Disability and Positivity

I wanted to join the Air Force.

At least, that was the plan. I did ROTC at different levels, and becoming a flight surgeon was the dream. Steady employment, a challenging field, and an ideal transfer to civilian life seemed like a no-brainer. Additionally, my lineage is full of marines and soldiers. Becoming the first airman in the family seemed like a fun twist...

Instead, a fateful trip to a trampoline park made me the first quadriplegic.

I knew the moment I was paralyzed, I had a choice. Either:

1. I could be bitter, and nobody would blame me (a broken neck wasn't the common cold after all)

2. I could take this and roll, because Option 1 wasn't helping anybody

Spinal shock had me loopy, but I chose Option 2 as they carted me out of the park and into my new life.

And what a life it's been!

The accident happened in 2017, I was only 20. The choice I made that night saved me from drowning in comparison to other young adults getting made, paid, and laid...

But who says I still couldn't? Having been constrained by my accident, suddenly my side-show talents took center stage. Everyone always told me I should speak for a living, but now I firmly believed it. With new confidence (and a few years of rehab), I began a new journey, one that's getting me in front of live audiences doing something I love to do.

Turns out, when people know you've been through some serious trauma, they listen. More often than not, you're making a difference by choosing to endure.

And handicapped parking is amazing too!

Truth be told, I still would've loved the Air Force had I not gone to that tramp park. But the mindset, friends, and life I've built since... now that's something I can stand up for.