Nick Vujicic

Individuals with dynamic personalities that present awe-inspiring speeches intended to motivate an audience are known as motivational speakers. Incredible personal stories, life-changing events, failure, hard work, persistence, and success are generally at the root of the speech. Motivational speakers are great storytellers with the ability to paint a picture with words for the audience. Nick Vujicic is a motivational speaker that entertains, as well as motivates the audience.

Birth: Vujicic was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1982. His parents are Boris and Dushka Vujicic. He was born without upper or lower limbs; however, he had two feet. One of his feet has two toes. His parents saw him as a gift in a different package. He was blessed with two siblings: Michelle and Aaron.

Education: At that time, the laws prevented Vujicic from attending a public school, despite his obvious intelligence. The laws soon changed and the young Vujicic was enrolled in school. There were many students that did not accept him at the school and began bullying Vujicic. He fell into depression at an early age, considering suicide at 8 years old and attempted to drown himself two years later. Vujicic felt that his life had no value, but his parents never gave up on him. The situation greatly improved in high school. Vujicic was elected Captain of MacGregor State in Queensland. He worked with the school council on fundraising events and began speaking at prayer groups.

Belief in God: Vujicic believed that God had a plan for his life, one filled with joy and purpose. He tried making a deal with God by offering praise in exchange for limbs; however, new limbs did not grow. An article in the local newspaper about an individual with disabilities inspired Vujicic to proceed forward with his own life. He prayed for a soulmate to share his life.

Adapted Daily Skills: Vujicic decided to focus on his abilities rather than disabilities. He has learned to take care of his personal needs such as combing his hair and brushing his own teeth. A special grip slips onto his big toe enabling Vujicic to write. He utilizes a computer keyboard with his heel and big toe. He participates in sports such as golf and swimming. Vujicic speaks about the exhilaration of his many skydives.

Today: Vujicic is the founder of a nonprofit organization, Life without Limbs. He resides in Los Angeles, California with his wife, Kanae Miyahara, and son, Kiyoshi James Vujicic. His wife said that she was so impressed with his generosity and good humor when she first met him in 2008. He was nominated for the Young Australian of the Year Award in 2005. He is an evangelistic, actor, author, motivational speaker and musician. A favorite quote by Vujicic, "Failure is not important, how you overcome it is."