The epilogue at the end of Greater Than Yourself is a case study of a GTY challenge I issued to the students and staff of Up with People. (There’s a little film snippet of the experience over at greaterthanyourself.com). If you look in the book, you’ll notice that the byline on the piece is not yours truly, but Andrew Lanham, who was a staff member at the time.
And that’s significant in the context of the spirit of GTY.
At the time, you see, Andrew–a gifted and creative young dude–was preparing to apply to the graduate program in screenwriting at the University of Texas in Austin, a notoriously difficult program to get accepted to. So, here’s the way I figured it: it sure wouldn’t hurt Andrew’s application for him to have his name in a book published by a major New York publisher. And nothing would make me happier than to share my platform with him, if it would help him to achieve his dream. In some small way, at least.
So, that was my motivation in asking Andrew to write in my book.
Now, here’s the epilogue to the story-behind-the-epilogue:
Andrew is in! I’ve just learned that he’s been accepted to the UT RTF Screenwriting MFA program.
I’m not suggesting that I really had anything to do with that–like I said, he’s gifted–but, man, it sure feels awesome. So here’s to you, Andrew! Go light the entertainment world on fire. I can’t wait for the time when I’ll be able to say, “I knew him when.” It’s that Greater Than Yourself thing.
(Oh, and if you’d like to match a face with the name, Andrew’s the 3rd one in the aforementioned short film).
Steve,
Andrew’s dad here and deeply grateful to you for all you have done to enrich his life and contribute to his dream. I don’t know if he told you about how he came down to the wire on the UT admission, but you should ask if he did not – a test of faith and belief.
All the best to you. I look forward to meeting you.
Sam
Steve,
Andrew’s dad here and deeply grateful to you for all you have done to enrich his life and contribute to his dream. I don’t know if he told you about how he came down to the wire on the UT admission, but you should ask if he did not – a test of faith and belief.
All the best to you. I look forward to meeting you.
Sam
Wow that is very awesome congratulations to you both and best of luck!
Wow that is very awesome congratulations to you both and best of luck!
How cool is that.
How cool is that.
Congratulations to Andrew! Thank you Steve for sharing this and helping make Andrew ‘Greater Than Yourself’! I love the concept. Let me know if you need anything.
All the best!
Korey
Congratulations to Andrew! Thank you Steve for sharing this and helping make Andrew ‘Greater Than Yourself’! I love the concept. Let me know if you need anything.
All the best!
Korey