A Moment in Time

Admiral William H. McRaven | Walk in Their Skin Speech Study

History provides the evidence. Empathy guides the questions.

What if a speech delivered to thousands of college graduates could encourage students to look more closely at their own lives?

In May 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven addressed the graduating class at the University of Texas at Austin. Drawing from lessons learned during Navy SEAL training, he spoke about discipline, perseverance, teamwork, hope, and the power of ordinary actions.

But what can students discover when they look beyond those lessons and consider the man who shared them?

A Moment in Time takes a different approach to historical speech study. Instead of beginning with research and vocabulary exercises, students first listen to Admiral McRaven's speech, consider the experiences behind his words, and then turn those questions inward.

The Five Things We Carry

Students explore five meaningful ideas:

• Everyday Heroes: Who has made a difference in my life?
• Moral Courage: How do my choices reveal my character?
• Compassion: What does it mean to help without expecting something in return?
• Hope: How can one person's hope encourage another?
• The Size of a Heart: Do I look beyond appearances to understand others?

Each theme includes thought-provoking questions and open writing space for personal reflection.

A Personal Time Capsule

One of the most distinctive activities invites students to create a time capsule containing at least five meaningful items representing their values, experiences, and hopes.

Students will also:

• Write a letter to their younger selves.
• Write a letter to their future selves.
• Invite an everyday hero to contribute an optional message to be sealed and read years later.
• Choose a future date to open their time capsule.

The time capsule and personal reflections are ungraded. Students are encouraged to think independently and share only what they feel comfortable sharing.

The Person in My Mirror — Final Speech Assignment

Students write a 4–6 paragraph personal introduction, beginning with a short poem or riddle, and explore their past, present, and future.

They then prepare and record a 3–5 minute speech, using audio or video.

An authentic student introduction is included as an example.

Optional Graded Writing Extension

For parents and teachers seeking a traditional academic assignment, the unit also includes an optional analytical essay exploring Admiral McRaven's speech, its audience, and its broader message.

An authentic student essay is included for reference.

What's Included

33-page printable PDF featuring:

• Parent/teacher introduction
• Original speech recording link and QR code
• Introduction to Admiral McRaven
• Five independent self-reflection activities
• History and instructions for creating a time capsule
• Two personal letter-writing activities
• Optional sealed message from an everyday hero
• Personal introduction writing and recorded-speech assignment
• Optional analytical writing extension
• Two authentic student writing examples
• Historical references and teacher guidance

Recommended for: High school students, grades 9–12, homeschool families, English language arts, character education, and personal reflection.

No additional textbook is required.

Part of the Walk in Their Skin Collection

Walk in Their Skin encourages students to look beyond famous words and historical events to understand the people, experiences, and circumstances behind them.

A Moment in Time adds another dimension: discovering what another person's experiences might reveal about ourselves.

We begin with Admiral McRaven's words. We end with students discovering their own voices.

Created by Hancock Learning Studio.