We all have goals that we set for ourselves whether they are in the classroom, on the playing field, on the job, or in our personal lives. Once we set these goals, we become so engrossed in achieving them, putting great time, energy, and effort to make our goals become realities. It does not matter how big or small our goals are or even how long it takes us to reach the point of great satisfaction; instead, what matters most is that we pour our hearts and souls out, persevering through even the toughest moments to attain our goals and feeling rewarded at the finish line.

Living with cerebral palsy (CP) is definitely not a walk in the park, as I experience unique challenges on a daily basis that most people take for granted. Due to my CP, I lack the ability to walk on my own as a result of muscle weakness which, in turn, leaves me confined to a wheelchair. Surprisingly, up until a few months ago, I never cared that I was wheelchair-bound and unable to walk. I felt exactly like the rest of my peers except that I required a piece of equipment in order to get me around independently. My wheelchair was a part of me, just like workable legs are part of someone who has normal function.

In the spring of 2014, reality hit me hard: I began to have a strong dislike that I was in a wheelchair and that I had many physical limitations aside from my peers. For example, I began feeling guilty while watching the student-athletes at Neumann play sports because I badly wanted to get out on the playing surface with them to experience the intensity and excitement from an athlete’s perspective. I also felt a sense of sadness rush over me during this time because, after eight years of being an undergraduate at Neumann, graduation was only a year away. It can be noted that I still feel like I am on an emotional roller coaster.

Since it is not possible to cure CP, I set a massive goal for myself, which was and continues to be, to walk across the graduation stage to receive my diploma in May of 2015. I do not think I ever wanted anything more than to have the ability to walk like my fellow classmates to receive a piece of paper that I have worked so hard to earn.

I had physical, occupational, and speech therapy on a weekly basis from the time I was six months of age. Although I always enjoyed going to therapy, I did not have the mental capacity to understand why therapy was beneficial; I just let the therapists do what they needed to do and did what they asked of me. Several years ago, I was denied therapy because they said that I would not make any more progress. Well, I believe that there is always room for progression because I never know if I could possibly gain enough strength in my legs to have the ability to use a walker one day.

As a result of wanting to walk across the graduation stage more than anything, my parents and I started researching physical therapy places this past summer. My head was finally in the game, my maturity level grew, and I had a very specific goal in mind. I felt confident that, with these three elements in place, I would get approved for physical therapy after many years. And…I did!

In late August, I started going to physical therapy twice a week at Bryn Mawr Rehab. The progression that I have made in just two months feels incredible. My therapists are working with me extremely hard during every session, keeping me moving the entire hour that I am there and I love every second of it. The therapists are trying different equipment and techniques with me that nobody had ever suggested. I do various strengthening exercises at each session and finish up with ten minutes of using a walker. In September, I walked 145 feet with three people supporting me, a few weeks ago I walked 275 feet, and my newest record reached 320 feet with two people supporting me.

When I picture myself walking across the graduation stage in May my emotions run high. Not only have I been surprised by my quick progression, but so have my therapists, family, and friends. Every time I talk about my physical therapy, I feel a sense of great excitement and accomplishment. For the first time in my life, I am gaining more freedom in my ability to move on my own. I realize that I will always need to rely on a wheelchair, but if I keep my determination and motivation at full strength, I believe that I will be able to use a walker independently for short distances.