Walking Boldy: Student conquers disease

By Isaiah Cardona Monday, August 13, 2007 There are many students who are recognized for participating in a unique activity or by a special trait. For junior Shantele Bowlin, she was known for the odd way she walks. Shantele was born with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy (CP), a disorder that caused her leg muscles to involuntarily tighten from her waist down. Spastic Diplegia CP had already led to several surgeries in Shanteles short life. While most students would have complained in this situation, Shantele was able to rise above the level of self-pity and found her inner strength. I think it made me stronger especially walking the hallways when people would make fun of me and they didnt realize what issues I had or understand it, Shantele said. I thought that it made me stronger because not everybody had what I had. Yet even with her inner strength, Shantele still dealt with her puzzled and at times spiteful glances of her classmates. They kind of stared at me like, what is wrong with you, Shantele said. They didnt really ask me unless it really bothered them. Most of my friends had never asked me, they let me come and tell them. When Shantele did explain Spastic Diplegia CP to her peers, she still had to deal with those who were skeptical about her disorder. They thought that I was playing around or being silly, Shantele said. It kind of bothered me because I was just like, its not funny. People made fun of me but they didnt realize it could happen to their children. Peoples reactions were not the only problems for Shantele. She also could not do normal activities that involved balance, such as riding a bike or skating. To help her cope with her disorder, Shanteles teachers allowed her to keep her textbooks in the class and check out books for home so she did not have to carry them back and forth. I was not real sad that I had a disability, Shantele said. The fact that I had it made me stronger and made me a better person. I told myself to be strong. Yet there were still times when Shantele wished she could be like everyone else. There were days where I was like I am tired of this or I dont like the way I walk or the scars on my legs, Shantele said.

But these few moments never overshadowed the fact that Shantele used her disability to stand boldly, not letting adversity keep her down. She like many teenagers, enjoyed hanging out with friends, driving around and going shopping. In the end, Shantele strove to live a normal life and be known for more than just her disability. I think God gives you a gift to see if you could deal with it or not. If you had reading problems you had to go to reading class you go through the obstacle to see if you can make it or do it as a person.