#ucpofnyc

First off, Happy Mother’s Day! I wanted to share this quote that I came across today: "No gift to your mother can ever equal her gift to you – life." It made me realize that it’s a great time for me to reflect on my purpose during the past 31 years that I’ve been here because of this great gift that my mother gave me. 

The greatest lesson that I’ve learned from my mother is to give without expecting anything in return. Giving doesn’t have to mean giving a physical gift to everyone you know. It can mean living by example each and every day. I truly believe that my purpose is to prove that people with physical differences, such as myself, have no limitations besides those that others place on us. Each and every day I fight this stigma by proving what I’m capable of and achieving. I hope for others to learn from the way I lead my life. That’s why I feel it’s so important to share my experiences on social media. Of course, I’ve had several really tough days, but the good days make it all worthwhile. Almost every week, I’m reminded by new parents and teachers of children with physical differences that the speaking business that I’ve been pursuing for the past two and half years is paying off. I’m willing to share and answer questions about the good, bad, and ugly. I want them to learn from my experiences. Every child should have the opportunity to receive the gift of independence that my parents gave me. From growing up participating in sports, going to school, then away to college, I was given opportunities that led to a more independent lifestyle. I went away to college and then even further away for pursuing my passion by working behind the scenes in the Hollywood entertainment industry. Then after six and a half years in Southern California, I did decide to spend some time at home with my parents, which allowed me to start my speaking business. A year and a half later, I figured out where I was meant to go next. 

I’ve spent the past year pursuing a new chapter of my life, by living New York City. This city is incredibly diverse and accepting of differences, since there’s a community for everyone here. I meet several new people each and every day. Of course, the pointing, staring, and laughing still occurs but the amount of kind people I come across balance it out. I truly hope that each interaction, whether negative or positive at first, leads to more positive interactions with someone like me in the future. Even though my full time job has led to less time on the speaking stage, I’ve had the honor to participate on several panels over the past few months. I’m able to use my expertise and speaking skills alongside other industry experts. Serving on the planning committee for United Cerebral Palsy of New York City’s Women Who Care Luncheon has also brought so much joy to this new chapter.