Motivational speaker impacts UNCP

By Lindsay Barholf
Staff Writer

Sean Stephenson, a motivational speaker, visited UNCP Sept. 29 and spoke with various audiences in the community shedding some light on those aspects of life that are all too often taken for granted. His audiences can instantly notice his distinctiveness through his vibrant personality and unique physical appearance. To begin with, Sean makes a connection with his audience, transcending normal communication styles by imparting emotions of compassion, enthusiasm and devotion to his listeners.

However, Sean is especially unique in his area of expertise for another reason. Sean Stephenson was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, which causes the bones to be extremely brittle and vulnerable to fractures and also stunts skeletal development at an early age. During his childhood and early adulthood, Sean endured over 200 bone fractures as a result of this rare condition.

A poignant story worth retelling happened when Sean was just seven years old; he accidentally bumped his right leg on the corner of his door, which completely broke the young child’s femur bone. The frustration from frequent and constant fracturing of his bones finally caused Sean to explode with emotion as he screamed in anguish: “Why me God? What did I ever do to deserve this? I am just a boy.”

After his mother did her best to ease Sean’s pain, she asked him a compelling question that would shift his spirit and attitude for the rest of his life, “Sean, is this physical condition going to be a gift or a burden in your life?”

Instantly, he realized that his condition was not a product of chance and his purpose in life became apparent; Sean would help others in healing their own “fractures” in life. His life calling would be to alleviate the physical, mental or emotional breaks that people so often endure on a daily basis. Thus, Sean now spends his career sharing his experiences, triumphs, disappointments, insights and challenges with people across the nation.

Sean Stephenson’s speech at the U.C. dealt with the principles encompassing self-confidence, particularly that of human physiology. Allow me to direct a question to you: As you read this article, are you sitting proudly upright? Standing tall? Walking with purpose? Or maybe you are hunched over. As you read these words, do you have a wintry face on or are you shining with cheerfulness, exuding confidence and fervor?

Sean explained that many people are unaware how we carry ourselves radically affects self-esteem and the ability to interact with others.

Furthermore, Sean explained the different paths people tend to follow when faced with obstacles such as adversity or unexplainable misfortune. The first of which involves self-sorrow, and leads to a road of passivity, resentment and pain.

The second path is a critically different experience, and is usually set afoot by finding “the diamond in the rough” the gift amidst what would normally be seen as a burden.

Sean undoubtedly has followed the second path, and in doing so, exhibits a refreshingly positive point of view by saying that “95% of the time, I feel super-abled!”

The condition that Sean continues to live with has afforded him far more blessings than regret. Consequently, he has transformed his seemingly unfortunate condition into resounding empowerment. Sean Stephenson symbolizes persistence and determination, and inspires all who listen to his story and learn from him to search for the “diamonds” in their own lives.