Story: Jo Harrison
Inspirational public speaker Sam Cawthorn’s zest for life was infectious when he spoke to students at Lazenby Hall, UNE, recently about his own personal journey, after a serious car accident which left him without an arm and enduring months of rehabilitation.
He emphasised to the students the importance of the decisions we make in our lives; not the conditions in which we find ourselves.
Armidale’s Community Drug Action Team, which has secured funding from Community Health to promote drug awareness in the region, brought Sam to Armidale to speak to both high school and university students.
Charlie Winters, EACH Youth Leadership Coordinator and member of the Community Drug Action Team, was extremely happy with the students’ response to Sam’s talk.
“We have had well over 500 students listen to Sam speak, so it has been really successful for us,” said Charlie.
“UNE gave us the use of Lazenby Hall for free, which was terrific, and the high schools also helped contribute to the cost of bringing Sam to Armidale.”
Sam Cawthorn’s life took a turn when, in 2006, he had a major car accident where he was pronounced dead at the scene and then resuscitated, lost his arm and has a permanent disability in his right leg. He was hospitalised for five months and told he would never walk again.
“I try to encourage students through my story to embrace their own journeys, whatever they are going through, whether it is tough times, family problems, loneliness or even depression,” said Sam.
“It is their decision, not their condition, that determines who they are.
“I am a very energetic, powerful, highly connected conversationalist and I love motivating kids. I have a heart and a passion to make a difference.
“Crisis can ignite some of the biggest growth periods in our lives.”
