I have a core belief in hard work; never giving up no matter how hard life gets. I have to work hard to achieve my goals. I struggle with physical disability, mental health challenges, and learning disabilities. No matter how difficult those struggles are, I know I can overcome anything I set my mind to.

In 1996, I moved out of my parent’s home to live in group homes and a county hospital. I lived this way for ten long years. During that time, I was experiencing many mental health challenges, one of which was accepting I had Cerebral Palsy. The group homes were an institutionalized environment, which means I was not able to make my own decisions about eating, sleeping, showering and much more. I decided to set goals to live independently, to develop relationships, find a girlfriend, and get my life back. I had to work three part-time jobs to secure first month’s rent and deposit. In October of 2006, I finally had enough money to move into my first apartment with a roommate. I was twenty- nine years old. The first twelve months were a difficult learning experience. I realized how little money I had to get basic food or pay bills and that I did not like living with roommates. Ultimately, I decided that living independently was the best way to go. 

Life Works helped me find my own apartment and introduced me to Joy, Tyler, and Darren. We go to social gatherings, have a great time together, and have become good friends. Tyler helps me make friends in the community and he even helped me find my girlfriend Mylissa through an online site called “Ok Cupid”.  Mylissa and I have been together for more than 5 years, and we now share an apartment near the beach that has great amenities. 

In 2015, just when my life was the best it ever was, I had a setback. I had to have a neck surgery. I was even told by one surgeon that I may not walk again if I do not have the surgery soon which was really scary to hear. The surgery was a success but I continue to suffer from a lot of pain. My physical limitations from surgery in addition to Cerebral Palsy left me unable to work, so I decided to pursue a college degree. I struggle with school, but I have become much more confident with my studies. It has been difficult for me, but I am determined to get my degree and to feel more confident in my abilities, so I continue to work hard in school. 

My neck surgery also made me push my physical limitations through exercise. I realized that I had less stress, less pain, better posture, muscle tone, and body symmetry from regular exercise. It has not been easy for me to start and maintain an exercise routine, but I stick to that I can feel my best. In addition to exercise for health, I have made great efforts to eat for health. Teaching myself to eat healthier and convincing Mylisa to eat healthier was difficult, but worth the effort. I eat organic, fresh, healthy foods as much as possible. Mylisa and I watch documentaries together to get educated and stay motivated, and we make constant effort to stay disciplined in weekly shopping. We also take the time to clean, chop and cook vegetables into nutrient rich meals. I amso happy for the changes we have made to our diets and for the commitment we both made to our health. We hope to get married and own a condo or home someday in the future.

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In conclusion, my hard work paid off. Although I did struggle with difficult circumstances and life will always have challenges, I am thankful for all of the good things in my life.  I will continue to set goals for my future and work hard to achieve them. I am grateful for my team at Life Works because they helped me gain confidence in myself, and to see that anything is possible.