Charles Diesing understood Nick “Sunshine” Tokman’s message to follow your dream. Tokman, star of the Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch,” spoke and met with Bulkeley Middle School and Rhinebeck High School students on April 13.
“His talk was really about pursuing what you want to do, not what other people want you to do, and follow yourself, not what other people want for you or what the world seems to think is best for you,” said Diesing, an eighth grader.
“He was down to earth and it was a great story about him following his dream.”
Tokman, who grew up in Massachusetts, appeared on the ‘Deadliest Catch’ for four seasons, 2012-2016 after being introduced to the show by his grandfather and deciding to pursue this dangerous career after seeing the show.
“Deadliest Catch” is a reality documentary series, following fishermen through extremely dangerous and hazardous conditions of Alaskan king and snow crab fishing in the Bering Sea. The show, which just completed its 22nd season, won Emmy Awards in three of Tokman’s four seasons.
“My main message to the students was to encourage them to tune out from the outside voices and back on themselves so they can chart their own path in life,” said Tokman. “The other themes are to encourage them to go after what they want, push past all the fears, doubts and what others might think to pursue what they want out of life.”
Rhinebeck was the first of two stops in the Hudson Valley for Tokman, who spoke the next day at Dutchess BOCES for a second consecutive year.
“I thought his presentation was captivating and inspirational,” said John Kemnitzer, BMS principal. “He told his story, about overcoming obstacles and going after his dream of becoming a fisherman in Alaska, ending up on the Northwestern on Discovery Channel’s ‘Deadliest Catch.’ He interacted well with the audience and kept coming back to how his journey applied to them and theirs.
“His final message was ‘become your own captain,’ but his entire presentation was about building self-worth, staying true to yourself while ignoring distractions, and going after what you want despite obstacles.”
Tokman visited with high school students in the cafeteria during community lunch.
“Many students spoke with me after the presentation to say how impactful it was to them,” said RHS Principal Edwin Davenport, adding, “He stressed the importance of being yourself and making your own choices.”
Tokman met with eighth graders during lunch in the BMS cafeteria, signing autographs for many students.
“That was fun. It was a good time,” said Diesing.