I will start my story off by saying even though I have CP, I do not let my wheelchair or condition the defined who I am. I believe that whether you have a disability or just have issues in everyday life. You should never let it define who you are as a person or your ability to do something. I believe that people are put in places for a reason and if you have a disability, the sole purpose of you having a disability is to be a inspiration by turning your disability into abilities to impact the world around you. In this show does because those of us who have a disability doesn't mean that we did not have the same wants, needs and feelings and life and that we can all with as one!. I have had my fair share of ups and downs just like anyone in life does. That's why it's called life because from the day we come out of the mothers womb at the journey never ends. I am very, very adventurous and always wondering what next adventure is around the corner!. Me being adventurous started at a very young age. When I came down Stone Mountain and manual wheelchair and we were in areas that no wheelchair should never go. But we made it down the mountain. No problem, but my mom like any other mom was screaming and yelling saying oh my God oh my God! And I was saying faster and faster go go go!. I've also been carried 2 miles on my cousins back up the Appalachian trail, and yes people were looking at us like we were a little crazy because I was on his back and he would put me down in the grass and I would lay there until it was time to move again. I have always been very outgoing and I don't know anywhere without meeting a stranger or seeing someone I know. I believe that when living with a disability. We all have moments where you wish things were different and we did not have the disability and the struggles that come along with it. But I believe it is important to find something to help cope with the moments where you maybe feel down or wish things were different. For me it is music . I am very much into hard rock and metal. And while it is loud. Yes , I use the intensity of the drums and guitars to allow my mind to go different places. For example, it is my dream to one day work in the music industry and work with some of the artists that I listen to. When I hear certain songs or maybe a part in a song I visited myself working with the artists. Maybe working on music, engaging in conversation, or just flat out headbanging together. I also blog from time to time about my life and different experiences I have had or the journeys I have about to embark on. I feel it is also important to have your own voice . Even if you can't communicate verbally it is important to have the people in place who understand you and are willing to help you in every way possible; to create the vision for your life in which you see. It is also important to make your mark find some way to be your own person and come up with a strategy to stand out among the rest of the crowd. For example , I use tattoos as a means of making people start asking questions about me and my disability to ensure them that it is okay to talk to me. I can communicate and think just like any other person. And by making that breakthrough in connection with the other person . I believe that is how people begin to look past the disability. And how real friendships begin to happen!. I'm currently going back to school to get my GED because I got a special needs diploma, but by me having to do so and has really showed me what I am capable of doing and how well you can really use your mind to think beyond your disability. All it takes is a little drive and determination!. But most importantly, you must use your communication skills to stand out and make people aware and never be afraid to share your hopes, dreams and aspirations for the future. Because even though maybe the first person you tell may find it stupid and doesn't want to hear there is always someone who does. As well, appreciate every moment you share with them before you know it you have been able to teach them something that they would have never learned before they would have never met you.