By AMBER MEAGER
Recognized athlete and speaker Tyler Wilkinson will speak at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, in 140 JSB as one of the scheduled activities for Disability Awareness Week.
“Whatever your circumstance, it is always neat to hear stories of how people overcome whatever is thrown at them,” said Ron Jones, Student Leadership Coordinator for BYUSA and Student Leadership.
Wilkinson made all-state honors in baseball, football and wrestling in 1992, his senior year of high school. He was recognized as best student-athlete and had a scholarship to play in college.
That year, on his way to visit his girlfriend in Springville, he fell asleep at the wheel and rolled his truck. The ordeal caused extensive damage to his legs and back and put him in wheelchair.
“He has become a role model for all people and has proven that you can overcome anything,” Jones said.
Wilkinson graduated from college and married his girlfriend. The Wilkinsons now have a child. The short film shown on campus, “Tyler, A Real Hero” tells of his story and his struggles.
“It is always good to hear other people’s perspectives, especially someone who knows what it is like in and outside of a wheelchair,” said Adam Clark, a senior majoring in geography from Elk Ridge, Utah, who said he plans to attend Wilkinson’s speech.
“A person with that kind of experience can help others that don’t know what it is like,” Clark said.
Having Wilkinson speak at a forum would be better, said Nicole Kent, a senior with muscular dystrophy from Lake Isabella, Calif., majoring in English.
“If more students were going and knew about it, they would actually listen,” Kent said.
See related story: “Real Hero” Tyler to speak as part of Disabilities Awareness Week
