English Original
I was born with a rare birth defect called TARSA Syndrome, which means I am missing the radius bone in my forearms. My arms are shorter, but I never thought of myself as different. I dislike the label "disabled" because I believe I can do anything I set my mind to. With the support of my family, friends, and a special program for youth with disabilities, I've learned to advocate for myself and cultivate inner strength.
This journey hasn't been easy. I endured challenges like being picked last in baseball games due to difficulty catching, or facing curious stares in public. However, most people were accepting and helpful. In elementary school, classmates assisted me with tasks like opening my locker or picking up books.
My family immigrated from Poland specifically for my medical treatment, as the necessary technology wasn't available back home. I missed part of second grade for a series of forearm-lengthening surgeries at Los Angeles Shriners Hospital. Keeping up academically required extra effort, but my parents were always there—advocating with counselors and carrying my books.
Transitioning to seventh grade meant leaving the familiar comfort of elementary school and making new friends. I worried if others would see me for who I am, not just my disability. Initially shy, I often sat alone at lunch, hoping someone would approach me. Gradually, I made a few friends, and our group eventually grew to eight, sharing many wonderful times.
As coursework intensified in junior high and high school, I struggled more. I observed peers who could coast through classes and still get average grades, while I had to work exceptionally hard. I require more time for memorization, note-taking, and writing. Fortunately, Walnut High School accommodated me by allowing extended time for tests in a separate setting. I never needed to be placed in special education classes.
During my sophomore year, I wrote a personal article for the school newspaper. This led to classmates asking about my disability and commending my bravery for undergoing 15 corrective surgeries. I never encountered mean-spirited comments, and it felt rewarding to help others understand me better.
中文翻译
我天生患有一种罕见的出生缺陷，称为TARSA综合症，这意味着我的前臂缺少桡骨。我的手臂因此较短，但我从不认为自己与众不同。我不喜欢被贴上“残疾”的标签，因为我相信，只要下定决心，我就能做到任何事。在家人、朋友以及一个针对残疾青年的特殊项目的支持下，我学会了为自己争取权益，并培养了内心的力量。
这段旅程并不轻松。我经历过一些挑战，比如因为接球困难而在棒球比赛中最后被选中，或者在公共场合遭遇好奇的目光。然而，大多数人都是接纳并乐于助人的。在小学时，同学们会帮我完成一些任务，比如打开储物柜或捡起书本。
我的家人特意从波兰移民而来，以便我能得到治疗，因为我的祖国当时没有所需的技术。为了在洛杉矶Shriners医院进行一系列前臂延长手术，我错过了部分二年级的课程。在学业上跟上进度需要付出额外的努力，但我的父母始终陪伴着我——他们与辅导员沟通我的需求，并为我拿书。
升入七年级意味着要离开熟悉的小学舒适区，结交新朋友。我担心别人是否能看见真实的我，而不仅仅关注我的残疾。起初我很害羞，经常独自吃午餐，期望有人能主动接近我。渐渐地，我交到了几个朋友，我们的小团体最终发展到八个人，一起度过了许多美好时光。
随着初中和高中课程难度增加，我的挣扎也更多了。我注意到旁边的同学可以在课堂上睡觉却仍能取得中等成绩，而我却必须异常努力。我在记忆、做笔记、书写或电脑打字方面需要更多时间。幸运的是，核桃高中为我提供了便利，允许我在不同的课时参加考试以获得更多时间。我从未需要上特殊教育课程。
在高二那年，我为校报写了一篇关于自己的文章。这之后，同学们开始询问我的残疾情况，并称赞我经历了15次矫正手术的勇敢。我从未听到任何刻薄的言论，并且帮助他人更好地了解我，这让我感到欣慰。