Johileny's Reflections
Skiing Trip, Junior Year of Highschool with Disabled Sports New Hampshire 2014
Becoming an Athlete
I had waited years for a chance to tackle the snow. It all happened in the winter of my junior year. It was the first time I was happy to fall on my face because I had the chance to roll down a mountain.
One of my mobility devices is a wheelchair which makes it challenging to maneuver in the snow. But for skiing I didn’t have to worry about my wheels not turning; I just got on a bi-ski.
So why was I so happy to fall on my face? Because for the first time my disability didn’t prevent me from doing something extreme in terms of physical activity. In that moment I turned into an athlete.
Sled Hockey, Senior Year with New York Sledge Rangers 2015-19
Gliding Freely
Sledge Hockey. I love it! Feeling free. On the ice, I have no limits. I just play and fall. Listing to the puck as it glides under my sled and against my hockey sticks. Having no limits means a lot because even if I wanted to I could never physically compete athletically in any school sport. When I started It felt great to finally be able to say “I’m on a team.”
Getting Up After Every Fall
It’s not easy to learn to balance yourself on a sled. But falling on the ice showed me the significance of pushing yourself up every time you fall. It’s not about how many times you fall it’s about how many times you choose to get back up.
Rock Climbing with Brooklyn Boulders 2016-17
Adulting with a Disability
As a Sophomore in college, I didn’t have access to physical therapy anymore. My health insurance stated that, unless I suffered a physical injury not related to my disability; I would not have access to a traditional form of physical therapy in the same way I had received it all through k-12 education. A time when I had therapy in school both for convenience and to learn how to function in school. With this new realization, I turned to sports to continue to be physically active.
A Determination that lets you Forget
Indoor rock climbing, was a pretty cool experience. It was like exercising without actually exercising. I was too busy trying to figure out the puzzle of where to put my feet and hands to get to the top. I was so determined to get to the top that I forgot about the physical strain I was putting on my legs and it just made exercising that much more fun.
Tennis at Central Park 2017
A game of many Skills
I only did one season of Tennis because of transportation issues. But in that short time, I was able to learn the importance of being self-aware of every move you make. The game is not easy. Having to hold on to the racket while also pushing from side to side, takes dedication and appreciation for repetition. Letting go of the racket doesn’t mean it's over. It means you have to try again.
Scuba Diving with Stay-Focused 2016-17
Reflections
First-Time Diver
Becoming a certified driver with stay-focused, allowed me to discover that there are no limits to what I can do if I'm focused on achieving my goals. Scuba diving was one of the hardest set of skills I've ever learned but it also offered me the most gratifying experience of my life. Underwater I feel free and my movements are effortless.
Reunion Trip
Scuba Diving for a second time, I didn't know how it was going to be, did I forget my underwater skills? Would I be nervous to go underwater again? Could I stay focused long enough to enjoy the experience? My questions were all answered when I was in the water. My experience was unbelievable, I realized how comfortable and how free I felt in the water. My trip didn't just allow me to see my growth through courage but it gave me the courage to focus on believing in my abilities.
Wheelchair Racing with New York Road Runners 2017-23
Learning How to Work Hard in all Aspects of Life and Having Fun
I work hard both on the track and off. I’ve had to fight many uphill battles in my life but during my first 1-mile race I conquered a literal hill before I could cross the finish line. Sometimes we work hard to overcome emotional life situations and sometimes we push ourselves physically to overcome physical obstacles.
It’s not about coming in first, it’s about finishing the race
Participating in a 1.2-mile run, I finished last but crossed the line in third place. Proud to say even when I’m having fun, I achieve my goals!