4 years ago I remember crying all the time as I was preparing to move out for college. I was so nervous transitioning to living on my own because I did not think i could do it. i was scared that my roommate would not be helpful or judge me for my disability. i didn't think i could make friends or do my own laundry or go get food all the time. what if i couldn't open something who would help me? these were the thoughts of my mind freshmen year. but now let me tell you how those thoughts were completely wiped away and what i have gone through in these past 4 years have completely blown my mind and i have seen God's beauty work through my life to make me the completely independent person living with a disability i could be.
my first big step was applying to be an alpha leader and i got it! i got the opportunity to be a student leader. i got the opportunity to go on bridges, which is physical demanding because you have to walk and serve all over san fran. when i accomplished that task i was amazed at how strong God made me and the beautiful friends i had that supported me through that time. i remember being nervous to meet my alpha group because i was afraid the freshmen were going to judge me for being disabled and not think it is fair because they had a not so normal alpha leader. again those walls were broken down because i was blessed with freshmen who loved me for who i am and we embraced each other for that. alpha gave me the confidence that i could be a leader and influence others. it also gave me beautiful friendships that i still cherish today.
the next year i applied to go to south africa which i honestly don't know how i was driven to apply. i remember getting in and crying because i was shocked i got in and nervous as heck. i didnt think i could do it but with the support of my family and friends i knew it would be an opportunity of a lifetime and boy was it ever. i learned that i was able to go somewhere and be completely independent. i had some amazing experiences and grew even stronger in myself. i was able to speak about my disability in chapel there which is something i never would have thought. i had amazing conversations about my disability there which is even more amazing to me because i did not expect it. and again i was afraid the people would not accept me but it was the total opposite. they are the most accepting and loving individuals that did not put any limitations on me and i am so beyond grateful for that.
this year i got to go to puerto rico and serve a wonderful woman over there. again with worries that i would not be able to do the service that was needed over there i should not have worried at all. i was able to do everything and was surrounded by people who let me do everything and did not think any less of me.
these past 4 years i have seen myself struggle and grow so much. it brings tears to my eyes thinking i have to say bye to this school. i am a strong independent disabled woman who is ready to go serve my fellow individuals who have disabilities. i am ready to create a beautiful environment in my classroom where it does not matter what kind of disability you have. all that matters is that we support and lift each other up.
to all my friends, roommates, family, and classmates i want to thank you for accepting me with open arms throughout these years at APU. i want to thank you for giving me a chance and not putting limitations on me. God sure knew what He was doing when he brought me to this beautiful place called APU. as sad as i am to leave to this place i am excited for the next chapter in my life. <3
my first big step was applying to be an alpha leader and i got it! i got the opportunity to be a student leader. i got the opportunity to go on bridges, which is physical demanding because you have to walk and serve all over san fran. when i accomplished that task i was amazed at how strong God made me and the beautiful friends i had that supported me through that time. i remember being nervous to meet my alpha group because i was afraid the freshmen were going to judge me for being disabled and not think it is fair because they had a not so normal alpha leader. again those walls were broken down because i was blessed with freshmen who loved me for who i am and we embraced each other for that. alpha gave me the confidence that i could be a leader and influence others. it also gave me beautiful friendships that i still cherish today.
the next year i applied to go to south africa which i honestly don't know how i was driven to apply. i remember getting in and crying because i was shocked i got in and nervous as heck. i didnt think i could do it but with the support of my family and friends i knew it would be an opportunity of a lifetime and boy was it ever. i learned that i was able to go somewhere and be completely independent. i had some amazing experiences and grew even stronger in myself. i was able to speak about my disability in chapel there which is something i never would have thought. i had amazing conversations about my disability there which is even more amazing to me because i did not expect it. and again i was afraid the people would not accept me but it was the total opposite. they are the most accepting and loving individuals that did not put any limitations on me and i am so beyond grateful for that.
this year i got to go to puerto rico and serve a wonderful woman over there. again with worries that i would not be able to do the service that was needed over there i should not have worried at all. i was able to do everything and was surrounded by people who let me do everything and did not think any less of me.
these past 4 years i have seen myself struggle and grow so much. it brings tears to my eyes thinking i have to say bye to this school. i am a strong independent disabled woman who is ready to go serve my fellow individuals who have disabilities. i am ready to create a beautiful environment in my classroom where it does not matter what kind of disability you have. all that matters is that we support and lift each other up.
to all my friends, roommates, family, and classmates i want to thank you for accepting me with open arms throughout these years at APU. i want to thank you for giving me a chance and not putting limitations on me. God sure knew what He was doing when he brought me to this beautiful place called APU. as sad as i am to leave to this place i am excited for the next chapter in my life. <3
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