My dad has always told me, "Gracen, I see 10 girls on the court and one only one of them is an amputee. Don't be so hard on yourself." This never fails to either make me cry or very frustrated. Being the odd one out in a sport is never easy, as it comes with numerous obstacles. However, this has shaped me into the person I am. Growing up in a basketball-filled household, I have always had a love for the game. I have played for my small private school since the 5th grade. However, there have been many challenges that I have faced while working through my disability. Physically, there are many things -- skin breakdown, which can lead to an infection, profuse perspiration, an "odd-fitting" prosthesis, the use of more oxygen, and not being the fastest person on the court. Though these physical obstacles can get in my way, nothing can compare to the mental toll this experience has had on me. For some reason, I have had the hardest time getting rid of the little voice in my head telling me that I am not good enough -- I am too slow, too disabled, and too different. I cannot begin to explain how many tear-filled, post-game car rides I have had in my life. As time went on, I overcame that voice. I made the corrections needed and adapted to my difference. I have accomplished many goals of mine, such as being a junior varsity starting captain in the eighth grade, making varsity in the ninth grade, starting for varsity in the eleventh grade, and now going into senior year being a varsity starting captain. I even got the chance to be on my local news station, WITN, as the Pepsi Player of the Week, where I got to share my story and how those with disabilities should never be treated any differently than those who are able-bodied. The accomplishment that I will cherish the most is the impact I had on others. I have been called an inspiration and a hero many times by many people -- I hope that these individuals felt pushed to do the impossible and overcome any obstacles they have in their lives. The workers at my Orthotics and Prosthetics office once told me that amputees do what people believe to be the impossible. This is what basketball has affirmed for me. I choose to live with resilience and persistence while fearing no challenge. I have learned that my main goal in life is to inspire others and help them achieve their dreams.