Logan Taylor

Having it easy" is never a phrase you would use to describe

Logan Taylor's childhood. Raised by his grandmother in

low-income housing and with an absentee father and barely-there

mother, Taylor struggled as a child and young adult. Add to

these issues, sexual abuse, drug addiction, a horrible car wreck,

multiple suicide attempts and crippling anxiety and it's hard to

imagine how he ever made it.

And yet, he not only persevered but has also used the memory

and pain of these experiences to help other at-risk kids and

poverty-stricken families day, Taylor is an author of educational

journals for students, entrepreneur and popular speaker who has

made it his life's work to help students and teachers maximize

their potential. " Never accept the life given to you ... If you

want to change it, you can actually change it;' he says. Taylor

has spoken to thousands upon thousands of people worldwide

inspiring them to be great and find their purpose in life.

Through the magic of YouTube, he's motivated even more

students and adults, with more than 8 million views of his

videos. Taylor is also the founder of Y.B.Normal?, a non-profit

organization that helps struggling youth in schools and

implements curriculum and j ournal writing that focuses

on social -emotional development. In addition, he leads

community outreach events. One that he is particularly proud

of is called Cut the Hate and Share the Love.

This annual outreach initiative provides haircuts, clothing and

shoes, and hot meals for the homeless community and people

less fortunate. Leaving an environment better than the way he

found it is Taylor's goal. He is certified in Social Emotional

Learning from the University of Colorado and is currently

working to obtain a master's degree as a therapist, as well as

completing his ACEs certification . Dr. Martin Luther King said,

"Everybody can be great ... because anybody can serve and I

am honored to be able to do my part. Logan Taylor has proven

this to be true. He lives his life by the mantra of Y.B.Normal?,

when you can be extraordinary.