Standing in the midst of a crowd of a thousand people, I listened intently at the most powerful message I have ever 
heard. Emotion was raw and tears streamed down the faces of almost everybody there. As the man talked about challenges and hope to overcome immense obstacles, lives were being changed right in front of my eyes. Some even acknowledged they were planning suicide but changed their minds after hearing what this guy had to say.
The man on stage didn’t merely speak powerfully, he lived intensely! He was a handsome young man in his late twenties wearing a button down shirt and wireless headset microphone. He moved back and forth across a table as his platform, peering into the eyes of his audience, speaking words that pierced our hearts. With his thick Australian accent, he told us his personal life story with wit and humor. He made us laugh, and then we cried. What captivated everyone was the credibility of the person talking to us. His name is Nick, and he has lived his whole life without arms or legs. Can you imagine it?
Later that night I got to meet Nick. He stayed late ready to give a hug to anyone who wanted one. Have you ever received a hug from someone with no arms or legs? I must tell you that the experience may change your life. I’ve met U.S. Senators and corporate CEO’s, celebrities and big shots of all sorts. I must say that Nick Vujicic may be the most important person I have ever met, not because of his barriers but his response to them.
Nick travels the entire world telling his story on school campuses and in auditoriums as big as they make them. His message is for everybody. Having experienced insensitivity, cruelty, and bullying first hand, Nick is on a mission to help set people free. His anti-bullying campaign is a raving success in young and old alike. People are being reminded about essential values of human dignity, respect, and kindness in a diverse society that values each person as unique. Further, Nick exhorts people to be themselves instead of conforming to the expectations of peers.
I am so excited to know that Nick has come to the Ojai Valley to speak to our students and families. Nordhoff, Villanova, and Matilijah are among the venues that are getting a personal visit from Nick. With stories the world over of lives impacted by him, I am thrilled to know that our own corner of the globe is benefited in this way. Saturday night he will address our community as a whole in the stadium at 7pm. Everyone is invited. Attendance is free and I am definitely planning to be there to hear what he has to say to us.