(Media release) Motivational speaker Marcus Engel will be presenting his story to students at the North Metro campus of Chattahoochee Technical College Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Engel, who will share his extraordinary story of recovery after being blinded and catastrophically injured by a drunk driver, was invited by CTC's Disability Services in recognition of Disability Awareness Month.
"Marcus has a story that isn't just interesting, but inspirational as well," said Kim Ellis, CTC disability services coordinator. "He will be speaking twice on Wednesday so that any student who wants to will hear about how to overcome adversity in a positive way."
Engel's life was forever changed after he and some college friends left a Saturday hockey game in search of a midnight snack. They never made it to that diner. As the carload of teenagers pulled into a busy intersection, a drunk driver traveling at twice the speed limit slammed broadside into the small Toyota; only a thin piece of metal separated Engel from the full impact of the oncoming vehicle.
According to his website, he awoke to a world he would never again see, Engel faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles: survive hundreds of hours of reconstructive facial surgery, adapt to blindness and find happiness in a world changed forever. While still restricted to a hospital bed, a feeding tube and respirator, Engel set his goal: return to college as quickly as possible. This goal would sustain him through two years of medical recovery, a six-month stint at rehab school and one month training with a new Seeing Eye dog. Not only did Engel accept and embrace the challenge, but the life lessons he learned are now the guiding forces that inspire hundreds of thousands every day.
Chattahoochee Technical College provides support services for students with disabilities. Students with documented disabilities may have accommodations in the classroom. Accommodations may include isolated testing, extended time for class work and tests, interpreters, readers, note takers, text in alternative format and peer tutoring. Most recently, Ellis has formed an organization for students with disabilities. They plan on meeting several times a quarter to discuss relevant issues. They will develop a mission statement and a service learning project. The organization will have guest speakers and will also prepare presentations for the classroom.
"Students will gain from this program a better understanding of dealing with adversity in a positive way," said Ellis. "Not only students with disabilities, but everyone. I hope that this presentation will energize students, and help them find ways to overcome obstacles in their path."
Engel is scheduled to appear at 10 a.m. and noon this Wednesday in room 100 of the North Metro campus.
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