Overcoming adversity one step at a time

Two new leaders for the 2009-2010 academic year: Director General Len Even and Congress President Terrence Adams. (Owen Egan)

There is a lot about second-year Social Science student Terrence Adams that isn't readily visible. Sure, he seems – and, indeed, is – a thoughtful young man, who is working on making come true his childhood dream of becoming a lawyer. As this year’s Congress president, he exudes leadership, exhibits good listening skills and speaks of effecting change.

One thing about him that isn't obvious is how well-rounded he is: starting with primary-school public-speaking competitions, he has excelled in a host of areas, among them piano, poetry and badminton. He represented his high school, Pierrefonds Comprehensive, at a peace summit against bullying and, twice, represented Quebec at a national choral festival. Plus, he has “always” loved sports, especially football.

This brings us to the other thing you can’t easily tell about Terrence.

“I played football for the AAA Saint-Laurent Spartans for six years before I encountered the most tragic event of my life – I broke my leg," he says.

It took a year of physiotherapy for Terrence to walk properly after doctors rebuilt his shattered left knee. "Being able to walk without a limp, relearning to walk – it was a very emotional part of my life. Overcoming my injury and rehab were the hardest mental challenge I've had to face. I persevered and have never been scared of any challenge since.”

So why, despite his problems with mobility, did the Saint Laurent resident choose Marianopolis over closer-to-home Vanier College? 

“I have always wanted to be a lawyer and academically Marianopolis is the best college in Quebec. I knew I would have the best opportunity to fulfill my goals by succeeding at the best school.

"My goal as Congress president is to stress fun with my fellow Marianopolis students. Too many students are pressured to do well in school. And while school is the top priority, they should be having fun and enjoying student life." Also in the works is a touch football game with proceeds going to charity, because community outreach is important to Terrence, as is family:

“My mother Sophia and my little brother Justin have always been by my side. I aspire to be an inspiration to my little brother, as my mother has been to me. She guided me to be the person that I am today; without her I would be nothing. I will never let anything stand in the way of my dreams or my family."