News Release
All Campus
College to Host Motivational Speaker Jesse Billauer
October 7, 2008
Just imagine, you're 17 years old and living a dream. Your vision has
always been to become a professional surfer and travel the world wave by
wave. To experience your passion, be one with the ocean and enjoy the
environment that has brought you so much pleasure for your entire life.
Just seconds later, you're still 17 but your dreams appear shattered. Cerro
Coso Community College will host motivational speaker Jesse Billauer on
Thursday, October 23 at 12:30 p.m. in the Lecture Center and
6:30 in the Gynmasium.
On March 25, 1996, Jesse Billauer experienced an array emotions as he lay
face down in the Pacific Ocean unable to move a single muscle. What began as
his favorite activity, catching a wave while riding a surfboard, was now a
struggle for life itself.
Jesse was thrown headfirst from the board into a sandbar below the water's
surface. Striking it with the top of his head, he fractured a vertebra in
his neck and severed his spinal cord. Nerve messages no longer passed from
his brain to his extremities. As a result, he lay face down in the water
unable to turn himself over. All he could do was hold his breath and
patiently wait and hope that a following wave would turn him over, allowing
him to call for help.
What would you do under the circumstances? Would you panic or remain calm?
What if you were indeed rescued, but lived to find out your life was now
very different. What if your life now had to be viewed and experienced from
a wheelchair?
Jesse's Story is the tale of two extremes. Sixteen years of independence. A
childhood of fun, friends and following your dreams. Then 10 years of
virtually complete dependence. The simple functions of life now complicated
beyond belief.
Jesse's Story is one individual's experiences shared in a manner truly
touching to all who hear it. One young man's lessons learned in difficult
fashion but with remarkable results. Young or old, the benefits of hearing
Jesse's Story are invaluable. Learn firsthand what appears to be obvious but
is often overlooked. Life is short... enjoy every minute. Life can be
changed in an instant... live your passion. Express your love to friends and
family every chance you get... you never know which goodbye might be the
last.
These and other insights are just part of the pleasure of spending time with
this remarkable young man. This is time well spent. Time that will change
your outlook on life and how you share it with those around you.
The public is cordially invited to attend this free lecture as part of Cerro
Coso's Disabled Student Program & Services Awareness Day activities.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Joann Clark, Director of Public Information (760)
384-6230