Cerebral Palsy ain't Got Nothing on Me
Hi, I'm Nicole. I am 25 years old and I was born with the disability called Cerebral Palsy. Being born with a disability you are subjected right from the start to be someone who is perceived to be limited. Doctors love to say you can't walk, you can't drive, you can't be independent. Professors like to say you can't be successful, you can't get an A. Well let me tell you, you absolutely can! I had the odds against me growing up but I never stopped dreaming. I first started out walking with a walker. I had braces on my feet and was going to occupational and physical therapy three days a week. I attended general education and had accommodations because my hands would get fatigued when writing. As time went on I went to more therapies and eventually did not have to use my walker anymore but did use a wheelchair for when I had to go long distances. I kept fighting and pushing myself until I got to high school where I did not have to use a wheelchair anymore! Now, I do not have braces on my feet or use a wheelchair. I go hiking, practice yoga, and walk miles with no assistance.
When attending college, I knew that my dream was to be a special education teacher so I could inspire others to never stop dreaming- that you are capable of being anyone you want to be. I am now a special education Kindergarten teacher, and I get to plant the seed into my sweet 5 year old students' heads that they are capable. The world is going to be rough. There are going to be a lot of haters that you have to prove wrong, but as long as you find that inner strength nothing can stop you.
Yes, somedays I wonder what it would be like to live a "normal" life. How would my life turn out differently? But then I think about how I am placed on this earth, just like you, for a purpose. I have the ability to show others that people with disabilities are the most beautiful people you will ever meet. We just do things a little bit differently than others. I just want to let others know that if you are differently abled you are beautiful just the way you are and you can do anything you set your mind to. Prove others wrong and reach for the stars.
I have a blog for the past four years that gives others insight on to the daily struggles and joys of having a disability.
http://joyinthemidstofstruggles.blogspot.com
