Have you ever seen a baby bird that has fallen from its nest? That is how my mother described my twin sister and me on the day that we were born. Each of us weighed less than two pounds. Our eyes were still fused shut. A ventilator helped us to breathe as our lungs were not fully developed. Tiny wired stickers covered our chest, feet, wrists, arms, and legs in order to monitor our blood pressure, breathing rates, and oxygen levels. My parents were taken to a quiet room and given the grim statistics. At the time of our birth, the survival rate was about 50 percent. Charts and diagrams that were shown explained that even if we did survive, we faced a high risk of mental and physical disabilities. The only thing my parents could do was watch, wait, and pray. After 17 days of fighting to stay alive, my sister passed away. After 125 days in the neonatal intensive care unit, I finally made it home. Some may read this and see it as a tragedy. I prefer to adopt the thoughts of Albert Einstein who was born two months premature and was quoted as saying “There are only two ways to live your life. One is though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is.” My premature birth has been the source of many obstacles and challenges that I have had to overcome throughout my life. When I was just three years old, I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. Simple tasks requiring balance and agility were a struggle, and keeping up with my peers seemed impossible. I was determined to play sports just like any other kid, but I faced many barriers due to my physical limitations. I wasn't strong enough for T-ball, couldn't balance enough for soccer, and basketball was out of the question. Eventually, I discovered ice hockey, a game that required strength, balance, and coordination, but also allowed for gliding on the ice, which helped me compensate for some of my physical limitations. I finally felt like I had found a sport that fit me. When I turned 14, I was thrilled to join a travel team with my closest friends, and it was an incredible season filled with magical moments. However, the following year, I noticed that all the other kids had grown taller and stronger, leaving me at a disadvantage. Although the odds were against me, I remained determined to make the team. Regrettably, I was cut, not only that year but the year after as well. Despite being cut from the team not once, but twice, I refused to give up on my dream. I devoted myself to training harder than ever before, spending countless hours in the gym and on the ice. Eventually, my determination paid off when I received the news that I had finally made it. I can honestly say that there is no one on the ice who is more grateful or happy to be there than I am. Like Michael Mattera Jr., I have faced challenges and pushed through to pursue my education. Despite the many challenges that I have faced as a result of my premature birth, I have learned to be resilient and persistent. My experiences have taught me the importance of perseverance and have inspired me to pursue my goals despite the obstacles that I may encounter, including obtaining a degree in graphic design. I think Albert Einstein had it right. Do you believe in miracles?