Rachel's Miracle

You may remember from an earlier blog when I attended the Youth Leadership Forum for students with disabilities as a delegate in 2010. This year, the leader of the forum asked me to come back as a staff member and also as a speaker. I spoke about how I've overcome adversity as a result of my injury. As a staff member, it was my job to interact with the delegates. I was also a group leader, where we would meet in small groups daily and held discussions. My speech went very well. I had a power point with visual aides to give my audience a better picture of my journey. I talked to the group about how I received my injury, how this injury has changed my life, not only for me but for my family, friends and everyone else around me. I had a power point playing in the background, which showed the timeline of events beginning with the night of the incident through the first year of my journey. The point that I tried to emphasize is that a positive attitude, accepting help from others and a little laughter can go a long way in overcoming adversity! Another nice thing was that I got to spend five days without anyone nagging me about what I’m doing wrong, or what needs to be improved on. Etc., etc., etc. We all accepted each other for who we are. No judging. It was great speaking to the delegates, I feel like I made a difference in their lives and it was inspiring being around others who shared similar challenges. I had such a great time. Hopefully I’m invited back next year, so I can continue to help others with my story.

Memory has a way of fading over three years. And with my memory, I thought I had forgotten everything about my experience at the YLF, but as soon as I walked in, I recognized faces. We renewed friendships and talked like no time had passed. As the forum continued through the week, everything came back to me from three years ago. I guess my memory’s not as bad as I thought!

 With my roommate, Jackie.