Regardless of who you are, each one of us has been underestimated at some point – those times when expectations fall short of your actual ability.
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Maybe you were taught to believe that math was too tough or that college was simply out of reach. These false beliefs have a way of masking true potential, but it is possible to push back. In a move to follow his dreams and prove the doubters wrong, Josiah Johnson has become an inspiration by separating the ‘I’ and ‘M’ from POSSIBLE!
Josiah, who was born without legs, is now a basketball player at Moore Middle School. The 8th grader was determined to make the team and become a proud “Mustang,” right along with other talented students his age.
“It’s just something that I had to do,” said Josiah. “I don’t want you doubting me because I have no legs. I want to show you that I’m just as human as you and I’m just as good as you are if not better than you.”
If impressing others with solid gameplay is the goal, it seems to be working. Josiah’s basketball coach, Daquan Boyd, has definitely taken notice, and he likes what he sees. According to Coach Boyd, Josiah has consistently stepped up since the beginning.
“He started hitting shots and everything, and then he’s winning,” Coach Boyd said. “He’s playing defensive; and he’s stealing the ball from people. He’s making good passes, good reads and everything like that, so I was like, ‘He can be on our team then.'”
Josiah had been dreaming of joining a school basketball team since kindergarten. When he learned that his efforts were at last being recognized, Josiah tried to curb his enthusiasm around Coach Boyd.
“When I found out I made the team, I was really excited,” said Josiah. “I acted like I wasn’t excited in front of the coach… but when I went in the gym, I was like, ‘I made the team. I made the team.'”
Josiah didn’t just make the team – he has since been added to the starting lineup! But it’s not just his athletic prowess that inspires fellow teammates. They appear to be most impressed by Josiah’s character, including a strong work ethic, perseverance, and personal confidence.
“He’s improved my confidence as a player and a person off and on the court,” said teammate, Malakei Loveless. “No matter what, just because he don’t care what no one else says.”
As Josiah continues to move from the impossible to the possible (and dare we say, the highly probable), he has an inspiring message to share with others: “Prove your doubters wrong.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
Share this story to help spread Josiah’s message of hope!
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