2025 review

2025, what a year!

I’ve accomplished a lifelong goal of going to Paris and I’ve also had so many other incredible experiences. Sometimes I get sad that I can’t have some of the same experiences that my peers have but I just have to remind myself that even though my accomplishments are different from people my age, they’re still great accomplishments. I’m so proud of my growth this year!

My number one accomplishment this year is that I got to take my dream vacation to Paris! I’ve spent years thinking to myself: Will I ever get to travel abroad? And this year it finally happened. Traveling in general when you’re in a wheelchair is a challenge but traveling abroad is a whole other ballgame - especially when you’re going to a place that isn’t known for accessibility. I enjoyed seeing another part of the world and experiencing their culture. My favorite part of the trip was seeing and going up in the Eiffel Tower. A full Paris blog is in the works, so keep an eye out.

Another great personal success of 2025 is that Skipper and I have become an independent service dog team! We passed the public access test all by ourselves - I’m so proud of us. This means that I am officially certified to be Skipper’s sole handler. (Check out my recent instagram post to see some cute pictures of my Skipper boy). I can’t wait for lots more adventures with him. ❤️

I had some fun time with my family and friends throughout 2025.

I went to a concert without a family member for the first time ever! My friend, Nicole, and I had a blast at the Jonas Brothers concert. I love the Jonas Brothers! Nicole and I had a blast singing and dancing together - I truly enjoy all the time I get to spend with my friends.

I had the opportunity to go to two art camps with Creative Citizen Studios this year. This organization gives people with disabilities opportunities in the visual arts. I love making art and of course, I had to use lots of colors. I love bright colors, and I use them in my art all the time!

One of my best friends, Bridgette was my aide for one of the CCS camps. We had a blast, talking, laughing, and making art!

This past year, I got to spend a lot of time with my niece. She’s growing every day, and I love seeing her discovering new things. I love being a part of her life - I love her so much!

I gave two speeches in 2025 with Skipper accompanying me. One speech was for the kids at my church. My friend Sarah, who works there was doing a camp for the kids and asked me to come talk to them about my faith and my disability. It was so fun to educate them about Cerebral Palsy; the kids were so engaged and asked lots of great questions.

The other speech this year was at Pitt OT. Every year I get to talk to the Occupational Therapy students there. I tell them about my life experiences and what they can do as a therapist to improve life for someone like me.

Going into 2026, I’m looking forward to many more adventures! I have big ambitions for my writing and my disability advocacy work. I hope to have lots more laughs with my family and friends.

Let’s make 2026 a year full of unforgettable moments!

Cheers 🥂

Happy New Year