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In 1983, Jessica was born in Sierra Vista, Arizona, USA.
Unfortunately she was born without hands due to a genetic problem.
.
There were many questions at the time about whether Jessica
would be able to live a “normal” life. However, Jessica’s father has
said he never shed a tear about her birth condition. He had full
confidence in her potential.
.
With the support of her parents and family, Jessica became
confident in herself. She continued to explore the world with her
feet. As a child, Jessica studied dance in her home town. When the
first performance arrived, she asked to be put in the back row. Her
dance teacher told her there was no back row. Tentatively she took
the stage with the other students and performed her routine.
When she finished, the applause from the audience gave her
encouragement and the confidence to continue dancing for 14 years.
.
Jessica’s parents eventually met a Taekwondo instructor named
Jim Cunningham. His response when told of her birth condition was
that she would be more than physically able and that only her
attitude could hold her back. At the age of 14, Jessica earned her
first Black Belt in the International Taekwondo Federation.
.
After graduating from high school, Jessica attended the University
of Arizona where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
When talking about her degree, she frequently explains that
psychology credits the way people think has a greater impact on
their lives than a physical limitation.
.
Jessica’s most famous accomplishment was learning how to fly.
It took three states, four aeroplanes, two flight instructors and a
discouraging year to find the right aircraft: a 1946 415C Ercoupe
Aeroplanes. She received the Guinness World Record for being the
first person certified to fly an aeroplane with only their feet. Jessica
now works as a motivational speaker. She travels the world sharing
her story and encouraging people.
.
So, the next time you are ready to tell yourself, “I can’t…”
remember this amazing young woman. Remember " YOU CAN".
......................................................................
Unfortunately she was born without hands due to a genetic problem.
.
There were many questions at the time about whether Jessica
would be able to live a “normal” life. However, Jessica’s father has
said he never shed a tear about her birth condition. He had full
confidence in her potential.
.
With the support of her parents and family, Jessica became
confident in herself. She continued to explore the world with her
feet. As a child, Jessica studied dance in her home town. When the
first performance arrived, she asked to be put in the back row. Her
dance teacher told her there was no back row. Tentatively she took
the stage with the other students and performed her routine.
When she finished, the applause from the audience gave her
encouragement and the confidence to continue dancing for 14 years.
.
Jessica’s parents eventually met a Taekwondo instructor named
Jim Cunningham. His response when told of her birth condition was
that she would be more than physically able and that only her
attitude could hold her back. At the age of 14, Jessica earned her
first Black Belt in the International Taekwondo Federation.
.
After graduating from high school, Jessica attended the University
of Arizona where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
When talking about her degree, she frequently explains that
psychology credits the way people think has a greater impact on
their lives than a physical limitation.
.
Jessica’s most famous accomplishment was learning how to fly.
It took three states, four aeroplanes, two flight instructors and a
discouraging year to find the right aircraft: a 1946 415C Ercoupe
Aeroplanes. She received the Guinness World Record for being the
first person certified to fly an aeroplane with only their feet. Jessica
now works as a motivational speaker. She travels the world sharing
her story and encouraging people.
.
So, the next time you are ready to tell yourself, “I can’t…”
remember this amazing young woman. Remember " YOU CAN".
......................................................................
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