I did 96 talks in a year and people are loving what I have to say and I am loving all the feedback I get from everyone. I do not believe anyone can motivate as that has to come from within but I do seem to inspire. The feedback I have received has truly made me the Million Dollar Winner of my season and a few testimonials are on this website to attest to that.

My message applies to anyone from 2 to 102 as it is all about my motto of Dream it, Believe it, Prepare for it and DO IT. Have persistence and never give up. Work towards that dream as long as it is reasonable and if you do the preparation it takes.  If one approach is not getting you where you want to be then try another but keep trying. If a 61 year old woman can achieve her dream after 8 years when thousands and thousands of people try to get on Survivor then anything is possible. I have been one of 301 contestants and one of 7 over 60. My dream however was not just to prove that I could get on the game despite all odds but to have a platform to turn that game into something long lasting and my story is powerful and far reaching. The message is also that sometimes things do not turn out the way one hopes but it is how you deal with it that determines the path of the rest of your life.  My talks are generally 45 minutes which includes 10 mins of photos from my game and then time for questions and there are always many asked. My audiences are always totally interested and focused on my message and stories of Survivor. I have talked to groups of 10 to 5000 in a school PSA and Quad party. The average is 300. I have photos and write ups from some of the engagements on my Facebook page.

Contact me for bookings and I will send out some brochures. I know you have a school,a group or a fundraiser  that is waiting to hear my message that is inspirational, entertaining and free.

Gillian Larson brought an inspiring and positive tone to our annual National Honor Society induction ceremony.  Her experiences as a contender on the CBS program Survivor Gabon were interwoven with her challenging mantra to attain the most challenging of life’s goals – “Dream it, Believe in it, Prepare for it and Do it!”  Gillian’s presentation reached the faculty, students, parents and extended families at our program. With a wonderful sense of humor and a positive approach, she captivated and encouraged each one of us to reach for the best in our own lives. This was a wonderful way to make a special night extraordinary.

Eleventh graders in my English classes at Vista Murrieta High School were thrilled to have Gillian Larson “pop in” to visit. She was invited by our administration to participate at a rally to celebrate the success of our student effort during the CST testing that semester and had provided a wonderful campus television spot to challenge the student body to give its best during the weeks of the testing.  After my students completed a journal response to her motto for reaching goals, Gillian was introduced and interacted with the class in an open dialogue about her adventure and about the students’ life goals. The day included a class photo with our “star” visitor and an inspiring question and discussion session.  Gillian brought a fresh and positive approach to a diverse classroom population.  Her pictures and motto remain posted on the classroom assignment boards.

Arch Aitcheson. English Teacher  Vista Murrieta High School, Murrieta, CA

Gillian Larson entertains, encourages, and brings hope.  My sixth grade students were excited when they heard a member of the hit show Survivor was going to speak at their school.  As I watched my students as Gillian spoke, I saw them sitting still, engaged, and eager to ask questions when the time arose.  This is unusual for my sixth grade class as they aren’t easily engaged, let alone sitting still.  Gillian speaks in a way that helps you visualize what it’s like to be on a reality show.  She goes into detail about her experiences trying to get on the show as well as when she was on the show.  She brings along her Survivor torch and the shirt she wore on the show which really brought the show to life.  The students were in awe.  More importantly though, Gillian talks to the kids about hope, perseverance and living their dream.  GO FOR IT!  I wanted Gillian to know how much we appreciated her taking time out of her day to talk to our school, so I asked my students to write a thank you letter to Gillian.  I told my students I would not be reading their letters because what they had to say was for Gillian and not for me.  I asked the students to write about what they liked most about the assembly and what dream they wanted to pursue.  A week later our class received a letter from Gillian.  Gillian Larson wrote a personal letter to my sixth grade class thanking them for their letters.  She also included survivor photos personalized to each student.  The kids were so excited.  Thank you Gillian for showing my students that if you have a dream you can achieve that dream by working hard and never giving up!
Susan Meath.  Sixth Grade Teacher    Peyton Elementary School
Stockton, California

Gillian came to Helix High School to talk to my students about following their dreams.  My students are considered at risk of not graduating.  They have had very little success in school, but have all showed the desire to succeed.  I invited Gillian to talk about Survivor and the lengths she went to get on the show.  She spoke about much more.  Gillian’s talk reinforced what I was trying to teach them in terms of setting goals and achieving them.  For months after her visit, they were still quoting her saying “Dream it” and “Don’t give up”.   Not all were big Survivor fans; however they all became Gillian Larson fans after she spoke.  I still see many of them in the halls and they ask if she is coming back.

