Shannon's Story: Traveling the World
Shannon Coe
First Runner Up Ms Wheelchair America 2009
Ms Wheelchair California 2008
My strengths are: “When I applied to the Peace Corps and became a volunteer in Paraguay, I discovered my strengths each time I encountered physical and attitudinal barriers from society. I was resourceful when I convinced my landlady to widen the bathroom door so my wheelchair can fit in it, energetic when I worked with at-risk youth, and persistent when I had a lawyer write two letters to the Peace Corps after being denied placement in several countries.”
I am good at: “Making people smile.”
My proudest accomplishment is: “Getting a degree at UC Berkeley. My family escaped Vietnam when I was 4-years old in hope of a better future for me and my siblings. My parents never went to school so they instilled in me the importance of education. I was the first in my family to obtain a college degree without financial assistance from my parents.”
In my spare time I like to: “Go on adventures such as kayaking, water-rafting, and other outdoor activities.”
I am passionate about: “Traveling and working on projects that improve the living conditions of people with disabilities.”
Something about me that surprises people is: “The fact that I traveled to more than 40 countries using a wheelchair. Often times, society assumes that people with disabilities cannot travel or work abroad because they are seen as a liability and not profitability. With the right attitude, people with disabilities can do anything.”
Visit Shannon’s Blog at: http://www.mswheelchairca08.blogspot.com
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