Jessica Nandez
I have had Cerebral Palsy-Spastic Diplegia since premature birth. Now a 25-year-old college student, I’ve had my fair share of good and bad days, I’ve learned, feeling powerful (beautiful) has always been a choice for me that only I can make. Being powerful (beautiful) should not be tied to our appearance, but on how one chooses to live.
Everyone, disabled and able bodied, has had to adapt to something at some point in their life. It is how we adapt to life regardless of circumstances that makes us all unique. I love who I am, the woman I’ve become, for this reason alone. I’ve never had intentions of proving anyone wrong, but have only tried to challenge myself. That feeling of accomplishing a goal for me pushes me to the next step.
People always ask, “If you could change anything about your life, what would it be?” They seem shocked that my answer isn’t anything to do with being disabled. I love cooking, going out on the town, and enjoying life.
I was raised to give where it is needed, no matter the amount. Being disabled has allowed me to teach others about life from a different perspective not in a way that I aim to be someone’s instant inspiration, but so they may see another disabled person as someone with the same fears hopes and dreams as theirs. Whenever I can help someone, it’s the best feeling in the world. I’m the friend, the cousin, the sister one goes to when they need a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, and the daughter who takes care of their mother with Lupus.
I love who I am because my disability has shown me so much more about who I am; a strong, independent, fun, lovable, BEAUTIFUL woman.
Photographed by Laura Tillinghast
I have had Cerebral Palsy-Spastic Diplegia since premature birth. Now a 25-year-old college student, I’ve had my fair share of good and bad days, I’ve learned, feeling powerful (beautiful) has always been a choice for me that only I can make. Being powerful (beautiful) should not be tied to our appearance, but on how one chooses to live.
Everyone, disabled and able bodied, has had to adapt to something at some point in their life. It is how we adapt to life regardless of circumstances that makes us all unique. I love who I am, the woman I’ve become, for this reason alone. I’ve never had intentions of proving anyone wrong, but have only tried to challenge myself. That feeling of accomplishing a goal for me pushes me to the next step.
People always ask, “If you could change anything about your life, what would it be?” They seem shocked that my answer isn’t anything to do with being disabled. I love cooking, going out on the town, and enjoying life.
I was raised to give where it is needed, no matter the amount. Being disabled has allowed me to teach others about life from a different perspective not in a way that I aim to be someone’s instant inspiration, but so they may see another disabled person as someone with the same fears hopes and dreams as theirs. Whenever I can help someone, it’s the best feeling in the world. I’m the friend, the cousin, the sister one goes to when they need a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, and the daughter who takes care of their mother with Lupus.
I love who I am because my disability has shown me so much more about who I am; a strong, independent, fun, lovable, BEAUTIFUL woman.
Photographed by Laura Tillinghast