I was so touched by the reactions after I gave a speech at my old high school. This one dad approached me with tears in his eyes, telling me that hearing my story changed his life. When people tell me stuff like this, you can imagine how that warms my heart.

Last month, I spoke at my old high school’s art honor society. Donations for the fundraiser were going towards FARA (Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance) and thanks to my fashion/art teacher, Ms. Elder, I spoke about my story with Friedreich’s Ataxia in the school auditorium. It felt extremely empowering even if it was only for a few minutes- as someone who is disabled, and for someone who used to have major challenges with public speaking.

Having a disability always comes with stereotypes of not being able to do things or speak for yourself which my family and friends know me well enough to know that is not at all true! There have been times where they wheel me and someone asks something to me but looks at the person wheeling me, as if I’m not there… “How old is she?” or “What is she looking for today?” I then answer for myself, and hopefully it teaches them for the next physically disabled person they speak to. This still happens occasionally, but not often, as I’m glad most people don’t do this. My legs don’t work, but my brain still does!

Even if every parent or student watching me speak didn’t believe in that stereotype, it still felt like an amazing opportunity to educate people on what my disability is really about. And especially, that I live my life just as someone without a disability- attending college, working, having passions/hobbies, etc.

I absolutely dreaded the days of each class presentation in high school where I physically shivered and my voice noticeably shook. Being in college calmed me down a lot which was probably because I did them so many times that I eventually just got comfortable with it. It also has to do with the confidence I now have in myself, since that was almost nonexistent in high school. I 100% still have nerves beforehand at any speech or presentation, but it’s not what it used to be. I actually enjoy them now… geez, I can’t believe I just wrote that.

Not only did I give a speech at my old high school, but I also participated twice as a panelist for the Runway of Dreams college club virtual panel events. If you don’t know about RoD already, it is an amazing non-profit organization that strives to create fashion and beauty inclusion for people with disabilities. Their virtual events educate people on what their company is all about and the positive impact of adaptable fashion- having guest speakers (like me!) give opinions and share our individual experiences of clothing challenges.

Right now, I know 16 year old Adriana is pleasantly shocked and extremely proud of herself, as it didn’t even cross her mind to put herself out there like this. It feels super good to know I’ve helped someone just by speaking or even writing something, and I hope I continue to do so!