Running with Roselle: Inspiring Resilience and Trust in the Next Generation

How do you explain the events of September 11, 2001, to a child without leaving them feeling overwhelmed by fear? It’s a question thousands of educators and parents face every year as they seek to build resilience in students who weren’t alive to witness the day. You likely want to teach your children about courage and teamwork, but finding the right entry point often feels like a delicate balancing act. My book, running with roselle, serves as that essential bridge; it transforms a harrowing descent down 78 flights of stairs into a masterclass on trust and interdependence.

In this article, you’ll discover how the story of my yellow Labrador guide dog provides a non-scary framework for discussing historical tragedy while redefining blindness as a simple characteristic rather than a limitation. We’ll explore practical ways to apply the “No Limits” philosophy to youth education and show how these lessons prepare the next generation for inclusive leadership. You’ll also see how my work with schools helps students look beyond physical sight to find their own inner strength. It’s time to teach our youth that when we work together, no challenge is too great. This journey is about more than survival; it’s about the quiet strength we find in one another.

What is Running with Roselle? The Story Behind the Bestseller

Most people know the story of how Roselle and I navigated 1,463 stairs to safety on September 11, 2001. While my first book, Thunder Dog, captured that harrowing descent, I realized that the lessons we learned shouldn’t be reserved for adults. This led to the creation of running with roselle, a book designed specifically for young readers. It serves as a dual narrative, weaving together my experiences growing up blind in the 1950s and 60s with Roselle’s rigorous training as a guide dog. You can find more details about our partnership and the impact we made in Salty and Roselle’s story on Wikipedia.

The core mission of this book is simple. I want children to understand that blindness is just a characteristic. It isn’t a limitation or a tragedy; it’s a different way of interacting with the world. By showing how Roselle and I prepared for our roles long before we ever met, we teach children that resilience is built through daily discipline and a positive perspective on disability.

Bridging the Gap for Young Readers

Jeanette Hanscome and I adapted this story to engage the natural curiosity of kids and teens. We used sensory-rich language to help sighted children “see” the world through my eyes. Instead of focusing on visual cues, the story highlights the smell of wet pavement, the vibration of a bus engine, and the texture of a guide dog’s harness. This immersive approach helps young readers build empathy and realize that there are many ways to perceive the truth. I often explore these sensory themes on my podcast, where we discuss the intersection of perception and reality.

Why This Matters for Future Leaders

Early exposure to diverse perspectives is vital for the next generation of executives. When kids learn the “Unstoppable Mindset” early, they don’t develop the self-limiting beliefs that often hinder adult teams. Teaching inclusion now ensures that tomorrow’s corporate cultures are built on a foundation of genuine understanding rather than fear. I frequently bring these insights to organizations as a keynote speaker to help teams dismantle their own perceived boundaries. By reading running with roselle, young people learn that trust is a choice we make every day.

If you’re looking for a keynote speaker who can help your team navigate uncertainty, build trust, and lead through change, Michael Hingson brings a perspective that few others can offer.

Core Lessons in Trust and Teamwork from Michael and Roselle

On September 11, 2001, the bond between a person and a guide dog was tested under the most extreme conditions imaginable. When the first plane struck Tower One, Roselle and I were on the 78th floor. Our descent down 1,463 steps wasn’t just a feat of physical endurance; it was a masterclass in the guide dog bond. This relationship represents the peak of interdependence. I provided the commands and the destination, while Roselle provided the navigation and the safety checks. We functioned as a single unit where the success of one was entirely dependent on the other.

Preparation is what prevents panic. We had practiced our fire drills. We knew the layout of the building. Because we were prepared, we could focus on the task at hand rather than the chaos surrounding us. Trust is a two-way street. Roselle trusted me to lead her through the smoke and noise, and I trusted her to keep us on the path. This mutual reliance is a foundational element of the lessons found within running with roselle. When teams embrace this level of trust, fear loses its power to paralyze.

Seeing Beyond the Surface: A DEI Tool

The story of running with roselle helps educators and managers introduce diversity and inclusion in the workplace by shifting the focus from limitations to capabilities. We must reject the “handicap” label. It’s a limiting term that suggests a lack of wholeness. Instead, we focus on adaptive technology and strategic partnership. Blindness is simply a characteristic. By using an Unstoppable Mindset, we see that inclusion isn’t about charity; it’s about leveraging different perspectives to achieve a common goal.

Practical Applications for the Classroom or Home

Parents and teachers can use these experiences to foster resilience in children. Try these activities:

• The “No Limits” Bike Ride: Discuss how I learned to ride a bike as a child by listening to the echoes of my tires, teaching kids that obstacles are just puzzles to solve.
• Trust Walks: Use guided exercises to help children understand how it feels to rely on a partner.
• Discussion Prompt: Ask, “How did Roselle’s calm behavior help Michael stay focused during the descent?”