Rick Fortin, Helix High School, San Diego

Gillian Larson is an inspiration to people of all ages.  Her positive and energetic attitude is contagious.  She helps others believe that they can do anything they set their minds to, reminding them that they each have a “fire” that burns within that no one else can extinguish.  Her message will give any group of adults or children a feeling of empowerment which will in turn enhance their lives.  Our school felt privileged to have her as our guest speaker. Andrea Borrell  PALS Preschool, Temecula. Ca

“Gillian has a message that motivates us all to dare to dream, and do something about it!  Our group left the event energized and excited to pursue their interests, even though the average age is about 70 years young”!       Katie Clemens,  Publicity for Fallbrook Woman’s Connection

You and I have been connected since February of 2003 and during that time your dream of 8 years came to fruition. Your REFUSE TO FAIL demeanor has fueled me to aspire an aim to eradicate the notion of a homeless Veteran by 2035! I am humble and honored that you agreed to be part of our November 1, 2008 grand opening in Fallbrook CA in honor of Veterans Day to share your REFUSE TO FAIL journey with us. The fuel you have given me was nicely distributed to those you spoke on that day and many have enjoyed meeting you in person. Since that day of our grand opening, we have just yesterday signed on a total of 71 American Veterans as Learners with the aim to eradicate the notion of a homeless Veteran. You were and continue to be an inspiration to us all and thank you so very much for setting the bar so high! God Bless and always know, you are part of our life and dreams. Semper Fi,  Albert R. Renteria CEO and President,

A Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business www.ARRenteria.com

Your talk was very inspiring!  It provided the clients at Wellness WORKs!  an understanding that a positive attitude and perseverance are critical in achieving success.  And, that if we want something badly enough, we have the inner resources within us to achieve it!  Thank you for the wonderful example you set to all of us!

Diane Feneck, Coordinator,  Wellness WORKs!

California State University, Stanislaus

I want to “Thank You” once again for your truly inspirational story.Your message of, Dreaming, Believing, Preparing and getting it Done is so relevant for both children and adults alike. I would strongly Encourage anyone with a team or who teaches others, to have you Share your message of persistence, hope and the value of the journey. Thanks again for your wonderful story and the vision you had.

CORY STEPANEK. CLTC Genworth Insurance Agency, Inc.”

I want to directly thank you for the inspirational assembly you provided for our students at McKinley Elementary School .  Our students demonstrated active participation and interest in the motivational words and the interesting pictures of your “Survivor” journey.  I know that you touched more than a few students to dream big and never give up.  On behalf of McKinley staff and students, Thank you!!

Sonia Ambriz, Principal  McKinley Elementary School, Stockton. Ca  95206

I thought the assembly was fantastic. Gillian did a wonderful job of keeping her audience spellbound. Usually, assemblies don’t cover so much geography combined with the strong message about the importance of having drive and motivation. Of all my years in the business, this was the best assembly The assemblies were for grades 3-8 and each grade level felt that you did a great job adapting to the age group. This is the response from one of my teachers.  I heard this echoed from many others as well! “

Dale Borgeson,  Principal,  McParland Elementary School.  Stockton Ca.

and you know what, ? for the most part we all know we are just ordinary and behave like just ordinary people who had a really great experience that continues. 211 of “us” gathered in Hollywood last weekend for the 10^th Reunion of all Survivors and the whole weekend was one fun time. Meeting so many of the players I had not met before and being able to share our stories and experiences was awesome. It was so good to hear what people are doing with that experience and so many are doing a lot of good. I absolutely loved so many of “them” There was much shrieking with recognition in the hotel lobby as people came in and I am still fascinated that “they” who I have watched for years know me. !!!!

