Scotch College

John Coutis at Scotch

We have all heard stories of bullying and cruelty in schools. We have also heard stories about heroes rising above extraordinary circumstances.

Few have experienced life as has John Coutis. On the last day of Term 2 Scotch College students in Years 9-12 were the beneficiaries of the unique experiences and wisdom of this man when he visited Hawthorn for a series of talks throughout the day.

I first encountered John Coutis in 2000 when I accompanied 12 students to a leadership seminar in the city. A year later, largely because the boys and I were so totally completely awestruck by John's talk about his life and his philosophy about living, Mr Runting, Mr Paul and I invited sixty boys to attend the next seminar. After another inspiring presentation, it was decided that as many Scotch College students as possible should hear the inspirational words of this outstanding man. When I told Sam Webb, School Captain, that John would be visiting Scotch College, he volunteered to be his host for the day.

So what's so special about this guy?

John was born with a life-threatening permanent disability. He would probably disagree with my diagnosis because to John there are no such things as disabilities or problems - just challenges!

Upon birth, his parents were told that he was unlikely to live, but he did. As John grew the seriousness of his particular challenge became more apparent. His legs were effectively non-functional and he had virtually no feeling in them. John's parents provided him with a loving home environment. John, his brothers and sister grew up in Sydney racing billycarts, having family feuds and doing the things that brothers and sisters do.

Life at school was perhaps one of John's greatest challenges. He was treated to a number of brutal jokes, pranks and bullying behaviours including being set on fire, being stabbed with compasses, having drawing pins scattered on the floor where he would be placing his hands to move about. (John wears heavy suede gardening gloves these days when he moves about without the aid of his skateboard.)

The cruel treatment that John received did have an effect on his self-esteem and he did entertain morbid thoughts about an easy way to end his torment; however, while in his teens,John decided to have the burden of his useless legs removed. John has never looked back. He had been inspired by a friend, Kenny, whose life was limited by a nearly total inability to move - anything. Kenny communicated via a stick and touch pad; John developed a deep admiration for Kenny's perseverance and courage.

John lives life in his very own very fast lane. One of his earliest goals after having his legs amputated was to learn to drive. Recently, he has landed a contract with a major automotive manufacturer to provide him with sponsorship and a car wherever he goes. His recent marriage to a former Australian representative netball player is his happiest accomplishment. John has been published under the title From the Ground Up, a book that shares his story with the world. John's next two goals are to learn to fly and become a father - not necessarily in that order. He also hopes to host a TV show.

Now John has a healthy speaking career. He travels throughout Australia and around the world delivering his inspirational message to people from Perth to Adelaide, from Melbourne to Los Angeles. John is 'in your face' about life. He uncompromisingly confronts his audiences, directing VCE boys to sit nearer to the front of the Memorial Hall as they drag themselves in for the last "lesson" of the term. They must have been wondering who is this man ordering them about in our Mem Hall . . .

John Coutis has a direct manner and a raw humour that is magnetic.

He was perched upon a tower arrangement as the boys entered the Science Lecture Theatre. He looked relaxed, arms crossed in front of his chest, and a little bored with the commotion as the Year 9s filed in for the first session. When they were settled and Sam had introduced John, he lifted himself onto his hands and the gap between his lower torso and the top of the tower became apparent. He then singled out one of the likely lads and asked what was the first thing that the boy noticed about him. The answer was a stumbling, embarrassed attempt to avoid the obvious. John immediately dubbed the unfortunate victim 'Milo' because he certainly wasn't 'Quick'. The link was established.

Each session ran along similar lines. I sat through all three sessions and although John varies his story little, referring to anecdotes and incidents from his amazingly full life, he never failed to have me riveted. I am certain that the boys were completely engaged as well.

At the end of his talk with the Year 10s, a group of the "usual suspects" crowded around John, each wanting to shake his hand and tell him how much he had appreciated and enjoyed John's story.

After three consecutive ninety minute speaking engagements, John was obviously fatigued. He lifted himself off his skateboard into the seat of his car and consulted the in-built GPS system to assist him to return to his hotel. He looked weary but he also seemed to be pleased with the day's activities. John had spoken to about one thousand people revealing to them some of the most deeply personal aspects of his life. He said that if only one person had benefited from his talk, then he would be satisfied. I assure you that John has had a profound impact upon me. On his website John says that motivation lasts for ten minutes; inspiration lasts a lifetime.

John rang me at home at about eight o'clock that night to tell me that he had received over six hundred 'hits' on his website (www.becauzewecan.com) since he returned to his hotel after the day at Scotch College.

Ken Wheat
Head of Upper School