Presentation hits home
Speaker talks on his life lessons
“WITHOUT a doubt, he has changed the minds of a handful of kids at this school.”
Harristown State High School school captain Adeng Santino was full of praise for John Coutis, after the inspirational speaker spoke about the importance of kindness at her school yesterday.
Mr Coutis, who was born with a severe physical disability that left him without the lower part of his body, has travelled the country teaching others to live life to the fullest.
This week he visited Toowoomba State High School and Harristown State High School, taking to the stage on his custom-made skateboard.
“When I was a student I was one of the first with a major disability to be integrated into the system,” Mr Coutis said.
“I can say I didn’t have the easiest time at school - I didn’t have a lot of friends and I spent a lot of the time sitting alone.
“I speak about the importance of resilience and goal setting, and of course, one of the biggest topics for me - treating people as you wish to be treated.”
Mr Coutis delivered two presentations at each school, one to students from Years 7 to 9 and one to the senior cohort.
“I want people to get the best out of their lives,” he said.
“I know sometimes with teenagers they miss the concept of how to treat each other the right way, so I drove home the anti-bullying message.”
Students said they enjoyed the presentation, where Mr Coutis spoke on heart-felt topics using a comical twist.
“He was very inspirational and definitely gave us all a few things to think about,” Miss Santino said. “It’s amazing that he could get up there and make us all laugh a million times and cry a million times, and then bring it all back together so we look at ourselves.
“I think the take-home message for me was how I could support and try to inspire those around me going through hardships.
“His main message was that everyone was priceless and unique - which is something that is important to remember.”
Photo: Alexia Austin