At a young age, I never took my disability seriously. I never realised living with Cerebral Palsy (CP) could be so challenging. What was it that made my disability invisible? My academic career began in a special needs school in central London. I spent 13 years of my life completing primary, and secondary in the same building. It was easy for me to ignore my condition. Wherever I turned, everyone was wearing the same shoes as me. There was no reason for me to feel out of place. It was almost as if I was hiding in my shell. 13 years later, that shell cracked open. It was then, I realised I entered the ‘real’ world. The moment I stepped into a college that consisted of able-bodied students; for the first time, I felt alienated, isolated, let alone scared. I was out of my comfort zone! I’m not going to lie; at times I did feel like a towel being hung out to dry. The older I got, the more I began to realise this wasn’t something to ignore. People looking at you left, right and centre. I was, and sometimes still am, a shy character.
A voice inside of me told me to stand back, and just watch. Of course, I didn’t go through college and university without any friends. There is a selected few that noticed my personality and disregarded the four-wheeled chair I use on a daily basis. I had a chance to let my personality shine through, and that’s what made me stronger! “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger!” it’s true, I stand by that saying everyday. Those are the people, who know the ‘real’ me, the people I keep in my circle of trust! I’m overwhelmed with happiness to be surrounded by people, who inspire, motivate and has given me the strength to go on with my life. They are the reason as to why I am able to show the world what I am capable of. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. When you’re surrounded by people, who sincerely believe in you to the moon and back; you know you can do anything you set your mind to! I was fortunate to see that mystical shimmering white light at the end of the tunnel. My family and friends have led me through dark pathways of life, and continued to motivate me, just so I could make it through college, and finally become a university graduate in Media studies during the year of 2009.
Once I held that diploma in my hand, I knew l didn’t need any further proof or reasoning to believe in myself. I felt I accomplished a lifetime of challenges. Of course, it wasn’t always fine and dandy, but who said life would be? There have been ups and downs in my life. People have seen the rise and fall of this disabled woman. – So much so, I almost gave up on my dream of becoming a successful journalist. Another thing on my list of accomplishments was to see my name on the by-line of an article. Over a year later, I found myself giving all my energy in pursuing my ultimate career goal. Catch 22 put the icing on the cake; it was my birthday all over again! I felt liberated, overwhelmed with a ton of emotions that’s impossible to canvas on a blank sheet of paper! I’m on a journey that was inconsistent in the beginning. Now, it’s slowly and smoothly continues together with my family, friends, and best of all my determination to be the best that I can be!
Being disabled is nothing to be ashamed of. We all come in different shapes and sizes. It's what makes us special. If we were all the same on earth; life would be boring. Be proud to be different! When you look in the mirror, believe that you're different for a reason. God gave you a life so that you can accomplish what you can. No one is expecting anything more. Ignore the people that stand in your way!
I consider my disability a gift. If God takes one thing away, something in return is given back. Don't decline that gift; embrace it with your heart and soul!
