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While many people would have given up in his position, Barker became even more determined to finish his education and graduated from DePaul in May 2006.
"DePaul wanted me to come back, and my family was eager to assist me," Barker said. "I would not allow this accident to take everything away for me. So I made up my mind that I could do this with God on my side! After adjusting to a new way of studying, and using computer voice recognition software that would allow me to do word processing, I completed my law school education at DePaul University College of Law!"
Before his accident, Barker worked as a bodily injury claims specialist for State Farm Insurance. He interned for the company as an undergraduate, was offered the job upon graduating, and continued to work there during his time at law school.
Barker, who took the bar exam last week, wants to practice civil litigation, since one can work in a variety of fields, such as tort litigation, product liability, employment discrimination, etcetera.
He credits his desire to become a lawyer with the courtroom television shows he watched as a child. He loves the fact that the law is constantly changing, saying you will never be bored studying law.
"The law is a revolving sphere! You will never become stagnant in your thoughts! The moment you believe you have the answer to a legal issue, you come across an opinion that forces you to rethink your position," Barker said.
"Outside of the fact that you realize it's over, I reflected on the many struggles that I went through to get to this point. It was an instant feeling of pride," Barker said.
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Barker encourages students who have gone through difficult times to remember that law school is challenging for everybody.
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"However, if you were able to get in, then you have the talent and ability to finish," Barker said.
Everyone who has come in contact with Barker has been impressed with his tenacity and willingness to take on the challenges presented to him.
"Terrance is an extraordinary young man who has defied the odds to earn this honor. He put forth a remarkable effort, and we all celebrate in what he has been able to achieve," Dean of Students Diana White said in an article on the school's website.
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