Dear Biological Mother, You birthed me, Prince Brooks, but the man I’ve grown into is Brooks Growney. When you last saw me at 3-days old I was a healthy African American baby. My journey took an unexpected turn when I entered the realm of foster care. But, I ask myself, do you ever wonder what’s become of me? Let me share...I have defied all odds…I am alive! I was lucky enough to be taken into foster care by one family, a loving white couple – my parents – Barbara and Sean Growney. They eventually adopted me and gave me love, support, and a chance at life. I’ve forged meaningful connections with individuals who became an integral part of my support system. These experiences instilled in me the values of compassion, empathy, and the power of unconditional love. But that only goes so far, our genes account for something, I have again defied all odds…I am alive! I didn’t think I’d drive, never mind be writing this essay. I have one of the world’s rarest genetic disease called Multicentric Carpal Tarsal Osteolysis Syndrome (MCTO), which only 7 people in the world has ever been diagnosed with. It’s a progressive disease, which has no cure. When I was six years old, I grappled with the realities of a rare disease that set me apart from my siblings and peers. The physical limitations and medical interventions demanded resilience and a steadfast commitment to my well-being. The reality is I’m not supposed to live past the age of thirty. My parents fought for my medical well-being so I could attend the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and have been there for several years. Despite the challenges, I refused to let my condition define me, instead leveraging it as a source of strength. My drive came from my parents, if they were willing to fight for me, then so was I. Through my journey, I developed a deep empathy for others facing health struggles and a profound appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit…I am alive! Additionally, I was faced with growing up as an African American in a white household, which presented unique challenges. However, this duality served as an opportunity for growth and cultural exploration. It pushed me to engage in difficult conversations about race, to embrace my heritage, and to cultivate a sense of pride in both sets of roots. This journey of self-discovery deepened my understanding of diversity. I remind myself…I am alive! I have two healthy siblings. My sister is 3 months younger than me. My brother is 2 years younger and is my best friend. But, it wasn’t all unicorns and rainbows growing up with them, seeing them be able to succeed in sports that I couldn’t participate in because of my handicaps. I have encountered countless obstacles that tested my soul. Each challenge became a stepping stone toward personal growth and self-improvement. I have learned to persevere in the face of adversity. These experiences have fueled my determination to become something, someone. I was put here for a reason…I am alive! My life’s journey has been shaped by a combination of factors: a rare disease, foster care, racial identity, and overcoming obstacles. Rather than allowing these circumstances to define me, I have used them as catalysts for personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery. I am committed to leveraging my experiences to make a lasting impact. So, I thank you for having the courage to give me up to foster care and eventually be adopted by an amazing family. You did what was best for me…you let me live!

Growing up with a physical disability, at first made me bitter, angry and resentful of my non-biological siblings in the home I was adopted into after foster care. But, at the age of 6, I was mostly starting to learn how unfair life was and wondering what I did to deserve the life sentence I had been served. I could have gone in two directions, be a part of the world or become a statistic of it. Like my adopted mom always says, you can’t change the world, but you can change it one person at a time and I decided to start with myself. Being a part of this community has taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, empathy, and the power of community. One of the most significant ways that being a part of the disabled community has impacted my worldview is teaching me the importance of perseverance. In a world that is not always designed to accommodate people with disabilities, you can become discouraged. But, it is possible to overcome the most difficult obstacles with determination and willingness to persevere. I’m a 6’5, African American, male and everyone asks me if I play basketball. I just politely say “No, I just concentrate on my studies.” I still wear long sleeves in the summer, so no one can notice that I can’t straighten my arms. But, being disabled has taught me the importance of empathy. You realize others are facing challenges too, and this can help to cultivate a sense of compassion and understanding. This has been a valuable lesson that I have carried with me throughout my life, as it has helped me to connect with people. I am so intuitive to people’s feelings now. Moving forward, I plan to use my experiences as a member of the disabled community to positively impact my future as a zoologist. I plan to advocate for accessibility in zoos and other animal facilities. I want to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities to learn about and interact with animals. This could involve creating accessible exhibits, providing sign language interpreters for tours, or developing programs specifically designed for people who can’t walk very well. I could work with a local disability group to provide educational programs about animals. I would love to bring animals to a school of handicapped children and let them enjoy some happiness like animals bring to my life. The world is a difficult place but if I can make it easier for another in my condition, I would feel satisfied. Finally, I’ve been going to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) since I was 6 years old, I’ve seen some very unfortunate children but being the comedian that I am, I’m planning to keep putting smiles on their faces and making them laugh, that’s my niche. To uplift others who may be going through similar struggles. By connecting with others, we can create a community that is more supportive, more inclusive, and ultimately, more empowering. Being a part of the disabled community has greatly impacted my view of the world and has taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, empathy, and the power of community. I plan to use these experiences to positively impact my future by advocating for those with disabilities in the recreational and science centers for greater accessibility, breaking down stereotypes, and continuing to uplift others. I am grateful for my experiences even though they have come at an expense. There are no mistakes, just lessons to be learned. I look forward to making a more positive difference in the world.

