OurSpeeches: Share with the World

Ty Pennington

Written in: Grade 8 | Year: 2010

“It’s about the joy of doing things for others.” The person who said this has been called many things. The “Jack of all Trades”, the “Man in the Mirror”, the “Go-Giver”, or just that “Extreme Demo Guy”. But he is so much more. To me, he has a name that defines his true heart and determination.

Good morning/afternoon students, teachers and other guests. Ty Pennington’s road to fame has taken a few different turns, but his destination has always been the same. To put a smile on a strangers face, and give them hope.

Ty always wanted to make a difference in the world, one way or another. To get to this goal, he had a plan. Step one. Get noticed. He wanted to make his change as big as possible, so he developed a career as model for high profile companies like Diet Coke™. He also incorporated things he loved, like carpentry and graphic design. Before he knew it, Ty was showing up in movies and guest starring in TV shows. When Pennington found his way onto the hit home improvement show “Trading Spaces” it was his big break. Everyone loved his talented wood working and design ideas. Even though the show ran for only four years, Ty wasn’t finished. It was time for step two, find the opportunity. The series “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” exploded, and Ty was given the chance to lead the team of designers on the show. The mega hit was originally only a 13-part special about rebuilding homes for deserving families across America. Since it was so popular, everyone agreed to continue filming, and Ty’s plan was a success. The final step was to live it out, and continue to give. That part was just beginning.

Besides the show, Ty tries to give everywhere he can. Despite being rich and famous, he lives a simple life involving himself in many charities. He donates to funds such as the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, and has participated in AccessSurfHawaii, assisting disabled kids in learning to surf and play other water sports. He has rebuilt homes and a clinic in New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, and travelled to the United Kingdom to restore a neighbourhood playground and community centre. He has committed his life to others, and just won’t stop.
Ty was nicknamed “The Go-Giver” because nothing has stopped him from giving. While filming “Extreme Makeover” he has experienced severe heatstroke, food poisoning, and even an emergency surgery! But he has made sure his projects continue, and is back on his feet by the end of the week. He loves his job so much, and would do anything to keep it.

For 260 days a year, and usually 7 days a week, Ty is on top of his game. He works so hard, and would never give it up. This isn’t because of the money, but the people. Ty once said, “I have the best job in the world, and meet the most amazing people on the planet. I’m one lucky guy!” On “Extreme Makeover” they don’t just help families, they help heroes. People who have overcome incredible circumstances, but choose to think of others. Or People who have mental disabilities, and have to live in a rundown home because they can’t pay the bills. Or families who have 18 adopted children and live in 3 rooms because they give all their money to charity instead of buying a new house. Ty doesn’t just reach out to people in need, he transforms the lives of people who deserve it. By doing this, the viewers realize that there are people like them everywhere, we just have to notice them.

Ty has been called a lot of things for his talent and unending energy. But to me, he is one very important thing. Whenever I hear him scream, “MOVE THAT BUS!!” and see the faces of the people he’s changed, I remember, he’s something special. He is truly a hero.