Sam is Tasmania’s Young Australian of the Year. When he shook hands with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at the Australia Day celebrations, Sam’s hand came off in Mr Rudd’s hand. A surprised Prime Minister thanked Sam for giving him his hand.

The young husband and father of three had been involved in a near fatal car crash two and half years ago. He fell asleep behind the wheel and crashed head-on into a semitrailer. People comforting him at the scene felt sure he would die. He did and was revived. Sam’s right arm was amputated above the elbow and he has a permanently disabled leg. “Two plates, two rods and 21 bolts,” helped repair his leg. He spent four months recovering in hospital and nine months in a wheelchair.

Today Sam’s philosophy is “I have been blessed with life, now I will bless others - if I can help just one of you then my visit has been worthwhile,” he told the students.

Before the crash, Sam led a hectic life. His job required long hours of driving, he was a hip hop dance instructor and played the guitar with his right hand.

Sam’s physical recovery, his mental strength and desire to help others has been an inspiration to thousands of people that he has spoken to in Australia and overseas.

In forging ahead, Sam had to deal with the past, and get back into a car and drive. He had to focus on what he could do, not on what he couldn’t do.

Sam believes the future is there to be created. With a mindset that sees a problem as an opportunity, “how cool is it to take advantage of all the opportunities that come along,” he asks.

During Sam’s presentation he demonstrated how world famous people have failed many times but pressed on to achieve and fulfil their personal goals. Basket-ball hero Michael Jordon failed 23 times to win a game by missing the basket, Walt Disney went bankrupt after his first film, the Beatles were told the guitars were outmoded.

Sam looks forward to the day paralympians out perform normal Olympians. “We can upgrade with our technology,” he said triumphantly. His bionic hand has to be replaced every three years at the cost of $95,000.

Sam’s visits to regional schools including Billabong and Tumbarumba High Schools was organised by Scott Landells, co-ordinator for Murray Industry and Community Education Employment Partnership (MICEEP).