Our good friend Murtz Jaffer (Reality Obsessed) was in from Canada and he arranged a gathering at The Saddle Ranch where the shrieking, hugging, photos and endless chatter without a breath continued. He had also arranged for us to go to another club M-6 (I think) where we had the secret password to get in!!!! “Murtz” How Hollywood is that. We were quite clearly the oldest in the room and tried to look like we belonged, had a drink and yelled in each others ears. At the last party I also thought I was definitely the oldest in the room until I saw another gray haired lady and was relieved until I realized it was me in a mirrored wall. J. Age has never mattered to me as we will always know how to have fun. What I did also learn looking back on photos was to stand up straight and not look like an ad for Osteoporosis. !!!! After M-6 we walked along Sunset to another club, My House, for a party organized by Earl. Here the password to get in past the milling ‘young” crowd was Survivor which how ever didn’t hold any weight with the enormous bouncers who declared they were filled to capacity. We stood outside with a whole lot of party hopefuls for an hour and watched people from “The Hills” get in despite capacity. Once again I could have passed for an AARP Cover girl but what fun watching the action outside. One cute young guy kept hanging onto me giving me compliments and chatting despite my husband behind me which I pointed out. I think he thought I had to be “someone” and would be able to slip in with this “someone” After all it is “Cougar Town” We gave up just before 2 and walked back. The next day continued with a lot of “gathering of the tribes” as dozens hung out at the pool where Dale took many many great photos. He is just great and tireless shooting for us to have photos we would not necessarily get otherwise. He does amazing photography and anyone in So Cal should check him out and book him. www.killerimage.com

That night was the CBS party and an after party organized by Johnny Fairplay at Villa something or other. We did not make that one as we were the last to leave CBS and the party was almost closing down so a bunch of us continued talking in the lobby till 4am. No wonder I am hoarse….2 weekends of party party party and talk talk talk. What fun life can be and I have never been a bar fly…one could never tell by my yearly excursions to LA..

Photos on Facebook.com/gillianlarson

His middle name is for Cliff who was Bill’s best friend from childhood who died suddenly last summer. What a tribute to friendship giving your child his middle name. Kendra had to have a scheduled C Section due to 2 previous sections so in one way it was nice to plan around the date and not sit wondering day after day.

I went to stay with Emma and Jack and we had a really fun and busy week preparing. The kids were really good being left at home for the first time. The hospital had “No Visiting” due to H1N1 concerns so they had to rely on the magic of the Internet to meet their little brother. Mom and Dad waited to tell anyone as they wanted their kids to know first. Emma came running into the house after school and we connected to Skype.

They listened with eagerness and when they heard they had a baby brother Emma just smiled and looked in awe at the screen and the first sight of her baby. Jack raised an arm in the air with a resounding “yesssss” and decided he should be called Buster. ??? They chatted on Skype for a while then did a jump on the bed victory dance. I think Emma had been a little worried because of course she had been told of several maternity mishaps by some kids that week.

Good grief… childhood sure has changed since I was one. So she felt now relieved. They then Skyped their cousins vacationing in Maine on the ski slopes and shared the news. Aunty Cakes (Andrea) and an entire neighbourhood of mothers with children totaling at least 100, or so it felt, were all waiting up the road for the news which Emma and Jack tore off to share.

Much excitement and shouting met the news of “we have a baby brother” Life is soooo good when you see your adult children so happy in their lives with family and friends. Kendra, Bill and Adam Anson came home on Thursday and the kids had hung a Welcome Home sign, streamers and flowers. Had made shirts they drew themselves declaring they are the big brother and for Emma the big sister again.

Needless the arrival was very exciting and the kids could hardly wait for the car to pull in and many aaawwws he’s so tiny were heard. Adam needed a Bili Light for an elevated bili count so he was then wrapped in it and looked just like a glow worm.

Adam is a very sweet, placid baby and I am having another amazing experience with the little bundle all curled up on my chest. My favorite smell…a newborn baby’s head.

Photos on http://facebook.com/gillianlarson

You get the most incredibly fun party where everyone was able to meet so many of the contestants we have all watched for the past 10 years. I still have trouble really believing that I am part of that great Survivor Family and family it is. This was so obvious all night. Game play aside everyone was their normal (as much as that can be for some) selves and I have to say I just loved almost all of them more in person than I even did from their game. I still find it so funny when I meet up with my favorite players and say “Hi I am Gillian” and they say “of course, I know who you are”
CBS outdid themselves.

