The Power of Positive Thinking at the Porter Chester Institute Career Day

On Monday, Jan. 7, the Porter Chester Institute, 5 Campanelli Circle in Canton hosted a career day for their students. The focus, to start the New Year with the tools needed to succeed such as resume writing, social media, cover letter development, interviewing tips and techniques and job search resources.

The Porter and Chester Institute came to Canton three years ago and has four locations in Massachusetts. It offers the following programs in the Canton location; Automotive Technology, Computer Aided Drafting and Design, Computer and Network Technology, Electronics Systems Technician, HVACR Technology, Industrial, Commercial and Residential Technician, Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting and Administrative Health Specialist.

Students, faculty and several parents gathered to hear Jay Blake, founder and president of Follow a Dream, a non-profit organization that Blake founded shortly after going blind, losing his sense of smell and his sense of taste due to an industrial accident in May of 1997. Blake partnered with Porter and Chester seven years ago and hopes to inspire students.

"You don't let your fears stop you, you let your dreams drive you," said Blake.

Blake refused to give up on life and followed his dream of owning a professional auto racing team. He turned a personal tragedy into an opportunity.

Although Blake's brother, Jim Blake, thought he was crazy to want to start a race car team after his accident, Blake didn't give up and his brother did agree to drive a car for him.

Before losing his sight Blake worked as a mechanic for more than 15 years and worked in drag racing for 25 years.

In 2012, Blakes team came in first in the East Coast Regional Championship.

His goal this year is to go out to the Bonneville Saltflats, Utah and drive a car over 200 miles per hour thereby giving him the title of the "Fastest Blind Man in the World."