the new ms wheelchair ny 2011 is..... MOI! LOL!
it all started when ms wheelchair ny 2010, michelle fridley, approached me at the rochester national spinal cord injury's annual get together. she was sneaky ((haha) and had my friends rope me into it. it's all good though! so due to some personal tragedies i thought i was going to be unable to do it but michelle, as effervescent as always, encouraged me to continue.
so, 18 march my dear friend eliza and i went to albany (i drove!!!) to attend the pageant. it was my first time driving that distance and i think i did a pretty good job!
we stayed at an extended stay marriot thanks to eliza's bf's mother and it was a really nice room with dual temperature controls for the living area as well as the bedroom. it had a mini kitchen with fridge, dishwasher, stove and sink with pots, pans, plates and cups!
19 march was the actual event and i was impressed with what my competitor debbie had accomplished! i feel my advocacy work is just beginning, there is a lot to accomplish and do but i think this just marks a turning point in my life to accomplish those goals.
i truly feel my work and involvement in research conferences and alpha chi sigma helped me answer the judges' questions effectively. RIT and my mentors try to emphasize public speaking and going to conferences and telling others about your work in a short amount of time and get those ideas across clearly and effectively is a skill that i am glad i have developed.
when they announced i was the winner i was in a state of shock. no way! especially when i feel most times i am just a nerd in a wheelchair who doesnt have as much advocacy experience as the others. but that will change in time and i hope to do some good with this title and change perspectives on those who are disabled in getting an education and particularly opening opportunities in the field of science!
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