As promised, I will be opening my site to several guest bloggers over the next few weeks. The first is my friend, Jen Onsum. I met Jen at the Ms. Wheelchair USA pageant last July where she represented her state as Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota USA. She will be representing Minnesota again this year, as she was recently named Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota USA 2013-2014! Congrats to Jen!
I love Jen for so many reasons, but mostly because she is a tomboy like me! She loves to be girly and glamorous while roughing up the boys playing Power Hockey. And she has the most gorgeous hair I've ever seen- Addison thinks she is Rapunzel! Jen has made a huge difference in the lives of people with disabilities, and she will continue to do so in the future. Meet Jen!
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| Visit Jen's Facebook page here. |
- Tell us a little about yourself?
Let’s see… well, I’m 32-years-old (fastly approaching 33;
which happens to be my favorite number, so maybe that means it’s going to be a
super fantastic year!). I have two older brothers, who taught me to be tough
and probably helped me developed my witty, sarcastic side. I have two precious
furbabies named Gizmo and Daisy. I also have a Beta fish named Ellen DeGeneres.
I’ve worked since I was 16-years-old. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
with an emphasis on Public Relations and an Associates of Applied Science in
Health Information Technology. I’m very much of a city girl, having lived in
the Minneapolis suburbs my whole life. As long as I’m within 5-miles of a
Target, I’m good. Despite my obviously girlie outward appearance and
general personality (I love anything pink and/or sparkly!), I’m a very feisty,
determined individual. I’m really good at holding my own when I need to (as
Kellie Pickler sings, “There ain’t nothin’ wrong with woman that got a little
backbone”). Once I set my sights on something, there’s no going back. I’m not
easily defeated.
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- Tell us about your disability?
I have Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II and was diagnosed
when I was 18-months old. My brother Steve also has this. It’s a genetic
disorder affecting the motor neurons and where muscles lack the SMN protein,
thus essentially causing a poor connection between my nerves and muscles.
Because of this, my muscles don’t receive nerve signals as strong as they
should and they don’t get used to their full potential, thus causing them to
atrophy.
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My platform is “The Importance of Being Active.” I’m so, so
passionate about this! Having been very active my entire life, I feel it’s so
important to get out and do something. It can be anything… playing sports,
traveling, going to school, getting a job, volunteering, going for a walk…
whatever gets you out of the house! Finding something to do gives you a sense
of purpose and a sense of belonging, which really helps you have a healthy
frame of mind. It also shows society that people with disabilities are capable
of being productive and contributing to society.
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- What are your favorite activities?
I have three favorite activities…
First and foremost, I absolutely love playing PowerHockey!
In September I finished my 17th season with a Championship win. I’m
a four-time Defender of the Year. It’s primarily a male-dominated sport,
although I’ve been a little successful lately with recruiting other gals, and I
love to be just as competitive and tough as they are. If it’s not rough and
tough, it’s not fun and it’s not hockey!
I also absolutely love to travel! I’ve found exploring
beautiful parts of the world and experiencing unique activities are very
enriching. While it’s not necessarily easy for me, it’s very, very well worth
the effort and going outside of your comfort zone. I wish I could travel more
often. I’ve been to eight countries including Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the
Bahamas, St. Marten, St. Thomas, Belize and Honduras. I have a long list of
places I still want to get to.
Lastly… and if you had asked me this 14 years ago, I
definitely would not have answered with this… but I looove getting out and
speaking to people and groups! I’ve done it my whole life, but in the last few
years I’ve really grown to love it. I feel it’s important for me to share my
story, experiences and knowledge with others, to educate and inspire. And, as
much as (I hope) I educate and inspire others, they educate and inspire me.
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- What is something we might not know about you?
Hmmm… I’m one of the people new Target employees meet during
training! Almost a year ago, Target cast me as one of, I believe five, models
for new materials to train employees on the ADA. I was hired for both print and
video; I’m on the cover of a brochure and appear in a video.
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- What are your future plans?
I have too many to even know where to begin! I tend to dream
and think big!
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- What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome?
I have never been one to ever consider that I need to
overcome anything. I don’t really consider obstacles, if you know what I mean.
When you have lived your whole life with a disability and with a very positive,
encouraging family, you don’t really see anything you need to overcome. Things
like graduating high school, going to college, graduating college and getting a
job are all things I was just going to do like my able-bodied peers. Sure, I
have had some unique challenges and health struggles to work with, but I don’t
feel that I’ve ever needed to “overcome” anything.
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- What is the best advice you would give to
someone with a recent injury/diagnosis?
Attitude is everything. Yes, you are going to have good days
and some bad days, but so does everyone else. Being positive is power. When you
think things are bad, remind yourself that things could always be worse and
there are others out there who are having it far worse than you. With the right
frame of mind and with the right attitude, anything is possible.
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- Anything else you would like to share?
I love Starbucks? Just kidding. Ok,
maybe not really. But, I just have to say that participating in Ms. Wheelchair
USA has been an amazing and wonderful experience. I’ve met so many wonderful
and inspiring people through it. I love my Ms. Wheelchair USA family!
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| Jen was the Second Runner Up at the pageant and also won the Press Award for her amazing video, which can be viewed here! |
