Local TV journalist Courtney Godfrey brings message of determination and kindness to Morris Bye
Morris Bye Elementary School students and staff were treated to a guest speaker on Friday, April 20, who shared her personal journey toward overcoming obstacles and finding the positive in an unthinkable and life-changing event.
Interim Principal Jim Pottoff introduced Fox 9 News reporter Courtney Godfrey to a gym filled with students and staff, and shared her personal story about, self-acceptance and self-perseverance after losing a limb.
View the photos from her visit.
Last summer Godfrey was in a horrific boating accident that resulted in the amputation of her leg below the knee.
“I had such an awesome life. I have wonderful family, and a career, and my life came to a halt on Sept. 15,” she shared.
She recalled how she begged the doctor to save her foot so she could “wear shoes again,” and what it was like to learn she was going to be an amputee.
“The first night I was in the hospital I was sad, angry and confused. I kept saying, ‘ I don’t have a foot’ and I kept crying, ugly-crying,” she said. “I got it all out that night. I woke up, and I had a choice. I could let this obstacle define my life and stop myself in my tracks, or adapt.”
As she described her feelings after experiencing such a loss and the fear that goes along with sudden change, she told Morris Bye students how she consciously chose positivity. “I took my leg and made it into something great. It gave me a new life, allowing me to do things I never dreamed of doing,” she said.
“Okay, on the count of three, everyone say ‘I choose positivity,’” she asked of the students, who repeated her message with excitement.
She made sure to touch upon the important factors that have helped her come so far in just seven months since her accident. “I am good enough. I have enough to do everything I want to do. Your attitude can change your outcome,” Godfrey said.
Godfrey explained to students that everyday she works hard, similar to how they do their course work, every day. “It’s like doing your homework. The harder you work, the closer you are to your goal. Do your homework, graduate high school, go to college, and maybe you could become a teacher, or a doctor, or a TV reporter just like me,” she said.”
Also important was her message to students about the types of friends they choose and the importance of kindness.
“People you surround yourself with is critical to who you become. When I wanted to give up, they wouldn’t let me,” said Godfrey.
After opening up time for questions, Godfrey realized that students might be interested in seeing how her prosthetic leg fits and works. “Remember, I’m different, but I’m still the same person in my heart,” said Godfrey.
She proceeded to take off her prosthetic and show how she puts it on, how it works, and talked about the many different types of prosthetic legs she has for all of the activities and interests she enjoys, like running, swimming and snowboarding. One student asked how it feels when she puts on her prosthetic leg. Godfrey associated it to “sliding into a tight fitting glove.”
Another student asked what the hardest thing was to achieve after losing her leg. Godfrey exclaimed that his question had to be the best one of the day. “Getting over my head telling me I can’t,” said Godfrey.
One student asked if she could move her toes. Godfrey said with a smile, “No, I can’t. My toes are made of rubber- and are painted red.”
Godfrey made sure to give students a closer look at her prosthetic, and time to ask further questions, one-on-one.
Interim Principal Potthoff reminded students and staff how Godfrey’s story of perseverance and dedication toward meeting her goals with hard work, and surrounding herself with people that support her is invaluable. “What a great message for us to take through the school year, and the rest of our lives.”