As a Zoo Science major, I am passionate about animals. I am also committed to people with disabilities. I believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities and access to resources, and I intend to use my education and skills to make a difference in the lives of disabled individuals. I plan to help by advocating for accessibility in zoos and other animal facilities. I want to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities to learn about and interact with animals. This could involve creating accessible exhibits, providing sign language interpreters for tours, or developing programs specifically designed for people who can’t walk very well. I could work with a local disability group to provide educational programs about animals. I would love to bring animals to a school of handicapped children and let them enjoy happiness. The world is a difficult place but as my mother said you can’t change the world but you can change it one person at a time. Overall, I believe that my passion for animal welfare and my commitment to helping people make me uniquely qualified to make a difference. I am excited to use my education to create a more inclusive world.

Training dolphins is a fascinating career that attracts individuals who are passionate about marine life and enjoy working with animals, this is me! While it may seem like an exciting job, it requires a particular set of skills and qualities to excel in this field. I feel like I have those skills despite my disabilities, as I try not to let them get in my way. As someone interested in this profession, it is essential to understand what traits and values you require to succeed. The qualities in a job that are important to me are ones such as patience, creativity, and intuition. These also happen to be crucial when it comes to training dolphins, which I believe would make me a good trainer. Patience is necessary as it can take a long time for a dolphin to learn a new behavior. Creativity is also crucial as trainers need to come up with new training methods to keep the dolphins engaged and interested. Intuition is required to understand the dolphin's emotional state and provide the best environment for their well-being. I also believe these same traits can be applied to human beings. We are not much different from animals, humans want people to be patient, to be intuitive, and to allow them room for creativity. Not all managers or colleagues allow this. These qualities are essential to allowing one to grow emotionally and intellectually. Having a love for animals and a sense of responsibility for their care is essential. As a trainer, you would need to take care of the dolphins' every need, from feeding them to providing mental stimulation. You also have to educate visitors about their behaviors. Teamwork is necessary, as you must work with other trainers to ensure the dolphins' well-being. Attention to detail is a critical value. I would look for an environment in which teamwork was emphasized because that’s how my family raised me, I couldn’t do everything alone so we all helped each other. We all have different talents and weaknesses. I would need an atmosphere where this was fostered for me to succeed and others. I may not be able to do something physically, but I might have the intellect or the ideas that someone else might need. Camaraderie makes the world go round. Researching the industry, company values, and career opportunities will help me find the right match. Partaking in internship opportunities, networking events, and volunteering at animal sanctuaries will give me the insight and skills needed to work towards my dream job. I also believe in my intuition and my faith, that I will land where I’m meant to, as long as I put in the right amount of time, research and work. But, most importantly you can’t go wrong when you go with your gut instinct, after all, animals do all the time. 😊 Overall, training dolphins can be an extremely rewarding job, but it requires a unique set of skills and values which include patience, creativity, intuition, love for animals, a sense of responsibility, teamwork, attention to detail and the ability to work well under pressure. Understanding these values will help me narrow down my job search and give me direction toward the work I enjoy despite my physical challenges. I believe my research and gut instincts will lead me in the right direction, along with having a little bit of faith in myself that I’ll choose the right company and career path. Remember that nothing is permanent and there are always bends in the road, but I’ll always land right side up with my family by my side.