At the end of last year, in the fall of 2022, I officially completed my master’s degree. I received my master’s in counseling with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy. This is an accomplishment I never planned on achieving. Before I broke my neck, I never planned on continuing my education beyond high school. I was not an academic student growing up and didn’t put much effort into my education. My mindset was as long as I passed, that was good enough for me. However, after losing my physical abilities, I knew I had to make a change and start using my brain if I wanted to create a future for myself.

After completing high school, I applied to Cal State University, Fullerton, which was the closest 4-year university near me. I received my Bachelor of Science in Human Services in 2018. Majoring in Human Services gave me the idea of pursuing a master's in counseling. After my injury, I knew I wanted to give back and help others, but I didn't know how to do that confined to a wheelchair. One semester, I took a summer class that changed my life and put me on the path I'm on now. I realized the way I could help others and have a positive impact on people's lives is through counseling.

After finishing my bachelor's, I found out that my school had a prestigious master's program for counseling. I felt led to apply to this program but was nervous because it was a competitive program to join. The program received around 400 applications, and they narrowed it down to 65 new students. I threw all my eggs in one basket and sent my application to the program. Thankfully, I was accepted and now have a master’s degree. Looking back, I am so grateful to be where I am today. I have accomplished so much these past 12 years. I have grown and matured into a person I love. Despite the dependence and frustrations of a spinal cord injury, if I had not broken my neck, I would not have gotten a bachelor's or master's degree. In a way, my injury has given my life purpose and meaning.

I would not be the person I am today if I had not gone through all these trials and tribulations these past 12 years. It is never fun going through hard times, but the truth is hard times make us stronger. I am now at a point in my life where I am starting a new chapter. I have been in school for nine years straight since finishing high school. I am excited and nervous about starting this new chapter. My next step is to apply for my associate number so I can start getting hours toward licensure and becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist. It is wild because this is a career I never thought I would do, but now I can't imagine myself doing anything else. My life is full of abundance and meaning. I broke my neck and became paralyzed, but it never broke me. I believe being a disabled therapist will only enhance my ability to impact others. Instead of viewing my disability as a negative. I changed my perspective and thought of how I could use my situation to inspire those who need inspiration.

My goal is eventually to become a licensed therapist and work with people with disabilities. My message is that there is still life to live after sustaining a spinal injury. You can still be happy and prosperous. Never give up. Here are three inspirational words I heard from a high school teacher that has never left my mind. Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.

Zack Collie is living with quadriplegia and was paralyzed in 2010 diving under a wave at Newport Beach breaking his C-4 vertebrae. Zack started a YouTube channel to spread awareness about spinal cord injuries and his life living as one. His mother, Amber Collie, is also a regular blogger for the Reeve Foundation.