BACKGROUND:   The First Thirty (by Jillip Naysinthe Paxson) is based on true story of Greg Forbes Siegman. The book traces the first thirty years of Greg's life and the first things he learned from his successes and failures along the way.  Much of the book focuses on his experience in school, the long and winding road to 'crossing the stage' at a Community College - and what an incredible experience it was to finally do it.  The background -- after two high schools, two universities (and ten years instead of the traditional eight), Greg finally graduated college -- but he did not attend the ceremony.  His enraged Grandma insisted that the experience is only complete when you 'cross that stage'.  Six years later, at the age of 29, Greg got an unexpected second chance -- when he was invited to deliver the Commencement at a Community College. He was also given an honorary degree at the ceremony. As noted in the book, the experience changed his life.  As a result of what he had gone through, and in particular, as a result of how he had spent those six years since his own graduation, he had a whole new perspective on what it meant to cross the stage -- and a whole new appreciation for those who were crossing the stage with him (the real students getting degrees at that community college that day).   Greg now spends much of his time speaking at schools - including Community and City Colleges, and the book is now used at a wide variety of schools - including Community and City Colleges.

GREG'S WEBSITE:  www.GregForbes.com

THE BOOK WEBSITE:  www.TheFirstThirty.com

THE ART WEBSITE: www.MySleeplessNights.com

BIO:  Greg's Bio

ONE PAGE SYNOPSIS OF THE BOOK (THE FIRST THIRTY):  About the Story

SAMPLE OF MEDIA & HONORS:
== Washington Post Co did a feature story on Greg's first speech at a Community College.
== Also featured in Good Morning America, Education Week, College News, College Bound, Baltimore Sun, National Public Radio, CBS among others
==  Honorary Degree from Prairie State College
== Other honors received include: Jefferson Award for Public Service, America's Daily Point of Light, Hasbro Real-Life American Hero, CBS Tylenol Hometown Hero, Education Center Director's Award, honored at Princeton University as one of nation's top social entrepreneurs under 40.

SAMPLE OF SPEECHES & USES OF THE BOOKS:
== Greg was a guest speaker at Asnuntuck Community College
== Asnuntuck Community College also incorporated the book (The First Thirty) into its First Year Experience Program
== Greg spoke at Valley Business Conference, whose sponsors included the State Center Community College District
== Confederation College (community college in Canada) ordered 100 copies of the books and named Greg as its Scholar-in-Residence
== Greg was a guest speaker at Fresno City College
== Commencement Speech at Prairie State College
== Rockville Bank ordered 50 copies of The First Thirty for the 'Top 50 Citizens' in the graduating class of a local middle school in Connecticut
== MyTownHall.info teamed up with Suffield High School to get copies of The First Thirty for every student in the graduating class to read during the summer before they start college
== University of Wisconsin-Whitewater incorporated The First Thirty into a course on Race & Culture
== In New York, HESC ordered copies of The First Thirty for all the educators and site leaders attending its Annual Statewide Conference
== Daniels College of Business incorporated The First Thirty into their social entrepreneurship course
== Greg spoke to fraternity and sorority members at University of Texas - Austin
== Greg keynoted the 66th Annual Volunteer Banquet for University of Chicago Hospitals; organizers order 200 copies of the book to give out to its volunteers and some
of its staff in conjunction with the event
== North Community Bank ordered copies of The First Thirty to give to students in Loiusiana impacted by Hurricane Katrina
== In New York, the Giants (NFL) sponsored an essay contest for local students based on The First Thirty
== In Minnesota, the Vikings (NFL) purchased copies of The First Thirty for local middle school students and sponsored an essay contest based on the book for them

SAMPLE OF FEEDBACK FROM COMMUNITY & CITY COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES & STUDENTS:

"The First Thirty is a great story of redemption and determination...a virtual case study for First Year Experience programs...a blueprint for new college students." -  Amy Pszczolkowski, Office of the President and First Year Experience professor, Asnuntuck Community College

"[After Greg's visit as Scholar-in-Residence], I read The First Thirty. I was truly inspired by it and it made me think about the privilege I have everyday to change someone’s life. I challenged myself to see if there is not something more that I could or should be doing. Greg is an amazing, gifted and driven person and I truly do admire him. He is truly a gift to society " - Pat Lang, President, Confederation College (Community College in Canada)

"Greg has been given an incredible insight into what it really means to be “successful” in life. Greg's philosophies - “MAKE what you have be what you need” - and “Maybe what you have, IS what you need" are incredibly powerful statements that can change a person's whole perspective on life. Real happiness is not about having all the right 'stuff'. It is really about discovering what you were born to do and then doing it with a passion." - Murray, teacher, Confederation College

"It was the first standing ovation the Commencement Speaker has ever received during my time at Prairie State College." - Dr. Paul J. McCarthy, President, Prairie State College

"...Of all the speakers we have had who have tried to address racism and diversity issues, Greg has had the most impact on me personally...I also personally enjoyed listening to his story -- I wouldn't call it a speech because he is a born storyteller...So not only was I learning from what he was saying, but I was also learning from how he was saying it. And he did say it well. He had my undivided attention the entire time. God has gifted him with insight, compassion, humility, a teachable spirit, and he just oozes charisma..." - Kaija, staff member, Confederation College

"I'm one of the First Year students at Asnuntuck Community College...I read the book The First Thirty in class and it really changed my outlook of how just saying hello to someone can change everything, and that person could end up being the best friend you'll ever have...I thank Greg so much for taking the time to visit us at the school, I am honored to have met him and thankful that he was able to sign my book." -  Kylee, Student, Asnuntuck Community College

No name given, Asnuntuck Community College: "The beginning was really kind of funny.  On the one hand, you hear the introduction, and this man has accomplished so many things at such a young age, and you expect some, like, really profound thing, but then Greg walks up on stage...and the first thing he does is take off his shoes and sit down.  He did the entire speech sitting down with no shoes on -- and, may I add, two completely different colored socks! -- and you know what, it was profound after all anyway."

"Greg Forbes Siegman is a dynamic speaker who knows how to connect with his audience.  Whether addressing a group of business professionals, or a group of students, he knows how to relate to and strike a chord with them.  Part of the key to Greg's speaking success is his ability to involve the audience, and part is his ability to make them realize how important, and how easy it is for them to each be more and do more to help others." -- Marilyn Meyer-Behringer,  Associate Dean of Instruction, Business Division, Fresno City College