I am 24 years old, and I am biracial. My mother is of Scandinavian and German descent. My father is African American. He is of Nigerian and British/Irish descent. I am the youngest of three children. I was born with a rare genetic disease called Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. HSP makes me non-ambulatory and nonverbal. However, it does not affect my mental capacity. This makes my life experience with race and my disability truly unique. Being biracial to me is just a fact of life and a part of who I am. It hasn't had a negative impact on me. My being biracial has truly been a gift and a blessing to me. It allows me to see the best of both worlds.

I have traveled throughout the world to visit family. They are in Sweden, Finland, and Switzerland and are all white European. My relationship with them is pure love and respect. I have also traveled throughout the United States. Places like Delaware, Michigan, Tennessee, Illinois, Florida, and the Carolinas to be with family. The families in "these" states are primarily African-American. The same thing happens here; they've shown me nothing but love and respect.

I know that my situation is truly unique. I know not every biracial person gets the same treatment. I know racism exists toward people like myself. I am not exempt from being treated unfairly and disrespectfully. However, that has more to do with my physical disability. It was not because of my race.

People assume that because I can't talk or walk, I cannot comprehend. I get overlooked constantly! People talk over me or around me all of the time. Some people connect being physically disabled with being mentally disabled. People will speak to me like a child. They will even raise their voices as if something is wrong with my hearing. Speaking louder would help me understand them better. This is, as ridiculous as it sounds. I have learned to be very patient. To be forgiving of those who just don't understand. I don't feel they're trying to be hurtful or disrespectful. There needs to be more education on interacting and communicating with people with various abilities.

I have many interests. I love music of all kinds. I enjoy experiencing new cultures. Good food, yum! I am also into movies and Cleveland sports. I am known for my big bright smile. Sometimes that's all people want to see. People feel uncomfortable seeing that I have other emotions than being happy. I have a deep desire to find a companion—someone to share my life with. I know what heartbreak feels like. I've lost someone very special to me. I thought he would be my companion for the rest of my life. My heart breaks just like anyone else's. The difference is that in order for you to know... you would have to ask. This would require an investment of one's time and patience to listen.

One of the greatest moments of my life was when I was selected as my high school's homecoming queen. My parents were concerned that I may get disappointed. My advisers at school had their reservations too. Despite their doubts, all proceeded to assist in my endeavor. To everyone's surprise (Not Mine), I was voted homecoming queen! My classmates, with whom I grew up, saw me. They saw me as more than just a girl in a wheelchair with a big smile. For me to be selected for that honor, it took support from the whole student body.

My parents chose to raise my siblings and me in a diverse community. Although it's not perfect, it is perfect enough to give us the opportunity to understand who we are. I am thankful for all my experiences. However, it is hard for me to express myself due to the lack of vocalization. It is still a life I am blessed with and happy to live.