Nick Vujicic

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"Life without limbs? Or life without limits?" (Nick Vujicic). On December 4, 1982 in Melbourne, Australia, Nick Vujicic's parents unexpectedly gave birth to a baby boy with no arms or legs, a rare condition called tetra-amelia. After suffering major depression and almost committing suicide, Vujicic realized that his disabilities did not have to limit his life, so he became a motivational speaker and author. He now resides in the United States with his wife and two kids. Many may think that a person with the physical restrictions Vujicic has would lead an extremely restricted life, or at least constantly wish for a better one. However, he proves them wrong by working hard to do all the standard things normal people can do and living happily, and now teaches others to do the same. Nick Vujicic's determination to do normal tasks regardless of his lack of limbs and his humble nature despite his fame make him an inspiring hero.

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Vujicic's drive to overcome the difficulties that come with having no arms or legs prove him to be a hero.While growing up, Vujicic faced many challenges including being ridiculed by his classmates.: "In school, he was teased by his schoolmates and suffered depression, loneliness, and poor self-esteem" ("Nick Vujicic"). Vujicic's absence of arms and legs made him prone to bullying by other kids at school. However, instead of letting this get to him, he used the teasing to toughen himself up and help others to do the same through his speaking. Many consider Vujicic a hero because of his motivational talks to help them realize their importance and purpose in life, even if it is not obvious. In addition, Vujicic learned to do many daily tasks people normally would not think someone without arms or legs could do: "He learned to write using the two toes on his left "foot", and a special device that slid onto his big toe which he uses to grip. He also learned to use a computer and type using the "heel and toe" method (as demonstrated in his speeches), throw tennis balls, answer the phone, shave and get himself a glass of water (also demonstrated in speeches)" (Charan). Despite Vujicic's obvious physical limitations, he was determined to perform normal duties on his own and not to let his lack of limbs stop him. Doing all these tasks without arms or legs must have been very challenging, but Vujicic worked hard until he was able to function without any help. His endurance through the pain and hardships sets a good example for people looking to follow in his courageous footsteps.

Another great trait Vujicic possesses is humility, which he reveals through the way he thinks of and treats other people. In spite of having a very rare syndrome, Vujicic still manages to remain positive about his own life and think about others before himself: "There are many bad experiences I've been spared. I'm certain that I've had it easier in thousands of ways than many people" (Vujicic 26). Even without arms and legs, something that would obviously cause hardships in his life, Vujicic acknowledges that other people may have had harder times than him. He knows that just because he has this rare condition and has pulled through it, it does not make him any more special than anyone else. In the same way, heroes must know that though they may have an important job, everyone goes through hardships and theirs are not exceptional. Vujicic also displays his modesty through his choice of audience: "'I have traveled to 58 countries and 3 million miles - that's no exaggeration. We are thankful to speak to world leaders, but also to orphans and the disadvantaged and forgotten'" (James). Even without legs to carry him, Vujicic travels far and wide to speak to not only the big, influential leaders, but also the people often labeled irrelevant or insignificant. Just because Vujicic is a prominent speaker, he does not disregard people who are "less important". Vujicic's choice to speak with the neglected -and being thankful for it- demonstrates how he cares for everyone, even those considered low in status. The way Vujicic cares for all people and puts them above himself reflects his humble character and makes him worthy of a hero.

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Vujicic's persistence to lead a good and fulfilling life despite his impairments and his humbleness makes Vujicic worthy of a hero. When he was bullied at school, Vujicic pushed through, letting them make him emotionally stronger. Eventually, he became a famous speaker, but he did not let that keep him from still speaking to those often considered insignificant.  An example of someone who was motivated by Vujicic is this girl who sent him an email after watching one of his videos, saying, "Because of you I am now a lot stronger and more aware of who I am and I no longer obsess about what other people think of me, or put myself down all the time. You taught me how to turn my negatives into positives" (Vujicic 28). This girl from the rehab center claims that Vujicic is her hero because his DVD made her realize that she has a purpose and that she should love herself for who she is. Vujicic's work encourages others to be better versions of themselves and overcome their difficulties. His use of his own personal experiences helps others get over their hardships and makes him an inspiration. Whether he is known for his limbless body or his uplifting speeches, Vujicic will forever be remembered as an inspirational hero.

Works Consulted

Charan, Yoel. "Biography Of Nick Vujicic " Life without Limbs'--('No Arms , No Legs, No Worries')." All About GOD, All About GOD, 2 Jan. 2010, www.allaboutgod.net/profiles/blogs/biography-of-nick-vujicic. Accessed 1 May 2017.

James, Susan Donaldson. "'Born without Limbs' Star Inspires with Courage and 'Trust in God'." TODAY.com, TODAY, 17 June 2015, www.today.com/health/born-without-limbs-star-nick-vujicic-lives-courage-t26796. Accessed 5 May 2017.

"Nick Vujicic." Contemporary Authors Online, Gale, 2013. Biography in Context, link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/H1000204256/BIC1?u=powa9245&xid=5095d0c4. Accessed 3 May 2017.

Vujicic, Nick. Life without Limits. México: Aguilar, 2010.