Chris Puglia
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 25/02) - When Terry Kelly was two-years-old he lost use of a primary sense, his sight to a hereditary kind of cancer.

Faced with the loss of his vision he turned what could have been viewed as a negative into a positive.

Terry Kelly is a motivational speaker and musical artist. - Chris Puglia/NNSL photo

"The biggest challenge was accepting the fact that I am blind. That is something I won't be able to change, but there is lots I can change," said Kelly.

Once he established that mind set he went on to a host of accomplishments that he has used to help motivate students nationwide.

Besides a number of awards and nominations for his music he is also an accomplished athlete and the third blind person in the world to run the mile in under five minutes.

Kelly's school motivational sessions promote respect for ones self and for others. Close to 500 students from St. Patrick high school, Weledeh and Sir John Franklin high school had the opportunity to attend Kelly's show Tuesday that combined music and inspirational speaking.

"I've had so many good teachers and mentors I feel it's my responsibility to share some of those gifts I've been given," said Kelly about why he chooses this line of work.

"I continuously learn from it. I like the energy when a presentation works."

According to two students who had the opportunity to listen to Kelly's performance it does work.

"I learned because I am visually impaired not to let blindness get in the way," said Angela Kalluk a Grade 9 student from St. Pat's.

Kalluk said her biggest challenge is overcoming other students' perceptions who believe because she is visually impaired she can't do many things other children can.

"I don't like being limited," Kalluk said, adding she aspires to be a singer and Kelly's achievements helped her believe that goal is attainable.

Alex Kenny, a Grade 4 student from Weledeh, was also inspired by Kelly's presentation.

Kenny is also visually impaired.

"It helped me. Lots of kids tease me and it helped me learn how to stop them, without teasing them," he said.

Kenny said the show gave him confidence that he can do what he sets his mind to.

"If he can do the careers that are good I can choose the careers I want to," he said.

Kelly's performance doesn't just relate to students with disabilities, visual or otherwise, Kelly said they extend to everyone.