It Cannot Define You | The Odyssey Online
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Politics and Activism

It Cannot Define You

Embrace your true self!

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It Cannot Define You

Disabilities.

Gosh, I don't know where to start. How about with the fact that I have several. ADHD, is the most prominent one of all though. Most people say that I wouldn't ever amount to anything. But i proved them wrong. I'm sitting her writing to a national audience. I mean, i don't know about you but that sure as hell says something to me. So, I guess my disability still defines me? yeah, I thought so. But I grew up with a mother and siblings, whom also have disabilities, and my mom always told me that there is no such thing as a Disability, But am ability to overcome an obstacle standing in my way. Now, Granted that I am almost 18, finishing up high school, continuing my music and writing career, also my photography, I would say that I'm pretty much "Overcoming" my label that defines me.

A label. Four letters, one vowel. ADHD. Attention Deficit Hyper-Activity Disorder. The four words that made my life growing up, a living hell. I was judged, called names, told that i shouldn't waste oxygen on myself. Told I was wrong and needed to stop defending my little brother against a girl who couldn't shut up if her life depended on it. I'm sorry, but borderline HATE SPEECH is against the law. No one should have to go through that. But i did. Bullied until 8th grade, i thought i was nothing. I thought, that since my father figure left, i was nothing. I meant nothing. But I was so wrong. My mom, is my superhero. Because everyday, I would come home with a problem, she would listen, and make all the pain go away. She understands how i feel, what i feel, and why i feel it. She never once let me be alone in anything when it came to pain. She would listen, understand, I knew I could go to her about anything. She and family are the only ones who didn't define me by four letter and a vowel. they defined me on my character, my personality, my dignity, and my intelligence. I could never ask for a better family.

I grew up in a world where Disorders are hated and shunned, disabilities not "Spoken about." and different was foreign. I grew up in a hateful and spiteful society with little no respect for those who have different strengths than others. I got told I wouldn't ever amount to anything all the time. Well, I'm a Junior in High school, in a 5 time, first place, award winning A Capella choir, and having the most wonderful time of my life. Because, yes my disabilities do have an effect on me, but not so much that I can't overcome them. Not so much that I can't be the best version of me. That you can't be what you want in life, what you want to achieve in life. Not that much. Because I don't know about you but, I'm done with people telling me what I can and cannot do based on four letters and a vowel. Pretty sure i'm more than that.

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