Instantly crowded by students, Josh Bleill poses with them as each student express their thanks to him. Photo by: Janessa Salazar
By The Journalism Class
On April 2 in a student convocation, Marine Josh Bleill spoke to Plymouth High School students about courage, hope, and a new life.
Bleill lost both legs above the knee during active duty in Fallujah. After years of rehab, Bleill joined the Indiana Colts as a community spokesperson. As a result Bleill, a former athlete in school, a marine in the U.S. service, a father of two children, and a husband has made a choice in his life to live for the future and put the past behind him.
As the Convocation began, students waited in anticipation in the bleachers for the guest speaker to begin. Not knowing much about the convocation or the speaker, the student body listened with open ears. As the story was told, Josh related to each student through situations he has lived through. Someone he said touched countless people and had a variety of reactions.
“Josh said something about finding the humor in things. I like to be one who could find things a little less serious and try to take a break and find the humor in situations that normally aren’t funny. He also spoke of perseverance with is something most people, myself included, lack the majority of time. While things in the past may get you down sometimes, you just have to forget about it if it’s dragging you down, pick yourself up, and get working on the future,” freshman Eric Burch said.
Bleill talks with students after the inspirational speech to the student body. Photo by: Janessa Salazar
“Putting the past behind you, not worrying about the the future, and living for others along with yourself are a few points I got from the convocation. Every person was made differently and uniquely. What Josh said made me think about how much we, as Americans, have and all the opportunities we are offered. You don’t know what you have until it’s gone and when it is gone, the only thing left to do is move forward with a positive attitude and a willing heart,” junior Katie Sommers said.
“Being a perfectionist, I have always wanted everything to be perfect. Bleill really helped me see that life will not be perfect all the time. There are times when life can challenge us but it is what we make with that challenge that affects our world. We can either sit and sulk about what has happened or pick ourselves up and move on with our lives. Of the four years that I have been at PHS, this has definitely been my favorite. It really taught me that life is all about what we make of it not about what life makes of us,” senior Patricia Ortiz said.
Former marine Josh Bleill captured the attention of his audience while he told his inspirational life story and answered questions. Photo by: Patricia Ortiz
“I thought the convocation was very inspiring, and I thought it was very beneficial to our student body,” said sophomore Madison Gunderson.
“I believe the convocation was very moving and had a great impact on everyone in the room. Josh Bleill made an amazing impact on the students of PHS.” said sophomore Rebeca Lee
Assistant Principal Ken Olson wanted the student body to hear Bleill’s message “of hope and overcoming obstacles while staying positive with negative things.” “He has a great way of connecting with his audience,”said Olson. Olson felt that overcoming obstacles and staying positive are the power of his words. “I wished he could have stayed longer, said Olson.
As the convocation ended the audience gave a standing ovation.