BY RICHARD TEO
Staff writer
Judging by the title, most people are going to say no. It’s not impossible and there are many to prove that. Ray Charles for example, is a visually-impaired musician and still manages to play the piano like a genius. His case, although unique, gives hope to those who aspire to find success in their respective fields of expertise. Stephen Hawking, the speechless genius on a wheelchair revolutionized the way we thought about quantum mechanics, relativity, and the mysteries of space. Nick Vujicic, the limbless swimmer, makes the average person look like an amateur and he did it all by himself. In another special case, Jilumol Thomas, an armless woman drives with ease. Realistically, nobody dares to be in their position. Being handicapped is a curse and the treatment from its peers is even worse. A person with disabilities of any kind is considered for special treatment, even if the person receiving it may be grateful, he also feels offended by these circumstances. It’s completely understandable to underestimate the abilities of those with a disadvantage in finishing regular and daily tasks. Some are even reconsidered for their positions in society when applying for jobs and opportunities. Nobody wants issues in their workplace but we live in a world where discrimination is no longer justified as much. Changes are being made to serve the needs of such people but there is a limit to serving these needs. It’s questionable if Jilumol’s driving is reliable in the case of addressing an accident or doing basic things such as switching gears or making turn signals. She lacks the arms to make hand signals in case she needs it and being on the road not only endangers her own safety but for everyone else as well. Stephen Hawking’s work questionably lacks the material to justify his hypothesis and yet he managed to persuade a room full of geniuses to follow through and agree that his claims are logically possible. Ray Charles doesn’t even have to look at the keys of his piano when he plays and yet he does so so beautifully. Despite his awful history with heroin addiction and infidelity, Charles is a perfect example of determination and it’s never too late to experience an opportunity that might lead to legends such as him. The point is there is no real, definite way to assure the success of a possibility until you try. People may not be born with privilege but that doesn’t inhibit their chances of succeeding. Maybe not in the same field as others but giving up is just an option of laziness and we don’t tolerate that here. For what it’s worth, there’s always going to be something or someone that you’ll find an interest in and you should never underestimate the possibilities that you can make a difference. Only realistically is that justifiable but you get the point.