You get an opportunity—but not just any opportunity—a chance to be the role model that you wished you had when you were growing up. I was 18 years old when I got the news that I was going to be an ambassador for Manitoba Possible. I thought to myself, how can I be this role model when I’m just a kid myself with so much to learn? Was I even adequate to step into this role? 

These past two years have changed me in ways I never imagined possible. Now, I’ve done a bunch of public speaking events, had a reel go viral, and published a children’s book.

Growing up, though, I never saw the true meaning of representation and diversity. I mean, yes, I saw other disabled students like me at school. But still, I rarely saw a person like me positively represented. I think I was ashamed for so long about having a disability. I shoved it down hoping that nobody would ever find out that I lived with a disability.  

I am a huge Disney lover. My father would always download movies for my sister and I to watch, but as I look back now, there was hardly a positive look on disabilities. The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Little Mermaid, and Pocahontas—these stories showed us that being different is odd, we must change ourselves to fit in, and having different backgrounds and abilities is going outside the concept of being normal.  

I started to hate myself for being different because nobody was disabled, just like me. I tried too hard to fit in and let society shape me. I was hanging out with the wrong crowd and even shaming the disabled community even though I was a part of it.  

It wasn’t until high school that I slowly realized what it truly meant to be a person with disabilities and how to be proud of who I was. I had a social media presence that told my story of living with disabilities, and I received so many compliments from people saying how my journey inspired them and taught them about disabilities. So, I kept making them and publishing them without even realizing that I was no longer ashamed. I was proud. 

I was proud not only for finally recognizing myself as a disabled person but also proud to being able to belong to such an amazing community. I had experienced a lot of self-doubt, and to be brutally honest, I still do. The way I’ve dealt with doubts is by having a spiritual connection and looking up to people who I am inspired by.  

Recently I got the opportunity to be on TV, sharing my story about using assistive technology, text-to-speech, on my iPad. Someone asked if I was ashamed of letting my city see my life as a disabled person. At first, I was upset, but then I realized wow some people are uneducated about these things and it’s my job as a role model to be teaching people about disabilities and what tools they use to go through their day-to-day life.  

What really clicked for me is when I started being truly authentically myself and fully understanding the importance of being who I am. I think that’s why having role models with disabilities is crucial because having someone who deals with the same disability as you can make you feel like you’re not alone and you can do this.  

Even though I do make mistakes, I am beyond humbled and blessed to call this opportunity as an ambassador one of my greatest accomplishments. I hope that people will look up to me and see the role model that I so desperately wanted and deserved to look up to.  

About the Author

Hannah is a student in Winnipeg. Her advocacy and writing are motivated by her personal experiences growing up. Hannah loves spending time with her two dogs, Mai and Madi, and has published her first children's book in 2024 called The Magical Runner.