From Elementary Dreams to College Reality: Overcoming Challenges to Achieve Dreams and Reaching for the Stars

We all have hopes and dreams. I vividly remember being in elementary school, imagining what college would be like. I recall college week, proudly wearing a shirt from the school I thought I’d want to attend. To my 5-year-old self, the idea of college felt so far away, almost impossible to picture. Growing up and gaining independence—those dreams seemed just a little too big to reach.

Yet, in my mind, college was never really a question. From as early as I can remember, I’ve had ambitious dreams of working in the medical field. I knew where I wanted to go, even if the road seemed long and uncertain.

Fast forward 13 years, and I found myself reading my acceptance letter to my dream university. It was a moment filled with excitement and disbelief. I had made it.

Years of hard work in school, learning to study, and putting in extra effort to overcome my learning difficulties—all of that paid off. Along the way, I had to learn how to advocate for myself, manage my own medical needs, and even master how to drive. These and countless other milestones led to one thing: independence. Each step was a building block, preparing me for the next chapter of my life—college.

The desire to work in the medical field is personal to me. I attribute much of my success today to the amazing medical team that has supported me over the years. The dream of working in the medical field was planted in me early on, despite not knowing anyone with a physical disability in healthcare. That gap made me want it even more. I know that because of my experiences growing up with a disability, I will be able to connect with my future patients on a deeper level. I want to be the one to encourage them to dream big, just as I was encouraged when I was younger.

When my parents first learned I was going to have Spina Bifida, they weren’t sure what my future would look like. There was so much unknown because everyone with Spina Bifida is different. It’s unpredictable.

But that’s the beauty of disabled joy—feeling the depth of emotion when you reach milestones you weren’t sure you would ever achieve. This complex feeling and experience isn't just about reaching the milestone but taking time to look back at the amazing journey that it took to get there. Achieving things that weren't promised and certainly not easy, and getting to take ownership of everything it took to get there.

My parents had dreams for me—dreams they weren’t certain I would be able to reach. Going to college was one of those dreams, something that felt uncertain for years. And now, here I am, turning that dream into reality.

Now excited for what this next chapter will hold I look forward to the day I can proudly say that I am a recreational therapist helping children achieve their goals through play and adaptive recreation.

If I could share one piece of advice to others going through a challenging situation it would be: don’t let anyone—including yourself—set limits on your dreams. No matter how big or unreachable they seem, take it one step at a time, and you’ll be amazed at how far you can go.