Warsaw Community High School senior Mason Metzger enjoys inspiring others through motivational messages. (Photos by Amanda McFarland)

WARSAW — Warsaw teen Mason Metzger, 17, has a dream to inspire others.

Metzger, who will be a senior at Warsaw Community High School, has already applied a mission statement to his life: “to inspire and equip all people, be a shining light to the world and share my story with others.”

Metzger is not far from achieving his dream, as he has had 20 public speaking engagements since 2008. He first discovered his passion for public speaking as a fourth-grader. By eighth grade, Metzger, who knows no fear when it comes to being in front of people, began to see motivational speaking as a calling.

“When I started, I was a little bit nervous, but I wasn’t as nervous as a ‘normal’ person would be,” he said, referring to the many who view public speaking as something to be dreaded. “My passion for public speaking has really taken off in 2016.”

Metzger keeps his speaking notes handy on an iPad.

Metzger, who uses a wheelchair for mobility, does not allow perceived obstacles stand in his way. He encourages others to see their challenges, not as something blocking them, but as something to overcome. This includes what others may refer to as a “disability.”

“I like to call it a specialized challenge,” he said. “We all have challenges, but everyone’s challenges are different.”

During a recent luncheon, Metzger spoke about the biggest challenge he has faced, watching his father go through cancer. He described the emotional turmoil he experienced and how, despite his own difficult time, he was still able to encourage others.

Metzger hopes to attend college “somewhere” and possibly major in communications with a minor in a business-related field. For now, he said, he is considering working part-time at his family’s business and seeking out more speaking opportunities.

“I am excited to see what opportunities will open for me to share my mission,” he said.