Montgomery Alabama after a long day of speaking. I gave two student presentations today, and a teacher workshop. Usually, by the time evening arrives, I'm exhausted emotionally and physically from having relived my past all day. Tonight it's different. I feel exhilarated, full of hope, energy and excitement. I think it has a lot to do with the school itself that I visited today--Montgomery Catholic Prep. The president of the school, Anne, was warm, open and full of life. She made me feel welcome from the start. The students were equally as engaging, bursting with questions and comments.

My first presentation was to the third through fifth graders. They took it all in and I could see by the looks on their faces they were absorbing not just the words, but the message. Later in the afternoon I addressed the middle schoolers and I must admit, I was deeply touched by how open and curious they were about what I had to say. Many of them raised their hands after my talk, wanting to understand more about bullying and how they could be there for each other. What a delight seeing their earnestness! What a gift. At the end of the middle school talk, I noticed a couple of students crying, and I went up to them and wrapped my arms around them. They hugged me back so hard, with such honesty and heart. I gave them some encouragement and advice. Then, I watched as the counselor and principal chatted with both students, the concern and dedication etched across their faces. I could tell how much these educators cared about these two kids, and it made me feel so good that these children have such dedicated, committed adults in their corner.

Today was a jewel. I thank God and everyone at Montgomery Prep and can't wait for tomorrow! I have a student presentation at the high school in the morning, a TV interview on the local NBC affiliate at 11:15 am central time, then I'm taping a segment for The Joy Behar Show later in the afternoon, and then back to the school for my evening parent/family seminar. If you're near a TV tomorrow night, check out my interview on HLN's Joy Behar Show. And if you live in Alabama, maybe we'll see each other at the evening seminar. For details, go to jodeeblanco.com

I'll be thinking about you!