Students hear impact, significance in inspiring presentation

Students in KINE 4809 Exercise Prescription for Clinical Populations, taught by Julie Barnes, heard directly from motivational speaker and “walking quadriplegic” Michael Bowen.

Bowen’s story involves a near-fatal car accident in 1985 that caused paralysis and significant spinal cord injuries, but it’s also a story of countless hours of intense physical rehabilitation, inspiration, determination, thousands of miles of biking by Bowen to speak to and motivate others with similar injuries, coaching tennis and other milestones and accomplishments.

The words expressed by Bowen to the East Carolina University students emphasized how important occupational therapy, recreational therapy, physical therapy and nursing were to his recovery. He praised Brandy, Kim and Althea for their professional roles and influence on him, including how Kim supported his dream by helping attach him to a stationary bike as he relearned to move his legs and pedal. Instead of discouraging Bowen about time management, he said Kim boosted his confidence and his will to cycle.

“That is the impact you have the opportunity to have,” Bowen told the class.

Bowen is a North Carolina native, ECU graduate in health education and promotion and former UNC Wilmington tennis player. He authored “The Viewfinder: Michael’s Story” in 2023.

“Be significant in your life,” he said. “I am here today because I am trying to be significant. I don’t get paid for this. I am here because of the people who were significant in my life, and just passing it on.”

Michael Bowen graduated from ECU with a master’s degree in heath education and promotion in 2006.