Lee and Elizabeth Mockmore Scholarship

My life was simple. Go to work, go to school, and repeat. I spent hours scrolling through different careers I wanted to pursue. I went through life on autopilot. I never felt brave enough to do what I wanted to do. I would stumble over my words and try to come up with something impressive of what I might want to do or achieve in my own life when someone asked. Everything changed the night I decided to pick up an extra shift at a group home. I felt a shooting pain in my back and within a few hours I was rushed over to the nearest hospital in which my body had finally shut down. I was airlifted to the University of Pennsylvania. After weeks of testing, my doctors had confirmed I was diagnosed with idiopathic transverse myelitis that left me paralyzed from the chest down. I spent the next two months in the hospital, doing treatment and rehabilitation. I knew leaving the hospital doors, that my life would change forever. There were days where I would be alone in my room, where I would just cry. I had no movement in my legs, only one working arm. I felt useless, invisible and trapped in my own body. Doctors stated that the chances of me walking again were slim. I felt angry at my life because I felt like my potential was taken away from me. However, everything changed the moment I saw my mother cry. She had always been the strongest person I knew. Seeing her cry made me realize that something had to change. I gave myself the choice of either crying or fighting. I began giving it my all at rehab. I focused on every small victory. I needed me back. As I continued my slow recovery, I started rebuilding my life outside of the hospital. I reenrolled myself back into classes taking two classes at a time. Returning to campus as a disabled student was intimidating, but it reminded me that not all hope was lost. I was still here. I began working as a consultant at Precision Neuroscience, a company that develops devices to support independence for individuals with disabilities. I started working with a University of Delaware's engineering department to develop tools that promote independence for individuals with spinal cord injuries, including adaptive devices that aids users in performing daily tasks like make-up application. Along with that, I started a YouTube channel called agirlwithachair, in which I give advice and words of encouragement. Spiritually, I started going to church and became a Catholic. One day, my spiritual advisor asked me what keeps me going and how I stay strong. I thought about an answer and realized that my diagnosis was not about defeat. It was about guiding me to my purpose. Transverse myelitis forced me to develop confidence in spaces in which I would otherwise feel scared to be in. It has pushed me to lead in ways I've never thought possible. It has also allowed me to advocate for those who may not have a voice. It has allowed me to live with intention. Today, I live with C7 quadriplegia as a result of transverse myelitis. I take my power wheelchair to classes, exams, and doctor’s appointments. My goal remains to graduate college with my degree in leadership and attend law school. I wish to advocate for greater educational, financial, and recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Transverse myelitis was not the end of my story, it became the beginning of my purpose.