“No speeding!”
Zipping through the hallways of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College (DMLK) with her electric wheelchair is senior Zoey Ngu. Zoey has zoomed through the hallways at DMLK since she was in middle school. Her sister also attends DMLK and continuated this year from eighth grade. Celebrating life is easy for Ngu. You can always find her with the freshest kicks, the coolest hairstyles and the latest fashion trends. Surrounded by her friends, she is often found having lunch and laughing with her friends or joking with her one-on-one paraprofessional and wearing matching outfits with the paraprofessionals for Twin Day during Spirit Week. Because Zoey is graduating this year, she and her friends made sure they went all out for prom.
Ngu was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), a brittle bone disease that can make both her academic and personal lives challenging. Depending on the level of OI, someone could experience frequent fractures, respiratory issues, cardiovascular issues or more. Creating a defect in the genes, OI can cause the body to make collagen incorrectly or not make enough, leading to weak bones that break more easily. Connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments, lungs and skin can also potentially be affected. Everyday tasks, such as changing clothes or transferring from one wheelchair to another seat, could risk injury. Overall body growth and development can also be affected by OI, making them physically smaller than their peers.
Providing Zoey with the resources and tools to have a successful high school experience gives her the support needed to take advantage of every academic opportunity available, properly preparing her for college and beyond. Valuable support is provided from her one-on-one paraprofessional, Paulina, who helps Ngu travel from one place to another safely, protects her in the event of a crowd and helps her exit the building during routine or real emergency evacuation procedures. Paulina is also an advocate for Ngu when she needs assistance or has questions about meeting high school expectations. A one-on-one paraprofessional has been critical to her success. Each day can bring its own unique challenges, but keeping Zoey safe is important. Ngu is allowed to leave class early to safely travel and arrive at her next class before the rush of the hallways. If she were to come in contact with something, she risks bone fractures or ligament tears. Because of these challenges, Zoey has worked with her Physical Therapist for years on building strength and gaining independence. From learning to walk and putting on clothes, Ngu is gaining confidence to take care of herself.
Ngu’s high school experience allowed her many growth opportunities. During her senior year, she worked as an office assistant helping the DMLK deans with administrative duties. This position allowed her to gain skill sets in an office environment. Her senior year, Zoey has been able to take three college classes: one at DMLK, one online and one at Colorado Early College (CEC).
“DMLK and DPS have given me opportunities to challenge myself through concurrent enrollment college classes, such as English, math, bio and AP history,” said Ngu. “This prepared me for college because I had opportunities earlier in my high school years to experience what college was like while still in high school, and this helped me learn to become more independent.”
Little in stature, but big in dreams, Zoey’s dream is to become a radiologist. She will attend an in-state college in the fall.
“My parents gave me the idea of pursuing radiology because, being a child born with OI and also being in a wheelchair, it’s difficult to find activities or occupations that could put me or my body at risk,” stated Ngu. “Not only do I feel this would be an interesting field to study, but it would also allow me to learn more about the human body, bones, etc.”
With her senior year now closed, Zoey reminisces about her high school experiences. “I had so many fun times with my friends. I loved laughing and zooming through the hallways. There are so many great memories (at DMLK),” said Ngu.
For graduation, Zoey planned one final surprise and a goal to accomplish. She had practiced a long time for this moment and was ready. She arrived at the graduation venue earlier in the week to visit the graduation stage to test the surface of the ramp. She wanted to be sure she felt comfortable travelling across the stage as any bump or change in the floor texture could cause her to lose balance and risk significant injury.
Graduation day had finally arrived. Magness Arena at the University of Denver was packed with friends and family, all cheering for their loved ones and one another. It was finally Zoey’s moment. Pushed up the ramp by her paraprofessional, she waits for her name to be called. This is it. Zoey takes one more deep breath and extends her legs down from her walker. Leg braces give her strength to balance. Her journey across the stage has begun.
The crowd erupted in applause and cheering, but mostly tears filled the arena. While she was nervous, the roaring excitement from the crowd encouraged Ngu to walk to the center, receive her diploma, have her tassel turned which successfully completed her mission to the other end of the stage. One foot in front of the other, she carefully steps across the stage to receive her diploma. Her courageous walk inspired so many people making her a viral sensation online. If Zoey were to give words of wisdom to future high school students, it would be, “Take any opportunity given to you and take high school seriously, because it will help you in the long run. Also, make sure you choose your friends wisely because it makes a difference in what kind of high school experience you have.” Ngu lives her life to be brave and not afraid to challenge yourself.
If Zoey were to give words of wisdom to future high school students, it would be, “Take any opportunity given to you and take high school seriously, because it will help you in the long run. Also, make sure you choose your friends wisely because it makes a difference in what kind of high school experience you have.” Ngu lives her life to be brave and not afraid to challenge themselves.
Ngu is just one example of someone mightier than their circumstances. She is a constant reminder of someone who isn’t afraid to work toward her dreams.
Thank you, Zoey, for showing us not to be afraid to chase our dreams, to laugh along the way and for inspiring others to be brave and try something new!