Wow! What a busy few weeks :) I have had a whirlwind of a time. Last Tuesday a photographer for the Scarborough Leader came in to take some "action shots". The students in my General Biology course were excited and two of my students were featured with me on the front page. We were doing the mendel's genetics lab using hybridized corn demonstrating the inheritance pattern both phenotype and genotype.

Then, last Thursday the Sun Journal came into my General Biology class and did a video and interview at SMCC.I was teaching about fungus that day and describing the different types/characteristics. Bonnie always does an incredible job writing the story. I love the depth and details that she uses- it feels like you were there. She has been the reporter following my story since 5 years ago when I got paralyzed. She has also done a story about my attempt at walking with long leg braces (wonderful to stand/walk but it used vast amounts of energy). She also did a story when I graduated from UNH in 2009.

I am happy/pleased/surprised to know that they have run my story of my accomplishments in the following newspapers; The Current, The Scarborough Leader, The Sun Journal, The Portland Press Herald, The Forcaster,The Century, SMCC April 2011 newsletter, the UNH Alumni newsletter and I think that's it. I'm glad to serve as a positive role (or roll haha) model for the community, disabled and able bodied alike. Let's keep the momentum and I will continue to love what I do- teaching and being an advocate :)
L

I am so happy with the articles that have already been written in the local papers, feeling the support of the surrounding community is great! I have done a lot of work in the last few days and I have found some wonderful events that I am glad to support. I definitely take to heart the saying 'if you don't ask, the answer is always no'. So just keep out there and working on it!

So, I am on the second half of my spring break and I am currently in Arizona for a long weekend to visit. I originally went to the University of Arizona through UNH in a program called the National Student Exchange... if you haven't heard of it- check it out. It is so cool because you get to explore another university or college. You can go for one semester or two, and you can even go two spring semesters like I did to escape the cold of the Northeast. It's so worth it.

The University of Arizona is one of the most wheelchair accessible campuses in the United States. Like most of Arizona, it is a flat campus and push buttons on every door. Also, they have a entirely accessible gym that anyone with a disability can use in comfort. There is even wheelchair sports such as tennis, rugby, track, basketball, etc. They are recognized varsity teams for Arizona. Personally, I played wheelchair tennis and it was an awesome experience.

So, I will talk later but for now- I am going to sip my tea, throw on a bikini and sit by the pool surrounded by cacti.

I think the giant moon had an effect on people, haha. Anyways, I am on Spring Break so I am balancing doing things for work (grading a bazillion papers) and as my position as Ms. Wheelchair Maine. I have gotten out several press releases that should start coming out in the local papers this weekend and hopefully the 'big boys' by next week. Also, I am scheduling fundraisers, speaking engagements, and a lot of other fun stuff. I love being busy :)

Love, peace and elbow grease,

Monica

Good Afternoon!

It is warming right up, I like springtime. I also like when I get to talk to the most supportive people on the planet, my grandparents. They mean the world to me and I am so blessed to have them as a part of my life. It is important to stay in touch and keep family/friends close!

I am currently working on getting out the press releases and setting up fundraisers so I can go to the National competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant will be August 1-7th and I have to raise about $3000 dollars to go. I hope that by raising money, that it brings awareness to persons with disabilities in Maine. After my expenses are covered for the pageant, I will be donating the rest of the funds to keeping up the Ms. Wheelchair Maine foundation, Spinal Cord Injury research and Disabled Veterans.

Stay posted for frequent blog updates... stay smiling :)

Welcome!

Wow, just 4 days ago I got crowned "Ms. Wheelchair Maine 2011" and I couldn't be happier. I want to give a big thank you to the Ms. Wheelchair Maine foundation for putting on the event, Sephora doing my make-up and Cuttin' Corners for doing my hair. Everyone's efforts made it such a successful event.

I can't believe that it was winter break in December when I was putting around on the internet, I found the mswheelchairamerica.org website. I was so impressed by the women being portrayed and the accomplishments that they had achieved. I definitely wanted to get involved because I want to send a positive message to all disabled persons.

I was definitely nervous for the pageant, everyone gets those butterflies. It was a great experience and I am looking forward to the National Ms. Wheelchair America pageant.

Another BIG thank you to all of the people that helped put on the pageant, attended or supported. It is well appreciated. :)