Through Adversity, Ty Develops Strength and Courage
October 2nd, 2010
Through Adversity, Ty Develops Strength and Courage
A few weeks ago in the early part of the new semester, I was approached by a few students who were looking to train in the fitness center. As usual, I checked their ID, usually I trust the students, but I generally do this to get their first and last names, and to ensure that they have paid their fees. After a few minutes of conversation regarding the rules and requirements of the fitness center, Ty stepped up and mentioned that he “Should tell (me) about himself”.
Like I usually do, I chat with the students without thinking about any reasons why an individual should not be able to participate fully in the program, but Ty had his hands in his pockets while we talked so there was no need to feel any differently about his ability to train with the after school group.
When he took his hands out, he showed me his left hand, which at first glance looked differently than his right hand. My immediate thought was that I hoped he wasn’t looking for a way out of regular training because he was ‘different’, and when I asked him what he is able to do, this is what he said…”I can do anything that everyone else can.” Immediately, Ty was in my good books, and as an individual who has had my own struggles with epilepsy and a couple other health ‘issues’, I understood where he was coming from. Just because he has one hand that is not fully functional, doesn’t mean that he can not participate with his peers.
What I learned over the next few weeks is that Ty is a very strong individual, so I asked if I could interview him fior the school blog, enthusiastically he said that he would love to. The ‘interview’ was not a sit down event, but a set of questions that I sent to him so that he could complete in his free time which would allow him to answer the questions comfortably. The following is the dialogue which brought me to tears as I read his response. I am a bit of a softy because I understand how humbling being ‘different’ can be, but what I learned from Ty is that he is not different, in fact he is just like everyone else, except that his ‘adversity has allowed him to grow well beyond his years.
Me: Tell me about your left hand. Is there a specific name/terminology that is used to describe your hand?
Ty: I do not refer to my hand in any specific way really. I just call it my hand, and people usually get the idea.
How does it effect you in your every day activities?
It is definitely an obstacle in day to day activities, but it isnt always necessarily bad. It makes certain tasks such as sports, working out, and videogames a little bit more difficult, but nothing i cant handle. Its rare for me to find something that my friends can do that i cant, even if it means i have to work harder at it than they do.
What do you like best about the hook that you use to train?
The thing that i like the best about my hook is that it enables me to do things that were otherwise impossible to do without it. With my hook i can work out both of my arms and that alone makes me thankful to have it. I dont use it anywhere else other than the fitness center and at home while im working out though.
What motivates you to come to the fitness center every week?
My motivation comes from a lot of things. Thor, who i workout with whenever i go is a great help in motivating me, because i would feel a little awkward going alone. Also, like many other people who work out, i go to the fitness center to look and feel better, as well as to test my limits and to keep myself healthy. Lastly, i am motivated to prove a point to myself and everyone else, that i can do things such as workout, even though i have one hand, and also to others to try something they think they cant do.
Has there been anyone in your life who helped you to understand that even though your hand may be different, that you can still lead a normal life?
My family members and friends have been there to support me, even though i have not had difficulties in living a normal life. I wake up, go to school, and do homework like every other kid i know.
What do you like most about training in the fitness center?
The thing i like most about training in the fitness center is how many different things i can do there, and the variety of machines there are. Also i like how you (Karl) are always teaching me new exercises and showing me the right way to do things. That is probably the best part to me. I think that my experience anywhere else would be very different, and perhaps even turn me away from working out.
Are you interested in participating in school sports? If so, which sports?
I have been playing soccer since i was 4 or 5, however i dont think i will try out for the school team. i do wanna try out for rugby though. ive never played it before but it sounds like fun.
What can you tell others about overcoming obstacles?
To everyone who has some kind of obstacle in their life to overcome, be it physical like me or any other type of difficulty, dont give up. Its a very typical thing to say, but its true. if you have a goal to achieve or a dream to come true, make it happen. Dont procrastinate, just do it, because no matter how hard it is to reach ur goal or dream, it will all be worthwhile in the end. There is always a way to go around obstacles in your life, and i have found a way to overcome mine. That means that you can too. No excuses.
What impresses me the most about Ty is that regardless of the exercise I prescribe, he will always try it first, and then we work together to make adjustments so that he is able to develop his conditioning effectively. He reminds me a bit of myself in that he doesn’t feel as though he needs much for help, and at the same time he has something to prove to others who may look towards adversity in another manner. We need more people like Ty in our world.
I want to thank Ty for taking the time to honestly andwer the questions.
Keep checking the Sport Performance Blog because we will have more interviews just like this one. Coming up this week is our first interview with the weekly Sport Performance Athlete of the Week, grade 11 student Syndey Paradis.
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Tags: Courage, Develops Strength, Ty Develops, Ty Develops Strength
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