At 14, I was confronted with adversity in a way that changed my life forever. My grandfather pushed my sister on a porch swing, and they laughed as she urged him to push "higher." But in a tragic turn, the swing came loose from the ceiling, and it crashed down, crushing her skull and leaving her lifeless on the ground. They told her she would be paralyzed, but she refused to accept that fate. When I heard she defied the doctors and vowed to walk again, I realized that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
During her hospital stay, my sister and I decided to turn our hardship into something positive by creating LATE Clothing. Our brand donates proceeds to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the place that gave my sister and many others a second chance at life. Our brand has gained support from notable figures like Jamie Lee Curtis and has received national media attention from CNN and People Magazine. Through this venture, we found a way to give back to the community.
I now know that I want to make a significant change in this world. The change I envision requires a law degree, which I am determined to pursue. My sister, now a one-handed basketball player, continues to inspire me as she navigates her new world with courage and determination. This newfound purpose drives me to advocate for inclusivity by changing legislation and societal attitudes toward people with disabilities.
Once you experience the unfairness of the world for people with disabilities, you become determined to make it right. As someone who can walk down a sidewalk or enter a building without aid, I feel responsible for using my abilities to create a more inclusive world. One day, I will legislate for inclusivity in all aspects of life, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities regardless of their abilities. You never know when you or someone you care about will need the world to be fair. When that time comes, I will be a voice for change.
During her hospital stay, my sister and I decided to turn our hardship into something positive by creating LATE Clothing. Our brand donates proceeds to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the place that gave my sister and many others a second chance at life. Our brand has gained support from notable figures like Jamie Lee Curtis and has received national media attention from CNN and People Magazine. Through this venture, we found a way to give back to the community.
I now know that I want to make a significant change in this world. The change I envision requires a law degree, which I am determined to pursue. My sister, now a one-handed basketball player, continues to inspire me as she navigates her new world with courage and determination. This newfound purpose drives me to advocate for inclusivity by changing legislation and societal attitudes toward people with disabilities.
Once you experience the unfairness of the world for people with disabilities, you become determined to make it right. As someone who can walk down a sidewalk or enter a building without aid, I feel responsible for using my abilities to create a more inclusive world. One day, I will legislate for inclusivity in all aspects of life, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities regardless of their abilities. You never know when you or someone you care about will need the world to be fair. When that time comes, I will be a voice for change.