We were taken by shuttle to CBS studios and greeted by friendly CBS people, a buff to wear somewhere at all times and a lanyard with our names and season. Most people I knew right off but a few I had to peek down at their lanyard. We walked under the new season log into an Island wonderland of palapas, palm trees, food stations with delicious food and friendly servers, more servers walking around with platters piled high with the wonderful food that was not on a station and a huge bar palapa in the middle.

The stage area had a huge logo from each season and the band was great but too loud. You can dance to any level music but you can’t talk… I know it’s not my age but the music was so loud it made talking impossible and we all turned into moving mouths and unless we yelled into an ear the comments were lost to the notes. It ended up almost everyone went to the side room where it turned into wall to wall people who could talk to their hearts content as they too couldn’t talk.

I found a lot of the people I wanted to; people found me and introduced themselves and their role in my game which I loved. I loved every minute of it and continue to feel so privileged to have been a part of this amazing game. My husband, myself and 15 others were on the last shuttle home and we had to almost be thrown out.

I can’t believe how many people I could not find in the melee of bodies and seeing other people’s photos I know I missed so many I would have liked to have met. Will have to wait till the 20th reunion.

Photos on http://facebook.com/gillianlarson

Many love to touch my buff and my game shirt and hear my suggestions. It is always “be yourself, they are looking for you” If you are big be big, loud, be loud, annoying be annoying, sweet, be sweet, sexy be sexy whatever it is be it. Just strut your stuff if you’ve got it.

I love watching the “Tribal Alliances” forming on the sidewalks, the loud and irritating ones annoying the others, the pushy and quiet ones, the full-o-fun ones, the full-o-shit ones and all the full-o-hope ones writing and rewriting their applications, practicing their 2 minutes pleas to the camera. There are also the “overnighters” who set up for sometimes days.

Survivor Steve is always first in line and is there for 2 nights and 3 days. He is famous just for that. There are tents, and reclining beach chairs and sleeping bags. The Pauma one was a long cold night but spirits couldn’t have been brighter when I got there at 6am. I did not spend the night this time as I had just got home from my 26 bookings in six days speaking trip.

There are always a few moments that really stand out and this time it was the two ladies who went to the casino to drink and did not get back when they had been told to and gave the producers a hard time. Not smart…. but they did get their moments in the lens.

Then the 70 year old lady who did not look a day over 60 who asked if I thought it would be too much for her. Not if she is fit, healthy and driven. Go for it. Good luck to you all. Everyone was even more excited when two casting people came to chat too. Wow, what a chance to get in front of Survivor Casting to boot.

Good luck to you all. We will see you one of these days and you will be on the other side of the line like I am now. Photos posted on my Facebook page if anyone wants to see what an open call looks like.

Yes, Russell gave them plenty of material to work with but the others or most of the others played the game into Survivor history but editing worked them out and him in. Yes he played a great game in many ways but a lousy on in other ways.

No one plays the game alone or wins alone and he lost the game all by himself. He forgot the social side and you can’t piss of the jury or actually the world. Natalie outlasted him, amen.  He spent most of the finale weekend looking highly pissed, was very approachable, very polite and willing to pose and talk but he was not the social butterfly in the crowd.

Everyone else, well almost everyone (I wont name names, was having a really good time or so it seemed. The cast was a lot of fun to be around and almost all were an absolute delight. Most of them were happy with their entire experience and appreciative of the opportunity. Some not so, I won’t mention names.

Ron and I spent the weekend at all the gatherings enjoying talking to all of “Samoa” and many previous players. We probably got about 5 hrs sleep all weekend. Not bad for people who don’t hit the scene with regularity. It is such fun being on the inside of this Reality World and getting the scoop on the game I watched with such fervor all these years.

I still cant believe “I am one of them” and I will always be grateful for the opportunity and feel privileged to have played especially seeing that so many are recruited or referred. I preferred my journey to Survivor and I am enjoying my journey post Survivor.

I think the cast for S20 will be announced this weekend as the show airs on Feb 11. I have renamed it “Assholes and Angels” and I cant wait for the Coloseum to open it’s gates and let the lions out. They are going to eat each other alive. Let the games begin!

Photos are posted on my Facebook page. Check them out.

