Adams represents diversity at Utah State
Tiffany Leo, Associated Students of Utah State University Diversity Vice President, wanted to find someone who is very dynamic to speak for USU’s Diversity Week.
“I wanted someone to cover all areas of diversity and I found Evan Adams,” said Leo.
Evan Tlesla Adams is a Coast Salish actor and writer from the Sliammon Band near Powell River, B.C., Canada.
Adams is a full-scholarship alumnus of St. Michaels University School and of Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, both in Victoria, according to press information.
He has starred in the Emmy-winning TV-movie “Lost in the Barrens” and most recently, Adams starred as Thomas Builds-The-Fire in ShadowCatcher Entertainment’s “Smoke Signals”,
Aside from his career in the arts, Adams has completed three years of pre-med studies at the University of British Columbia. In May he received his medical degree from the University of Calgary.
Adams visited USU on Oct. 30 and talked about the balance needed in life and the things he learned working as an actor and medical professional.
“An open mind will get you anywhere,” he said.
Adams grew up in poverty on the Sliammon reservation. He said when he was six he was given a dictionary for Christmas and then his mother whispered in his ear, ‘You can get out of here’. Adams then determined that he would go to school and succeed. He attended a boys’ school and then went on to college. While in college Adams stumbled upon acting. He was reading a flier about auditions for a show and the woman holding the auditions turned and asked if he was an actor.
“I don’t know why I lied to her, but I did. I told her that I was an actor and we scheduled an audition for the next day,” Adams said. Throughout his acting career, Adams called on the discipline that he used in academics to push him through and become a successful person.
Leo said Adams knew what students needed to hear and said it. He gave a very fitting speech and didn’t focus so much on the cultural aspect of life but more on the entire balance that needs to be kept in.
“He took the time to meet with students before and after his speech and answer any questions they had about his personal or professional life in a very patient manner,” Leo said. “He is very funny and easy to get along.”
He told students his philosophy of success has been compiled from successful people and his culture.
He said, “You should always say hello and never be unapproachable.”
He also advised students to always be alert, stay fit and healthy, follow their heart, be thankful for good company, don’t just disappear from life, slow down, don’t live their life in fear and realize they have done some good.
“Life never turns out the way you think it will. Be fearless and face what is in front of you. Life is uncertain, but decide what emotions you need to indulge. Not everything needs to be paid attention to,” Adams said.
He said to remember that life is not about ability. It is about choice. People have done some terrible things with their gifts, but they must choose to use them for good.
He urged students to realize that the world is filled with different people, and there are some people who will never accept that. And as soon as they can accept that, they will be better off.
Adams said “Please become good and kind people. It is very important.”
-kassrobison@cc.usu.edu