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Photo by Nick Briggs Travis Roy speaks to a large audience in the McCarthy Arts Center on Sept. 6th.

Travis Roy shares his story with students

By Brad Cole
News Editor

Travis Roy, a former Boston University hockey player who was injured 11 seconds into his first game, spoke about hope, optimism and setting goals to over 85 St. Michael’s students gathered at the McCarthy Arts Center on Sept. 6th.

The importance of setting goals took center stage during Roy’s speech. These goals can range from simple, short-term goals to long-term dream goals. Roy suggests writing a goal list, which he used to map out the academic and athletic goals he had.

“I don’t think there is any other way to stay motivated aside from setting goals,” Roy said.
Roy’s first goal list was quite ambitious, as he wrote about his desire to play for a Division 1 hockey team, a NHL team, and the U.S. Olympic team. However, his goal list changed drastically after his injury during his first game Boston University hockey player on Oct. 20, 1995. He took to the ice and went for a body check, but lost his balance and went head first into the boards.

“My brain was sending messages, but my body wasn’t listening,” Roy said. “I couldn’t move. I couldn’t feel a thing.”

When Roy saw the trainer moving his glove without him feeling it, Roy realized his life was over as he knew it. His dad came out onto the ice, and Roy looked at him and said “Dad, I’m in big trouble, but Dad- I made it.”

Roy had lived his dream and accomplished one of the goals set in the ninth grade. It came at a price, as he will most likely never walk again. After his injury, he spent two months on a ventilator and couldn’t communicate.

Two new goals were set by Roy, to operate the joystick on his wheelchair and to feed himself. It took months of effort and determination, but Roy was able to take a bite of a bagel with cream cheese. It took the same amount of effort to take one bite of a bagel as it did to bench press 150 pounds just months before. Roy said optimism was a main reason for this success.

“A positive attitude will take you farther in life than anything else,” Roy said.

There are many reasons to set goals, though Roy cites two primary reasons, a desire to find out how good you can be at something and having pride.

“Pride is knowing that you tried your best,” Roy said.

Roy defines pride as reasonable self respect. Pride is not the same as arrogance or over confidence, it has to be justifiable.

“You got to have that self respect,” Roy said. “You have to believe in yourself.”

Students had a variety of reasons for attending the event, which ranged from interest in Roy’s story to going for a class. Junior Matt Whitney had a specific reason for going.

“I’m a hockey player, and I’ve heard a lot about him and I wanted to see him,” Whitney said. “It was awesome. It was unbelievable.”

Since his injury nearly 12 years ago, Roy wrote the book “11 Seconds” with E.M. Swift, worked as a motivational speaker and created the Travis Roy Foundation, which provides education and support for spinal injuries.

This was Roy’s second speech at St. Michael’s. Much like last year’s event, the McCarthy Arts Center was full.

“I had a fabulous time here speaking to students,” Roy said. “I’m glad to have the opportunity to be back.”
Roy’s first speech at St. Michael’s was on Nov. 13, 2006. He was invited back after the success and popularity of last year’s event.

“He has a great message, one we want all students to hear,” Director of Residence Life Lou DiMasi said. “It’s what we hope all our students follow.”

Director of Student Activities Grace Kelly echoed this sentiment.

“You always walk away gaining a new perspective on life,” Kelly said. “You can’t be reminded enough to have a positive attitude.”

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