Overcoming the Odds

Thriving Thursday

Do not fear the winds of adversity. Remember: A kite rises against the wind rather than with it. ~unknown

It's really awesome, when you meet someone who shows courage and strength, despite dealing with a devastating disorder like Neurofibromatosis.

Typically causing learning difficulties, NF definitely adds challenges, to anyone diagnosed. Statistics state, that 25-40% of people with Neurofibromatosis have learning disabilities. This may include neuromotor dysfunction and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as deficits in visuospatial processing. In English, having NF makes learning harder then for the average person.

While some may accept the fact that their fate is sealed. There are those that fight against the odds. Meet my friend Christina. I met her on Face Book and found her to be an inspiration! Her positive outlook, and fighting spirit have touched my heart.

"Having a learning disability was never easy for me, especially being the only one in family who has one. It makes it very difficult to gain support from a family who never believed that I could make it through school, let alone college. I still do struggle with disability at times academically when it comes to read comprehension, but what me push through my disability is working really hard in my classes even when it became difficult at times.

I am a very high goal setter. When I put my mind to something I do not stop until I get there. And from the young age of 16, I have already accomplished so much. The goals in my life that I have accomplished so far despite my disability are:
1. Graduating from high school
2. Getting into my community college and graduating from there with my associates
3. Finishing out my degree at my 4 year school, in which I graduated from there with Latin Honors, Cum Laude!!!!!!
Graduating from college with Latin Honors was the proudest moment I have ever felt because I had worked so hard my last two years of college to get to that point.

Now that I am in graduate school studying Special Ed, my new goal is to try to come out with as close to a 4.0 as possible. It may be a lot of hard work but I know I can do it." ~Christina Carlucci

Yes---! You can do it, Christina! You have found the secret that so many people have been searching for! Some will go their entire lives, never finding it. You have drive and spirit and can do anything you want to do.

NF doesn't stop you, or limit you.....Go for it and reach those stars!

Statistics may say that NFers aren't as smart as the "average person", but I disagree. People like Christina, prove to me everyday, that odds and statistics are just numbers on paper. We are flesh and blood, and no charts, graphs, or clinical garbage will define us.

Everyone....has dreams, hopes and desires....Everyone has to fight for them, but it takes someone really special to never let the dreams die.

Thank you Christina, for sharing your story!