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Guest Teaches Blue Mountain Students Everything is Possible

Jen Bricker told students her inspirational story during an assembly at Blue Mountain Middle School.

During an assembly last week in the gymnasium, Blue Mountain Middle School students learned about perseverance from guest speaker Jen Bricker, whose motivational story explained her “never say can’t” attitude.

Jen Bricker told students her inspirational story during an assembly at Blue Mountain Middle School.

Bricker, who is now 37, was born without legs and was left at the hospital by her biological parents. However, Bricker was adopted by a family who eventually taught her how to conquer life’s difficulties and obstacles, and, in time, she proved that anything was possible. Bricker told students that she has been able to roller skate, play volleyball, compete in gymnastics and tumbling, and much more.

Bricker told the remarkable story about her obsession with gymnastics as a child. Some of her earliest memories, she said, came watching the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, including her fascination with gold medal-winning gymnast Dominique Moceanu. That inspired her to compete against able-bodied athletes and she eventually became a state champion in Illinois in the sport of power tumbling.

“Our students found Jen’s story to be extremely inspirational,” Blue Mountain principal Anthony Giovinazzi said. “Her positive message of ‘Everything is Possible’ resonated with them. Jen’s presentation also tied into our Blue Mountain Middle School Profile of a Middle School Student as well as our student advisory program.”

Bricker’s story proved inspiring for more than what she’s been capable of. In an amazing twist of fate, Bricker also learned when she was 16 that she and Moceanu are actually biological sisters. The story was made public in 2012 and has been the subject of media attention in the years since.

Bricker has seen her disabilities as advantages throughout her life. In addition to her time as a competitor, she has become a performer and motivational speaker. She was a featured performer on Britney Spears’ tour in 2009 and has spoken or been featured in media in over 100 countries worldwide.

Bricker published her first book, “Everything is Possible” in 2016 and provided Blue Mountain students with a first-hand look at her remarkable story.