Motivational Speaker Kevin Laue Visits School

Two weeks ago, on September 16, motivational speaker Kevin Laue spoke to the student body.  He was full of advice on a variety of struggles, from learning to deal with bullying, to making the most out of your life despite the circumstances. Laue, 26 years old, was born with one arm and what he refers to as a “nub.” He began playing basketball in seventh grade. After trying out for his middle school team, he was told that basketball was strictly a two armed sport. He was then discovered by an AAU coach, who altered his perspective about his current situation. He learned to use his disability to his advantage and began to succeed at the high school level. People with similar situations began reaching out to him during his sophomore year. He began to fall in love with helping and inspiring others to succeed through adversity. Laue touched on how a single person can alter the course of a life.

   “My coaches literally had my back. They were the ones who made this mentality that I have, how I’ve become successful, how I’ve been able to reach out and help so many people,” said Laue.

   Laue is very adamant about helping young people, and is truly determined to making a difference in people’s lives. He promised that he would not leave campus until he had a chance to help all that intended to reach out, even if that meant remaining in the gym until 7 p.m. Junior Lizzy Webb praised his ability to inspire young students.

   “He was very  inspirational, and everything he had to say prompted me think of ways that I can change the lives of people around me,” said Webb.

   Laue leaves one final piece of advice to students.

   “You’re not alone. You might feel like you’re the only one going through those problems, you’re not. I’m not belittling your problems, I’m just saying, don’t feel like you’re the only one going out there feeling like this. There are kids younger than you going through the same thing and if you can figure out how to overcome this hurdle in your life, you can turn around and lift them up too — that’s the best part,” said Laue.