I had a stroke at 13 which left me with left side immobility impairment. At the age when you are stepping into your teens, when you are wild and carefree and want to go out and explore with your friends, I was busy getting my physio sessions. My daily routine revolved around my school and clinic. A routine I partially detested as I was missing out on the fun.
I craved an independent life and it was only possible if I stopped taking refuge under my mother's wings. When my friends moved to London for studies, I decided to join them, but my parents were skeptical of my being able to manage everything on my own. Yes, they had always supported me, but at times I felt they were holding me back by being excessively cautious and worrying too much about me. I persisted and asked them to give me a chance to prove myself. Once I was alone in the UK, I did everything on my own including household chores I had never had to engage in before. Those few years of living independently gave me a lot of confidence in myself, which eventually gave my parents a sense of relief.
I have come to peace with myself after years of coping with my physical weaknesses. I am much more open to speaking about my condition although I am still quite shy about showing it. I hide my weak hand when I meet new people. I guess if people were a little more understanding and accepting of others' differences, opening up and blending in would be a lot easier for people like me.
What would I change about myself? My range in fashion! I wish I could wear heels and feel gorgeous, which is not possible given my condition.
I am graduating this year with a law degree and looking forward to working in a law firm. I also plan to actively participate in spreading awareness of people with special needs on the side. I think it's about time we speak about our differences instead of hiding them in order to bring changes towards the inclusion of well-deserving differently abled people in workplaces.
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