My name is Chris. I’m 46 and live in Arlington, Virginia. I am interested in getting into motivational speaking. Several individuals have recently encouraged me to do so, including my former journalism professor who is a professional speaker. Here is a little more about me:
I was born in Bangkok, Thailand. My Dad was in the Air Force at that time stationed in Laos. Although I was born normal, at 4 months of age I had Meningitis and Encephalitis. This caused brain damage which led to Cerebral Palsy, severely impacting my mobility—I have spent most of my days in a motorized wheelchair.
My family worked very hard with me to put me through school. I’ve lived in Germany, Miami, and Virginia. It wasn’t until we moved to Virginia that I was placed into a non-disabled school. I have normal intelligence and was a trailblazer in my school district. I even played drums from 6th grade through high school in the concert bands. I then attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, where I majored in Speech Communications and wanted to go into Public Relation. I have worked in an International law firm in Washington DC as a Library Assistant for the past 16 years.
I am also a home-based travel consultant with Xstream Travel. I just returned from Xstream’s leadership conference in Cancun. I have also been to the Eastern Caribbean a couple times with them, as well as Las Vegas.
My point is I don’t let my disability hold me back, and I’m told I am an inspiration to others. Despite my challenges, I love life and people and celebrating the world. I love laughter—I even performed stand-up comedy (although in my case it was sit-down comedy) in a huge comedy club in Virginia Beach before I graduated from ODU and got the biggest laughs of the night.
From my point of view I have seen the world differently than most. I have experienced, every day, extraordinary goodness. I have known the sadness I felt for others who did not understand my and others’ challenges. I have welcomed the daylight each morning, and celebrated the coming night, knowing each would share the wonders of life with me to help me bless each moment.
