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A Story of Grit

Nicolette Nardulli

A Story of Grit You’ve heard the story of the boy who lived, I’m the girl who lived. Born at 1lb 2 ounces. - As small as the beanie baby That waits at home for me. My parents were told I would not live - But they were already preparing my crib. After three months in the NICU, I was able to come home - But that wasn’t the end, I still had a long journey ahead - but at least I was able to sleep in my own bed. A couple of years later came my diagnosis. I had cerebral Palsy - the doctor said I would never walk or stand. Those were the cards dealt in my hand. I had many hospital visits and physical therapy, the bullying, staring everywhere I go as if I was contagious. But none of it was scaring me. I was excluded by other kids my age - I should have developed rage, but as life went on, I’ve developed a lot of grit. Because I have always refused to quit. The game of life has not been an easy one, But I made it here because I knew it had to be done. Now I am finding my way through UCSD, Which hasn’t been easy, but I know I can make it - By just being me.Synopsis: A Story of Grit

This poem depicts a glimpse of the adversity I’ve overcome throughout my life with a
disability. Having cerebral palsy is not all of me, but it is a big part of me. Growing up I did not
feel different until I started school. My peers would exclude me from activities because they
didn’t understand and saw me as strange. Teachers would underestimate my intelligence because
they did not expect me to be in mainstream classes with the “normal kids” I began to feel very
insecure and like a burden to everyone around me.
As I got older, I realized people are afraid of what they don’t understand. The best thing
that I could do was be myself and as cliché as this may sound but, I always made sure to treat
others the way I would want to be treated. Due to the struggles, I have endured physically and
mentally, my favorite way of expressing myself is through art and writing. My piece shows a
little bit of my struggle not just managing the extra things that comes from cerebral palsy like
physical therapy, doctor’s appointments, and surgeries, but just trying to figure out life like every
other person my age disabled or not. It was not easy having to withstand surgeries and extra
appointments here and there to make sure I would have the best quality of life. Due to my
disability, as much as I would like to be fully independent, I still have some ways to go. I tend to
reach my milestones later than my peers. It’s scary to be an adult and still have to depend on my
family at times. My mind wants to go, but my body says no. That little girl inside me is still
worried she is a burden to the people around her, but I know I have to keep going and not let
those thoughts creep in. I believe that those tough moments are what made me who I am today.
Those tough moments are what allowed me to grow, and that growth pushed me all the way here.

to UCSD I am proud to say that I finally made it to college. This is all possible through
resilience.