She continued by saying, “However, when I meet new people or go to a public place where people don’t know me, they will sometimes stare at my arm and whisper or point at me . I understand that they are curious, and my arm is something they may not have seen before. Most of the time, I’ll just ignore it or try to hide my arm, but sometimes I’ll ask them if they have a question about my arm. It doesn’t make me uncomfortable to answer any questions. Actually, I would MUCH rather have someone ask me about my arm than stare at me! When they ask me what happened to my arm, I tell them “that’s how I was born or that’s how God made me”. They might ask me if I find it hard to do things. I’ll tell them “no” and give them examples like playing the piano, typing on the computer, playing tennis and softball, knitting, painting my nails and all sorts of other things. This usually shocks them, but it’s true. I might do some things differently than a two-handed person, but I never let that stop me.”

The students asked if she ever had a prosthesis and she answered, “When I was 5 months old, my mom and dad got me a small prosthesis to try. I seemed to like it. So as I grew, they got different ones to fit me. But, when I was about 4 1/2 years old, I decided that I didn’t want it anymore. I am very happy with that decision still. Some people with one hand need to use a prothesis, but I’m not one of them.” She then showed them a couple of her old prosthetic devices which they enjoyed playing with and holding.

She finished her presentation by telling the kids, “Even though I might look different, I truly don’t think of myself as disabled. This probably helps other people accept me for who I am…I hope I helped you to see that even though someone might look a little different, they really aren’t. They still have great friends and the same interests as anyone else.”