Nick Vujicic, an Australian native born without limbs, brought his powerful message of hope to the Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches on Nov. 4.
In front of a packed gymnasium of students and faculty, he addressed teen depression and suicide, and the devastating effects of bullying, during an hour-long talk that was simulcast to other schools throughout Florida.
Vujicic knows the issue all too well. Born without arms and legs as a result of a rare congenital condition called tetra-amelia syndrome, he was bullied so badly as a child that he tried to end his life at the age of 10. He then realized that he had a greater purpose in life and set out to share his journey of despair turned to hope with people around the world.
“The suicide rate is 4,300 students a year in this country — and 400 of those are in Florida. Forty percent of the kids who have attempted suicide say it’s because of bullying at school,” Vujicic said. “My goal is to let people know that no matter what challenges they face, they’re not alone, and there is always someone who cares on their side. It’s important to never give up, to dream big and stand strong.”
His talk at the independent secondary school in West Palm Beach was one of six stops he made around the state, with each visit live-streamed for thousands of other students to see and hear. The events were organized and presented by Stand Strong USA, a South Florida-based nonprofit designed to save lives and end bullying among students in America.
“We share the same views as Nick about the importance of treating others with respect, and we have zero tolerance for bullying at the Oxbridge Academy,” said Bob Parsons, Oxbridge president and CEO. “We hope that by hosting this open dialogue, we were able to raise awareness for this very serious issue and provide resources for students who need help.”
ABOVE: Speaker Nick Vujici during his presentation to the school.
