Declan Boran-Ragotzy is a senior at Carroll University majoring in Spanish with a double minor in Early Adolescence and Teen Education and Fine Arts Administration. He is an Admission Ambassador and Pio Pete. In addition, he is an active participant in the theatre and choir departments as well as Latin American Student Organization. He has made the Dean’s List every semester while at Carroll University and strives to be the best human being he can be. Before the age of 9 months old, Declan was diagnosed with schizencephaly (right-sided weakness), cerebral palsy, and ectodermal dysplasia (lack of teeth.) His single mother raised him in Janesville with limited financial support from the father. These disabilities have created many obstacles for Declan. From a young age, Declan was required to attend many physical and occupational therapy sessions. This included speech therapy as well. Many hours were spent ensuring that Declan could grow up and hopefully, one day, live independently. By the age of three, Declan participated in Smiles, a program where people ride horses to gain better control over balance and body coordination. He wore many braces and casts during his life to help reposition his gait. Declan obtained various daily exercises to help reduce spasticity and gain a higher range of motion. Instead of hanging out with friends, Declan could be seen with silly put and elastic bands used for his exercises as well as in the car with his mother traveling many miles to receive the adequate care he needed in order to flourish. Regular trips include Madison, Milwaukee, and Brookfield. In addition, no orthodontist in the city of Janesville would deal with a case as strange as that of Declan. Luckily, Dr. Hanson who resides in New Berlin and Brookfield took it upon herself to see Declan. He has been in braces since third grade after he had surgery to loosen his jaw in order to close him mouth completely all under the direction of Dr. Hanson. She has been a vital part in helping Declan and his mother receive great care for his teeth. Even with excellent support like Dr. Hanson, Declan still struggled. It was very hard for him to feel accepted in school because he could not participate in everyday activities those other kids his age did. For example, Declan would be the only boy placed in the all-girls gym class because the teacher thought the intensity of the boys’ class would overwhelm him. Obviously, bulling followed. Unfortunately, the bullying did not stop. Throughout middle school he was teased because he was active with the music department and during high school even teachers judged him for his disability. College is a much better experience for Declan; he feels right at home at Carroll University. He is allowed to express himself and his passion for activities and kindness over pours. He looks forward to making a positive impression on all individuals at Carroll University.