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Life Rolls On



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    		•  Life Rolls On
    inFocus: Jesse Billauer

    Download Printable Bio

    Topics Include:

  • Overcoming Adversity
  • Character Development
  • Dream Building
  • Parent Workshops

    Biography

    Jesse’s entry into the world of public speaking came from the personal desire and will to share his life experiences with others. Being only 17 years of age when struck with a spinal cord injury, Jesse knew early on that his life was forever changed. His motivational speaking spans topics that reach and respect the young minds of students all over, and create a connection that inspires them to realize that there is more to life than most people believe.

    He’s quickly becoming known internationally for his warmth, energy and openness in his speaking engagements. Jesse brings his vast experiences from the world of being a professional athlete to surviving a spinal cord injury into schools in a way young people can relate.

    Jesse's program includes the following:

  • opens with video showing Jesse’s life up to his injury
  • Jesse is introduced as he “rolls” out onto stage
  • he speaks at length of his life experiences, and intertwines his message throughout
  • closes with video of Jesse’s life post-injury
  • Question & Answer (The most popular portion of the presentation)
  • 1 hour in length

    Program Titles

  • Life Rolls On
  • Passion Over Paralysis
  • Life's Only Guarantee

    For Additional Information


    Hometown: San Diego, California
    Family: His parents, George and Cecile, and a brother, Josh
    Overcoming Adversity: As he had often done, Jesse was surfing with some buddies early one morning before school. An intense wave knocked him in the back, compressing him headfirst into the sandbar just a few feet below the surface of the water. Immediately his body went limp. Unable to move, he found himself floating facedown in the water, and unable to turn himself over. He calmly held his breath, waiting for nature or his longtime friend to turn him over. Fortunately a wave provided the initial help he needed, and flipped him over. At this point he was able to call out for help to his friends. At first they thought he was fooling around, but quickly realized the severity of his condition. His friend quickly swam over and managed to get him out of the water.
    Education: Bachelors degree in Communications, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, 2002.
    Hobbies: Exercising, surfing, waterskiing, jetskiing, inner tubing, playing wheelchair tennis, ping pong, billiards, skydiving, listening to music.
    Favorite Quotes: "Enjoy today, tomorrow is not guaranteed." -- Jesse Billauer
    "Don’t wait for a tragedy to motivate you to tell those important to you that you love them." -- Jesse Billauer
    "Your world as you know it can change in an instant." -- Jesse Billauer
    Goals: To learn to walk again, be healthy, and motivate others through my programs and experiences.
    What you'll like to improve: Refining my ability to communicate with people, and sticking to a consistent exercise routine.
    Describe the work you do to help others:
    Jesse shares his life experiences in such a manner as to impress upon young adults the fragility of life, and the need to appreciate the benefits of a healthy living. He poses ethical questions in a thought-provoking manner to teach values and respect for family, friends, strangers, and self. For the future, Jesse has his sights set on driving his 2001 Daimler Chrysler PT Cruiser and looks forward to meeting as many new people and friends as he can.

    		•
    Focus OnJesse Billauer
    Photo of Jesse Billauer

    TESTIMONIALS

    "Yet, in spite of knowing Jesse, I was still overwhelmed by the assembly. It gave me a renewed sense of pursuing the important things in life, both in my job and in my personal life. I think that many of our students felt the same way." -- Michael Matthews, Principal, Malibu High School

    "The message was very powerful and if you can imagine being able to hear a pin drop in our auditorium with 750 middle school students, that speaks for itself!" -- Bill Laine, Vice Principal, Pacific Beach Middle School

    "Through the use of video and lecture, Jesse illustrates how rich and meaningful human relationships have become to him since he was injured, and that his disability struck his body only, while leaving his spirit intact and powerful. Anyone who invites Jesse into their community will share this experience." -- Holly Korbonski, Pacific Palisades High

    With his love for the ocean, including fishing and surfing, Jesse wanted to give something back. At the age of 16, Jesse became the youngest member of the California State Lifeguard team. This coveted and difficult job was one of his proudest accomplishments. He competed against men and women twice his age in beach runs, swims, and paddling contests. Realizing a Dream: By the mid-90’s, Surfer Magazine had labeled him as one of the Top 100 up and coming surfers in the world.

    Jesse Surfing, before injury

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