How Adastra Speech Got Its Name

ad astra per aspera

To The Stars!

I usually post four videos a week on my Youtube channel, a long version and a short version of each Meetup group’s words and phrases we practiced. Since I’ve been on vacation last week and this week, I thought it would be good to add a video. I decided to keep it similar, I’m reading what’s on the screen and hoping to be an example of a good speaker. The topic is why I named by business “Adastra Speech” and the mission and values I aim for.

I forgot to mention in this video that “ad astra per aspera” is the state motto of Kansas. :-)

or click below:

The text I’m reading is on this webpage and also below:

About Adastra Speech

​Where does the name come from?
​
The Latin phrase, "ad astra per aspera" means "to the stars through difficulties."
It is inspirational to me personally and professionally. I have worked with so many wonderful people who have inspired me by their motivation and dedication to overcome challenges in their lives, especially learning and speaking English as a second language, to achieve their goals and reach success.

If you have the goal, the motivation, and the dedication to make change in your life, you will achieve great results. My goals for you are increased confidence and skill in spoken English that will help you reach that next level.

Did you know that in Latin, the phrase can also be written in a different order as "per aspera ad astra" and it keeps the same meaning, "through hardships to the stars"

Mission
The mission of Adastra Speech is to improve the quality of life through quality speaking skills. I help people reach higher levels of spoken English, bridging the gap between their current and their ideal levels of spoken English, and transforming lives one speech act at a time.

Goals:

• Empower clients to achieve higher levels of spoken English than they thought possible.

• Include the whole person emotionally and psychologically.

• Work with those who value communication and lifelong learning.

Values

• Equality: Every voice deserves to be heard.

• Learning: Lifelong learning is essential.

• Dedication: Continuous improvement is key.

• Control: Clients should have control over how their speech represents them.

• Optimism: Everyone can make progress.

• Individuality: Unique personal expression is important.

• Courage: Trying new speech changes takes courage.

• Respect: Respecting clients' goals and bravery.

• Trust: Trust is essential in the client-coach relationship.

• Confidentiality: Respecting comfort levels with sharing speech work.

Coming Soon:

Top 20 Most Requested Words to Pronounce in 2024

This takes me some time to compile, but I’m always curious to find out what they were. I have no doubt “world” will be on there but I think “squirrel” has slipped in the rankings!