A great article in theLa Crosse Tribune written by Nathan Hansen about a young lady who uses self-determination to overcome her challenges.

Extra Effort: Melrose-Mindoro senior finds way to excel despite disability

By Nathan Hansen

M

ELROSE When Jessica Windsor was growing up, she was teased for being different.

Born without her right hand, kids teased her about being different, and Jessica tried to hide the limb that made her stand out. But with a change in school, and the constant support and encouragement of her parents, Jessica isnt teased anymore.

Jessica, now 17, is the Melrose-Mindoro High School Extra Effort honoree. Nominated by teachers and staff at the school, they all remarked about how Jessica finds a way to tackle any challenge and reach for any opportunity she sets her sights on.

But growing up, Jessica was not always so comfortable in her skin. Originally attending school in the Sparta Area School District, Jessica was teased by her classmates in elementary and middle school. They would hide their arms in their shirts to mock her, and said negative things about her missing hand.

At first, Jessica said she didnt know what to do in response and tried to brush the bullying off. But as the teasing became more regular, she began to hide herself. Jessica would wear baggy clothing and cross her arms a lot. It hurt to be picked on.

It was hard when I was little, she said. The kids in class werent the nicest.

Jessicas parents Avery and Becky Windsor were there for her, though, encouraging and supporting her. Instead of hiding who she was, Avery said, they tried to make sure she was comfortable in being open and honest about herself.

She doesnt have to do anything different than anyone else, Avery said. We have always tried to motivate her in a positive way.

Learning how to do some things were difficult, Jessica said, such as tying her own shoes or putting back her hair. But with her parents support and an independent streak, Jessica has learned to do things on her own.

I feel more independent about everything, she said. I can do pretty much anything anyone else can do. I just have to do it in a different way.

Jessica said she is very involved in soccer, a sport she loves. She also enjoys going bow hunting with the help of a prosthetic that lets her fire by using the muscles in her cheek.

School is going better as well. Avery grew up in a smaller school environment and wanted that for his daughter, so the family open enrolled into the Melrose-Mindoro district.

At the new district, Jessica made a lot of friends. They dont make a big deal of things, and things are a lot better.

When I was little I would let it get to me, she said. I have definitely overcome hiding it and worrying.

Jessica hopes to go into radiography after high school, having applied and been accepted to Western Technical College. Growing up, Jessica had several tests to diagnose and treat a back issue and was interested in how the technology worked. It was cool figuring out how the machines could create and image on her screen and Jessica said she is interested in learning about everything from CT scans to ultrasounds.

Jessica said she is looking forward to going off to college. Because of her familys support and building her own self-confidence, she knows she can do anything she sets her mind on.

I have definitely been Type A with everything in my life, she said. Its helped to have that attitude. I really havent let anything get in my way.

I feel more independent about everything. can do pretty much anything anyone else can do. I just have to do it in a different way. Jessica Windsor, Extra Effort Award winner from Melrose-Mindoro

Source: http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/extra-effort-melrose-mindoro-senior-finds-way-to-excel-despite/article_45e9e584-c376-556f-acef-7921b793411d.html