07/12/2024
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With every push of the wheels, she glides through challenges with determination and grace, radiating strength that inspires everyone around her.
When people see someone in a wheelchair, they often perceive weakness, incapacity, and helplessness. However, she believes she embodies the complete opposite of those assumptions.
She is Marlah Karesse Florentino Patricio, a first-year Psychology student, who was diagnosed with OsteogenesisImperfecta (OI), a rare genetic condition where the bones are fragile and could break easily. Despite her circumstances, she proves that she doesnโt need two working legs to lead the life she desires.
With a desire to make a difference in the world, Patricio is passionately pursuing a degree in Psychology in hopes of becoming a Psychiatrist someday. However, there are times when she feels like giving up, as her situation is really hard and draining.
In moments of doubt, she thinks about those who believe in her, especially her family, who do everything they can to give her a better future. Her father and mother, both pillars of hard work and dedication, have stood by her side through every challenge, ensuring that not even her physical disability or societal barriers keep her from reaching her dreams.
She continues to affirm her independence and strength:
"I am able to chart my path and face lifeโs challenges with resilience."
"I am able to learn, grow, and inspire others, proving that independence comes from the strength within, not the circumstances outside."
"I am able to rise above assumptions and expectations, showing the world that independence is defined by determination, not physicality."
Despite the odds, she declared, โWith this wheelchair, I am able. I am able to fight for my dreams, to have fun, and, of course, to be normal. I believe that my wheelchair is one of my greatest sources of empowerment because it has proven to me that I donโt need two working legs to be able to live the life I want.โ
Within the walls of the university, she portrays herself as strong, but canโt deny that challenges still arise. โLuckily, I am surrounded by people who help me get through almost every problem and challenge I face at the university, and those are my beloved and caring friends,โ she said.
For many years, Patricio has remained determined despite the challenges posed by a lack of accessibility in schools. Though there are no ramps to facilitate smooth entry, no bathrooms equipped for those who need them, and events often held on the highest floors, her resilience shines through as she strives to find her place and make her voice heard.
"I am able to advocate for accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring a better future for others who face similar challenges," she says passionately.
The challenge of school can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when she thinks about who will help her up the stairs to attend class or realizes she might miss out on events for which she is just as qualified as everyone else. This leaves her yearning to feel as normal as her classmates.
โThese hurdles havenโt defined me, theyโve ignited a fire within me. The challenges have inspired me to advocate for future students, similar to my situation. This should be an eye-opener to everyone. These things shouldnโt be hard to implement for students like me who crave education and want to create a future for myself even though I am physically impaired,โ she emphasizes.
She once stated, โEducation should be accessible for ANYONE, including me, and students like me who are physically disabled.โ
Marlah Patricio, a wheelchair-bound student, is a perfect example of resilience and strength. For her, the wheelchair is not a limitation; itโs a powerful tool that propels her toward her dreams.
"I can turn obstacles into opportunities and silence doubts with my achievements," she declares.
โKeep going because life goes on, and so should you,โ Marlahadvises. โNo matter the challenges you face, always remember to keep going. To prove to those who belittled you that you can, and you can reach for your dreams and prove them wrong in the best possible way by being a strong, successful, and fortunate person. Life simply goes on, and you live and learn. So, keep going and keep living.โ
In her words, "I can embody strength and grace, proving that independence is about mindset, not movement. I can be independent because I am not a baby to be coddled. I am strong, capable, and determined to live life on my terms. I am able to stand maybe not with my legs but with my determination and passion."
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