9x16 Johnson-Goslee Family, Part 1 of 2

Summary: A 16-year-old who inspires all who know him, Wyzhir Johnson-Goslee is smart and charismatic, and dreams of becoming an interior designer and construction worker because he has a knack for design and loves working with his hands. In fact, Wyzhir dreams of fixing up not only his own home, but…
[show all]A 16-year-old who inspires all who know him, Wyzhir Johnson-Goslee is smart and charismatic, and dreams of becoming an interior designer and construction worker because he has a knack for design and loves working with his hands. In fact, Wyzhir dreams of fixing up not only his own home, but also has a to-do list of improvement projects he undertakes throughout his community. Tragically, on Christmas Eve 2010, he suffered an accident that changed his life forever. After months of working diligently with his grandfather on improving areas of their family's aging home, which is in a constant state of disrepair, the teenager's coat sleeve was caught in the miter saw - severing his left hand. After more than 10 surgeries, doctors were unable to preserve his hand -- but typical of Wyzhir, the loss didn't diminish his positive outlook. He wanted to return to school right away and was determined to resume his daily life. His indomitable attitude - along with the loving support of his mother, Patrice, sister Renee and aunt Sonora - helped Wyzhir meet this new challenge head-on, without an ounce of self pity or defeat.

Wyzhir is a firm believer in the importance of giving back to his community and serves as a mentor through a program run by his high school. He is also passionate about the history of his town, and raising money for a local organization that is preserving an African-American school that was built in the 1800s. Simply put, Wyzhir has a heart for others and refuses to be pitied for what happened to him. He has every intention of making the most of the life he's been given.

The house that Wyzhir has dedicated himself to renovating has been in their family for over 80 years and is in terrible shape. It's not on an "in ground" foundation, but rather sits directly on the ground, which means that as the earth settles, the house follows suit. The ceilings are less than six feet high and none of the walls are level, so the home slopes in tiers. And due to insurmountable plumbing issues, there is no working shower or bathtub. So although he was doing his best to make this house a home, Wyzhir's efforts were (and still are) being expended on a structure that's falling down around him.
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