Reaching Our Potential

As a teacher of 8th-graders, I always strive to make my students understand that they control their future. Each and every one has the ability and the power to achieve success in their lives, and I encourage them to work hard and to make decisions that will have a positive impact on their lives.

A couple of years ago, I interviewed an exceptional young man who has never seen himself as being disabled. Instead, he's been an athlete and a scholar. His story made me think how much we all can accomplish when we have the fortitude to tackle the challenges and climb the mountains that are laid before us. When I was working on the article, I came across a statement by Zimbabwe native and double-amputee Prudence Mabhena who said, "I want to show the world that disability does not mean inability." That quote could well define Oliver Horne on one condition - he's not out to prove anything to the world. He is simply persistent in living his life to the best of his ability.

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