Living With Cerebral Palsy Has Helped Teen Choose Career Path

High school graduation is an arduous journey for every student. For 18-year-old Kirstyn Ray, the difficulties of this journey has made it even that much more trying. Kristyn was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was only 2 years old and she has learned to push through these difficulties to reach her goals.

Kristyn is a senior at Lubbock-Cooper High School and has been a member of the Texas Association of Future Educators and is an active member of the Second Baptist Church youth group. She has also participated in several youth outreaches here.

According to Kirstyn, cerebral palsy has brought a sense of maturity and responsibility to her life. "Living with a disability makes you more mature," she says. "When I was younger, it seemed that no one understood what was happening with me, so some of my best friends were adults.

Ray says that rather than hold her back, her disability has aided her in discovering just what it is she wishes to do with her life. She has decided that she wants to be a teacher or a child life specialist who works with children.

While nearly every life experience has been more and more difficult for Ray, she says that she finds her strength in the people that are closest to her. She will graduate from high school in May, and plans on attending Texas Tech in the fall, where she will continue to pursue a career that will allow her to aid other children with disabilities.

Way to go Kirstyn!