A new direction starts with a choice
IDENTITY · HABITS · CHOICES
Every story deserves a next chapter.
The Retake™ · A keynote for young people
Change your direction.
A real story of second chances. An honest conversation about identity, habits, and choices—with actor, educator, and youth mentor William Xifaras.
Created for students. Built around the conversations that matter.
The story behind the message
William Xifaras
Actor. Educator. Youth mentor.
Grades 10–12
Primary audience · flexible
Approximately 1 hour
Adaptable to your school’s needs
Interactive keynote + video
With open Q&A, if permitted
01 / The program
The past is part of the story.
It doesn’t have to be the ending.
The Retake™ uses William’s experience rebuilding his life to help students understand three things: who they’re becoming, what they practice daily, and the choices they make.
01
Identity.
Who am I becoming?
Look beyond labels and past mistakes. Define who you want to become.
02
Habits.
What am I practicing?
Connect daily actions to long-term goals. Build habits and systems that move you forward.
03
Choices.
What happens next?
Pause, consider the consequences, and act with intention. Take ownership of decisions and the direction they can lead.
The student experience
A personal story.
A practical conversation.
William brings lived experience, film, and conversation together to help students examine how their daily decisions shape their lives.
The Retake™ / PROGRAM FORMAT
Real experience. Room to reflect. A next step.
01
Interactive keynote
A personal account of consequences, rebuilding, and choosing a different direction.
02
Short video clips & slides
Visual moments that support the message and give students another way to connect.
03
Open questions & answers
Space for student questions, when permitted by the school.
Approximately one hour. Timing and Q&A can be discussed around your school’s needs.
What students will explore
The presentation is designed around five learning objectives:
01 / Build supportive habits. Develop systems and routines that support long-term goals.
02 / Take ownership. Strengthen personal agency and responsibility for choices and actions.
03 / Think ahead. Practice future-focused planning and consider where today’s decisions can lead.
04 / Prioritize with intention. Connect how time and energy are spent with what matters most.
05 / Show character. Explore emotional maturity and professional conduct.
02 / Meet William
William Xifaras
A life rebuilt. A story worth sharing.
Film & television actor · Youth mentor · Film acting instructor
William’s message comes from experience: facing the consequences of his choices, rebuilding his life, and helping young people consider their own direction.
After serving five years in state prison for intimidation, William went on to build a career in film and television. Over 18 years as an actor, he has appeared alongside Denzel Washington, Chris Evans, Sandra Bullock, Liam Neeson, and Seth MacFarlane.
His work extends beyond the screen. He has taught and coached actors for eight years, worked in K–12 public schools, and served 3+ years as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Through The Retake™, William brings these experiences into a conversation about accountability, second chances, and the decisions that shape a life.
18 years
Film & television acting
8 years
Teaching & coaching actors
3+ years
As a Big Brother
03 / For school leaders
Start with your students.
Build from there.
Considering The Retake™ for your school? Share who you serve, what you hope students will take away, and the time you have available.
01
Tell us about your school.
Share your grade levels, audience size, preferred timing, and the conversations you want to support.
02
Discuss the right fit.
Talk through the program, student needs, presentation length, and whether to include open Q&A.
03
Work through the details.
Confirm availability, fees, scheduling, and presentation arrangements before making a booking.
Primarily designed for grades 10–12. Other grade levels and scheduling needs can be discussed during your inquiry.
A few practical details
Good questions.
Clear answers.
Planning a school presentation starts with knowing what to expect.
The primary audience is students in grades 10–12. The program is flexible; include your students’ grade levels when you inquire so suitability can be discussed.
The average length is approximately one hour. Timing can be discussed to fit your school’s schedule and needs.
An interactive keynote supported by short video clips and PowerPoint slides, with open Q&A if the school permits it.
William’s experience of serving five years in state prison and rebuilding his life is part of his story. The Retake™ connects that experience to identity, habits, choices, and accountability. Schools can discuss content and audience needs before booking.
The Retake™ is a school presentation about identity, habits, and choices. William’s acting and teaching background informs the experience, but the program’s focus is students’ personal decisions and future direction.
Share your school’s location, preferred dates, audience, and goals in an inquiry. Availability, fees, format, and arrangements can then be discussed before a booking is confirmed.
04 / Bring The Retake™ to your school
Let’s talk about
what comes next.
Tell us a little about your school and the students you want to reach. Start a conversation about whether The Retake™ is the right fit.
Prefer email? info@theretake.com
Identity. Habits. Choices.
School presentation inquiry
For school staff and adult organizers. Please do not include student names, records, or other sensitive student information. Your contact details are used to respond to this inquiry.