gabriella faulkner
My name is Gabby Faulkner. Music, being outdoors, and hanging with friends are some of my favorite hobbies.
I believe in overcoming my disability. Exactly 16 years, 8 months, and 10 days ago, I was brought over from Changsha, China. As a baby, my parents abandoned me at a train station due to economic struggles and a birth defect. This is a common thing for Chinese parents to do to give their children a better life. Once I was found at the station I was put into an orphanage with many others. I was then adopted at only 14 months old and brought over to Utah.
I was born with amniotic band syndrome, a rare birth condition where digits or limbs get entangled by bands of tissue in the amniotic sac during pregnancy. From this condition, I was born with one hand that works perfectly fine, and a right arm that kinda just flops around and does its own thing. Growing up I struggled with my self-confidence and esteem because of it. I used to try to hide it as best as I could, whether that be sticking it in a pocket of a hoodie or folding my arms together so my left arm could cover it. Every day I questioned why I was the one who had to be born this way, but I’ve come to realize that I can’t change it, so I might as well work with it.
Although it is clear that I was not wanted in China, my parents wanted me and accepted my differences. I have met some amazing people in my life despite my floppy arm. During my first three years of high school, I attended Utah Military Academy, a small charter school. I hated the structure of everything there during my first few years. Saluting is a must at UMA and the military in general to show respect, but to my dismay, saluting is performed with the right hand. Of course, the staff was understanding but I was still forced to salute with my left hand.
When it came time to perform, I bumped elbows with the cadet next to me in front of the entire school. My embarrassment shot through the roof since everyone is expected to hold the salute until commanded to drop it. I saw many cadets holding back their laughter as this cadet and I had to awkwardly shuffle around to avoid stabbing each other. It became normal as the years progressed and everyone was supportive.
The close-knit community of students at my old high school helped boost my confidence. I’ve participated in many sports and activities due to my confidence not only in my arm but my abilities. I played piano for many years and took up the guitar last year to push myself. I’ve been playing soccer since the age of five and I have still continued to pursue it. Growing up I used to snowboard and there was even a point where I wanted to become an Olympic snowboarder, but that dream was short-lived as soccer became my life and my dedication.
I jumped from team to team as it became more than just a hobby. My mom would record almost every game in high school for NCAA goals for college. I went through several calls with my recruiter to best prepare me for an opportunity at college soccer. Despite my disability, I finally chose to go to a Wyoming college on a full-ride soccer scholarship. My disability doesn’t define me or my potential, but rather how I overcome it. This I believe.
I was born with amniotic band syndrome, a rare birth condition where digits or limbs get entangled by bands of tissue in the amniotic sac during pregnancy. From this condition, I was born with one hand that works perfectly fine, and a right arm that kinda just flops around and does its own thing. Growing up I struggled with my self-confidence and esteem because of it. I used to try to hide it as best as I could, whether that be sticking it in a pocket of a hoodie or folding my arms together so my left arm could cover it. Every day I questioned why I was the one who had to be born this way, but I’ve come to realize that I can’t change it, so I might as well work with it.
Although it is clear that I was not wanted in China, my parents wanted me and accepted my differences. I have met some amazing people in my life despite my floppy arm. During my first three years of high school, I attended Utah Military Academy, a small charter school. I hated the structure of everything there during my first few years. Saluting is a must at UMA and the military in general to show respect, but to my dismay, saluting is performed with the right hand. Of course, the staff was understanding but I was still forced to salute with my left hand.
When it came time to perform, I bumped elbows with the cadet next to me in front of the entire school. My embarrassment shot through the roof since everyone is expected to hold the salute until commanded to drop it. I saw many cadets holding back their laughter as this cadet and I had to awkwardly shuffle around to avoid stabbing each other. It became normal as the years progressed and everyone was supportive.
The close-knit community of students at my old high school helped boost my confidence. I’ve participated in many sports and activities due to my confidence not only in my arm but my abilities. I played piano for many years and took up the guitar last year to push myself. I’ve been playing soccer since the age of five and I have still continued to pursue it. Growing up I used to snowboard and there was even a point where I wanted to become an Olympic snowboarder, but that dream was short-lived as soccer became my life and my dedication.
I jumped from team to team as it became more than just a hobby. My mom would record almost every game in high school for NCAA goals for college. I went through several calls with my recruiter to best prepare me for an opportunity at college soccer. Despite my disability, I finally chose to go to a Wyoming college on a full-ride soccer scholarship. My disability doesn’t define me or my potential, but rather how I overcome it. This I believe.