Situations can be accomplished or failed. Being defeated is a choice to let down your guard and let failure take over. Overcoming obstacles are an intricate part of life, and struggles will arise for each of us to make the choice of becoming defeated or achieved.

When I was three years old, I broke my left arm. I wore a cast for six weeks, and then something was brought to my parents attention. Prior to breaking my arm, my parents were unaware that I had a birth defect that one in seventy-five thousand children are diagnosed with. I was taken to a specialist in Oklahoma City where I was diagnosed with Radial Club Hand in my left palm, meaning I did not have a muscle in my palm and thumb. I never let this birth defect slow me down. The side effects should have prevented me from being involved in various activities, such as sports, but it never stopped me.

In following years, I was involved in competitive cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, golf and softball. Performing in these brought great joy to me, even with the obstacle of not being able to grip a bat, club or a flyers foot. Not being able to hold onto anything, or bend my thumb in my left hand has been difficult and numerous times, a disability.

Although I am diagnosed with a disability, I have never let it get in the way of my success. I have accepted that I have a birth defect, but I do not identify myself with being disabled.

The diagnosis explained an unanswered question as to why I could not pick up a glass of water without it spilling, why I couldn't squeeze my glove to catch a ball and why I couldn't do many stunts in cheerleading. I then knew I would have to depend on my right hand for many tasks. My thumb does not make me different; it reminds me to be thankful because the outcome could have been much worse. My thumb has no life changing result, but it reminds me to be humble and keep pushing because I am able to complete any goal I set my mind to.