If you’re looking for a resilience speaker who can help your team navigate uncertainty and build high-stakes trust, Michael Hingson offers a perspective that transforms how organizations view challenges.

Bringing the “No Limits” Message to Your Organization

The lessons captured in running with roselle extend far beyond the pages of a book. They serve as a foundational blueprint for anyone facing the “smoke and fire” of modern life. Michael Hingson has transitioned his experiences into a powerful career as a keynote speaker, helping organizations move from a state of fear to a mindset of focused action. He doesn’t just recount the events of September 11, 2001; he uses them to illustrate how trust and preparation create a path through any crisis.

In the corporate world, these themes translate directly to leadership and crisis management. Michael teaches that leadership isn’t about control, but about fostering interdependence. A critical part of this growth is embracing corporate accessibility. When a workplace is designed for everyone to thrive, it removes the barriers that stifle innovation. For those who want to continue this journey of growth, the Unstoppable Mindset Podcast provides weekly stories of people who have turned their perceived limitations into their greatest strengths.

Youth and School Keynotes

Michael possesses a unique ability to connect with younger generations by sharing Roselle’s story of heroism and calm. For students, hearing from a 9/11 survivor provides a tangible link to history that replaces fear with hope. He teaches students that blindness is merely a characteristic, not a defining limitation, encouraging them to view their own challenges through a lens of possibility rather than defeat.

How to Book Michael Hingson

Bringing Michael to your next event is a straightforward process designed to align with your specific organizational goals. Whether you’re planning a corporate retreat, a DEI seminar, or a school assembly, his message is customized to resonate with your audience. You can contact Michael Hingson directly to discuss your event’s theme and schedule his appearance.

If you’re looking for a keynote speaker who can help your team navigate uncertainty, build trust, and lead through change, Michael Hingson brings a perspective that few others can offer. His story is a testament to the fact that when we work together and trust our partners, there are truly no limits to what we can achieve.

Cultivate a Vision That Transcends Uncertainty

True leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about building a foundation of trust so strong that your team moves forward even when the path ahead is obscured. By embracing the core lessons found in running with roselle, organizations can transform paralyzing fear into focused, collective action. Michael Hingson’s journey down 78 flights of stairs on September 11, 2001, serves as a masterclass in interdependence. It proves that trusting your partners is the ultimate strategy for survival and growth. Leaders who foster this mindset create teams that are not just productive, but truly unstoppable.

If you’re looking for a keynote speaker who can help your team navigate uncertainty, build trust, and lead through change, Michael Hingson brings a perspective that few others can offer. As a New York Times Bestselling Author, 9/11 survivor, and host of the Unstoppable Mindset Podcast, Michael delivers the tools necessary to redefine what’s possible for your organization. Trust the process, empower your people, and embrace the strength that comes from working together. Your team has the potential to overcome any obstacle when they learn to see beyond the immediate challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Running with Roselle appropriate for all ages?

Yes, Running with Roselle is written specifically for children aged 7 to 12. It simplifies the complex events of September 11, 2001, by focusing on the bond between a man and his guide dog rather than the tragedy itself. This approach makes running with roselle an excellent resource for teaching elementary and middle school students about interdependence and courage. The story provides a gentle way for young readers to learn about history while focusing on the positive power of partnership.

How does Running with Roselle differ from the book Thunder Dog?

Running with Roselle is the middle-grade adaptation of the New York Times bestseller Thunder Dog, which was first published in 2011. While Thunder Dog provides a detailed account for adults, this version uses age-appropriate language to highlight Roselle’s early life and training. It focuses on how an unstoppable mindset helped us descend 1,463 stairs to safety. The book emphasizes the preparation required to build trust, making it a perfect companion for classroom discussions on leadership.

Can Michael Hingson speak at my school or youth conference?

Michael Hingson regularly presents to schools, libraries, and youth organizations to share his message of resilience and inclusion. He has spoken to thousands of students, helping them understand that blindness is merely a characteristic and not a limitation. His presentations are designed to empower the next generation to face their fears with a sense of calm and logic. By sharing his journey, he teaches young audiences how to build a foundation of resilience that will serve them throughout their lives.

Where can I buy Running with Roselle for my classroom or library?

You can purchase Running with Roselle through major booksellers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and WestBow Press. For educators looking to stock their libraries or classrooms, bulk orders are often available through the publisher to support curriculum goals. The book is a valuable tool for any program focused on disability advocacy or emotional intelligence. If you’re looking for a keynote speaker who can help your students navigate uncertainty and build lasting trust, Michael Hingson brings a perspective that few others can offer.