Undergraduate / Craig influenced my life; I learned to appreciate life, even through its downs [4]

Each person comes across a multitude of things that become repetitious in their head, things that have an affect on them. Only a few, if any, stand out strong enough to actually have a mind altering impact. Recovering from a knee injury, I was relaxing, flipping through channels when I stumbled on an undistinguished object flopping through water. As I continued watching I witnessed the most extraordinary man. Craig Dietz is a positive being, now in his mid thirties, born without limbs. Some would say is an unfortunate disability, he has considered to be a gift- for it has made him stronger and given him a different and positive perspective on life. This man has been a lifetime being active in numerous events such as swimming, bowling, fishing, hunting, etc. That's when I noticed how thankful each person has to be for what they have, rather than grieving over what they don't. I'm complaining about a swollen knee, while Craig didn't have any. Instead of complaining, I became thankful and had a feeling of enlightenment overpower me as this man spoke over his struggles with everyday chores. He fed me the needed power, if he can accomplish what he sets his mind on, there is no excuse for me not to pursue any dreams and the obstacles that accompany them.

After watching Craig Dietz I decided to get back on my feet and strive to continue my goals. I started physical therapy where I received shock therapy three times a week to strengthen my ligaments. Some of the procedures were tedious and painful but with the image of Craig Dietz, i felt as if anything was possible. Mind over matter. I later became an assistant for my middle school dance teacher where I was able to gain responsibilities for not only myself, but for others. I experienced being in control and learning what to do with that control, and the patience needed to work in a group. I was able to get a taste of what I dreamt of being. Thats when I realized that even though I did enjoy dancing tremendously, I didn't want to pursue it as a career. But even if things didn't work out for me this doesn't mean it won't work out for me next time. Thanks to ambition Craig Dietz gave me, I actually believed this and kept a positive attitude in anything I pursued. If it wasn't for the motivation that he gave me to not only continue to pursue your dreams even after you've failed, but to be content with yourself, I would probably still be flipping through channels vegetating on my bed. Thankfully now I am pursuing different areas and have learned to appreciate life, even through its downs.