Dream it,

Believe it,

Prepare for it,

Do it. !!!!

Steve Fisher from Horace Mann Insurance works with schools in the Stockton area, offering them exciting benefits and programs and I was lucky enough to become one of those programs. The schools snapped me up and I was immediately booked for 23 Assemblies with students and teachers and also 3 adult groups. It was awesome. The kids loved it, the adults loved it and I absolutely loved watching them all give me their undivided attention and knowing that at least a few would leave with a new resolve to keep the fire in their hearts burning and go for their dream.  What a privilege to be able to share my dream and inspire them to go for their dreams. I talk about having a dream and a goal, about persistence, preparation and hard work and mostly belief in yourself. I tie this all into my Survivor experience, show a few photos and some memorabilia from my game which they love to see. My story tells of what it took to get on Survivor and how it all turned out. I was in awe at the excellent and insightful questions they asked and smiled as I signed binders, papers, hands and shoes  by the hundreds. I loved them sharing afterwards, telling me their dreams knowing I might have touched a few. I love getting in front of groups and sharing that Jeff and My Tribe might have snuffed out my flame in the game as it was out of my control but NO ONE will ever put out the flame in my heart and tell them “never ever let anyone put out their flame, it is in their control “.

I do these talks to schools, groups and organizations for no charge other than expenses if over 2 hrs away. It is my way of giving back for an amazing and out of the ordinary experience and for the privilege of being selected. I do charge for Corporate bookings.

Photos on my Facebook page.

I did not think I would have time for the fundraising as my Reality life was almost overtaking my real life.  I volunteered on the medical crew and had the most wonderful experience and was privileged to work with 100 fun and dedicated Medical professionals taking care of a multitude of blisters and other over use stress related injuries.

I also arranged a Reality Cheering Station. I knew from walking last year how much the Cheering Stations boost you when you think you cannot walk another step and a Reality Stars cheering Station would be an unbelievable sight, and it was. The walkers could hardly believe their eyes when they came across 26 Reality Stars there just for them.

Working Medical made me again realize how much I miss working as a Nurse and still fully intend to get back to it. The Med Crew consisted of Doctors, Nurses, PA’s Pt’s, Chiropractors, Sports Med people, Trainers and Medical records  folk to keep it all straight and I am sure I have forgotten one discipline at least. 4800 hundred people walked 60 miles in 3 days raising 96 Million for the Susan Koman fund. Amazing.

The community spirit and the overall camaraderie for those 3 days is mindboggling. There are altogether 500 volunteers who make it happen by raising tents, route safety patrols, baggage handling, food service, shower service, hydration stations, emptying port-a-potties ;( and endless jobs with a smile, a hug and enthusiasm there is no comparison to. They work from 4am to 10pm and their enthusiasm does not waver ever. Volunteers are always needed so if anyone is interested in a weekend of a lifetime let me know or anyone wants to donate to the fund let me know.

This is one of those opportunities that can enhance your lives forever.

A whole lot of fun, amazed and excited walkers and Reality Stars having a great time together for a great cause.  Thank you “Stars” you made the hardest second day walking a whole lot easier and you were all talked about for the rest of the weekend.

The walkers were in awe that “you” would all be there just for “them”. Thank you each and everyone of you for making it such a great event.    We did help them ‘Survive’ their  ‘Amazing Race’ to a cure.

The day was a huge success and a huge thanks to my family for helping me organize it and make it happen. A huge thanks to Dale Porter who offered us his home on the beach walk for the event, plus he took the great photos I am posting plus you can see more on www.killerimage.com.  Huge thanks to our DJ and MixMaster, Craig Visser for the great music which totally set the mood for all involved. Check him out on facebook.com/craigvisser.

And an enormous thanks to the 26 Stars you will see in the photos who came from San Diego and  LA, Jodi from Houston and Sonja from Walnut Creek. You guys are all awesome and I continue to be amazed at how you all give back with your time for so many great causes. You all deserve the title “Stars”. You are just that. For five hours you tirelessly worked the crowd, cheered them on, posed for endless photos and signed autographs becoming one of the highlights of the weekend walk.

Thank you thank you. Lets do it again, spread the word and lets double the Stars on the beach walk during the 2010 walk.

Photos posted on my Facebook page and Killerimage.com