Author, quadriplegic and former college hockey player Travis Roy delivered a powerful and meaningful message to all students and faculty at Wilbraham & Monson Academy during school meeting Oct. 4.
In his first shift as a freshman hockey player at Division I Boston University in 1995, Mr. Roy was paralyzed after smashing head first into the boards.
Mr. Roy's discussion at WMA revolved around facing challenges, including those people seek and those people do not. After his one-hour presentation, he met with the captains of the fall athletic teams before talking to the school's Peer Counselors.
Quotes from Mr. Roy
What he gets out of speaking at schools such as WMA?
"I get out of it a sense of purpose and that there's good coming out of this story. I have the feeling of making a living – it's not easy making a living as a quadriplegic. And, it feels good to know I provided something of value toward helping people's lives. I think there's quality in the message."
What motivates him to be productive?
"Every day it's something different: some days it's for a speech, other days it's having a good meal with a friend, and most days it's going to the (Travis Roy Foundation) office and figuring out how we're going to raise some money. I'm a sports junkie: I'm looking forward to the Boston-New York series coming up. And that's how you go from dark days in the hospital and having nothing to slowly putting a piece in place."
Quotes from WMA students regarding Mr. Roy's address
Grace Dineen '20: "I think having Travis Roy come to school moved everyone and everyone was touched by his story. I thought it was interesting about the goals he explained, and how he set them as an athlete and as a person and how he achieved them, and how he's remained optimistic despite all of the setbacks he's had."
Alexander Otte '20: "I thought Mr. Roy was motivational. He helped when he talked about goals. I thought about what goals I have set for myself and I should probably write those down. I should do what he did and write a paper of goals. A good way to get to those goals is to note them and know what you're going for."
Fast Facts
- Started the Travis Roy Foundation, which funds research and provides financial support to people who suffer from a spinal cord injury
- Author of "Eleven Seconds"
- ESPN won an Emmy Award in the Outstanding Long Feature category regarding Mr. Roy's story
- Graduated from Boston University with a major in Communications
- Set goals in high school to play hockey in college, the NHL and the Olympics