By Ronny Michel

Contributing Writer

RESERVE – A casual observer of the freshman algebra class at East St. John High School might

not notice anything unusual. The teacher quietly walks among rows of diligent students who are busy punching numbers into calculators, then picking up pencils to record their answers.

A closer examination of the class, however, reveals one student’s foot on his desk. It has to be there, for it is with the toes on this foot that Joseph Williams grabs his pencil and completes his test. Fourteen-year-old Williams was born without arms.

This skill, and many others he has learned to compensate for his lack of limbs, is self-taught. Upon entering kindergarten, he noticed all of the things the other children could do with their arms. When he returned from school, he began to practice using his feet to play with his toys, dress himself and even begin to write.

“I would watch my Mom,” he explained, “and imitate what she did with my feet. I just wanted to see if I could.”

And he can.

Freshman Counselor Coy Boe said, “Joseph doesn’t just write his own work, he has neat penmanship. In fact, it’s better than mine.”

Williams added, “Being in a regular class inspired me to do things on my own. I would always set goals for myself and wouldn’t stop until I succeeded.”

He realizes he could dictate the answers to someone and have them complete his written work but has little regard for the idea.

“That’s not earning it myself. I want to earn the grade. I work for my A’s,” he said.

Williams’ report card is proof of his academic excellence.

His algebra teacher, Marie Villere, said, “He is a hard worker and completes every assignment. I wish all students were as diligent as Joseph. Following a recent surgery, the homebound teacher was amazed because he would often teach the lessons to himself before she could.”

Another thing Williams taught himself was how to greet people. When his sixth-grade friends were developing various handshakes, Williams and his peers sought a way for him to participate. They began the ritual of tapping their right feet together.

When asked if he ever pitied himself, Williams quickly answered, “No. I can do many things. I even open my own car door.”

Joseph has trained himself to be as independent as possible. His 11-year-old sister is part of his training program.

“If I ask her to reach a box of cereal on the top shelf, she tells me I can do it, so I figure it out,” he said. “She pushes me to keep learning.”

“Joseph is a remarkable young man,” said his world geography teacher, David Beadle. “He inspires people without realizing it.”

Beadle’s introduction to Williams was in the school’s hallway.

“I told him to tuck in his shirt. He said, ‘I wish I could.’ It was then I noticed that he didn’t have arms,” Beadle said.

And the testimonies continue, even from his football coach. Yes, Williams was on the freshman football team.

Coach Ronald August said, “He’s intense, has a good sense of humor, and is a great kicker.”

In addition to football, Williams enjoys playing soccer and running track. Whether or not he will be able to return to sports will be decided in three months when he gets the report from the surgery he’s had to correct scoliosis.

The surgery did not completely straighten his spine. To do so would have left Williams unable to manipulate his leg and foot in the manner to which he has become accustomed.

In addition to sports, Williams is an avid reader. This hobby will be a major part of his preparation for the future. His goal is to become a prosecuting attorney.

“I want to do my part to keep my community safe,” said Williams.

While he inspires those fortunate enough to cross his path, he credits his parents as his main inspiration.

“I can’t imagine life without them,” said Williams. “My dad tells me, ‘Don’t let anyone tell you what you cannot do. Prove them wrong.’”

In a world where it’s said actions speak louder than words, Williams’ body language shouts. The quiet, unassuming manner in which he conducts his life loudly proclaims the results of effort, determination and belief in yourself and your dreams.