Stephen Hawking once said, “I have lived with the prospect of an early death for the last 49 years. I’m not afraid of death, but I’m in no hurry to die. I have so much I want to do first.” And that is exactly what he did. Although Hawking's life ended suddenly on March 14, 2018, he took advantage of every moment he had on this Earth. He lived a full life, discovering things that no other human being was capable of, and all the while touching the hearts of nearly every person in this world. He was a man, who was nothing less than a genius, of many thoughts, thoughts that turned into actions, no matter what people would say, and I'm sure it wasn't always easy. He altered the way in which we perceive human beings with disabilities, starting with his re-discovery of the Big Bang Theory, realizing that it, in fact, was a reverse black hole scenario. And from there, his legacy spiraled into the huge impact that he was and will continue to be for the rest of human existence.

Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) during his college years, which left him almost completely paralyzed. Unlike most, he didn't let that stop him from continuing to change the world with his incredible mind and soul. When he was 65, he participated in a zero-gravity flight, with the help of others. Many were shocked to find out that he, a paralyzed man, was going to willingly expose himself to such an atmosphere. What was his response you might ask? "I want to show that people need not be limited by physical handicaps as long as they are not disabled in spirit.”

If everyone saw things the way he did, the world would be a much different and easy going place. If there's one thing he taught us that we all collectively understand is that, we must not judge people by their physical capabilities, but on what they have to say. As cliche as it sounds, it's always about what's on the inside. And Stephen Hawking in a prime example. May he rest in peace.