In late October, I provided you with a brief background of living with cerebral palsy and my goal of walking across stage to receive my diploma in May 2015. At the time, I just had gotten underway with physical therapy at Bryn Mawr Rehab where I worked very hard with my therapist twice a week, continually making progress on a weekly basis.

Three months later, I have made tremendous strides in my walking ability and ultimately, my all around physical strength. I went from walking 320 feet—relying on two or three people supporting me—to walking 438 feet with just two people standing guard.

Aside from my strong-willed personality to keep moving forward, I made a huge progression since my first update as a result of finding a walker that enables me to be supported at the hips and waist; this support prevents me from relying on someone to keep me upright in the walker. When I first started using the new walker, it took time to get the hang of it like anything else. As the weeks passed, however, I found myself at a point that people at one time deemed impossible. Recently, I have been imagining what it would be like to walk down the hallway at Neumann and I am confident that this will happen sooner rather than later.

As a student-athlete, do you ever feel out of your comfort zone when you try a new sport? In some ways, I can compare my walking experience to playing a new sport. Like I mentioned in my previous post, walking was something that I never was motivated to do because having a wheelchair to get around places did the trick. I also felt discouraged because my doctors and therapists did not think my muscles would ever be strong enough to walk. Realizing that walking probably would never become a reality, I still was determined to use every ounce of energy that I had to make it work.

I was nervous when I started therapy again in August fearing that, at age 26, walking would be out of the question. Well, I pushed myself to the limits and look at where I am now. I feel as though I have walked more in the past five months than I have my entire life thus far. Walking became a huge dream of mine, not only to receive my diploma in May, but for a long-term goal of walking short distances.

Most people take walking for granted. I mean, how difficult can it be to put one foot in front of the other? For me, walking takes an incredible amount of brain power; it is both physically and mentally exhausting. I have to concentrate on every movement I make, from standing up straight to how I position my feet to steering the walker as I am taking each step. It has not been easy, but I am not complaining because achieving the impossible is how we grow stronger as students, as athletes, and as people.

I am excited, proud, and surprised at how much I have overcame since the end of August. To go from having very limited mobility to moving around in a walker is a major feat and something that will continue to give me hope of walking independently in the future.

Graduation is quickly approaching and the finish line is in reach. The first step of my goal will soon be put to the test. I just have to stay positive and motivated, and keep my eye on the prize!

Check back in April to receive a final update before I walk across the stage to receive my diploma that I worked extremely hard for eight years to earn. Grab the tissues and prepare for an emotional day.