Elle Henson - Noosaville

Elle Henson from Noosaville

The biggest challenge that I have had to overcome is accepting that I have cerebral palsy.

At the age of 10 I had an operation that the doctors said would help me walk ... without my sticks. I was so excited to tell my friends that I would be joining them at dancing school — a dream come true.

It didn't happen and I resented that I had cerebral palsy; I would not even talk to my twin sister in public (my twin sister also has cerebral palsy). I soon realised that the friends I had were not true friends, but my twin sister has stood by me unconditionally.

My turning point came in year 11 when I nominated myself for a student leadership position and represented Noosa at the Queensland Youth Parliament. I realised I could make a contribution and there were people out there who accepted differences in people. For the first time I actually loved being me.

It hasn't been easy accepting my disability and that I walk with "silver sticks". I will never be the dancer that I longed to be, but I have learned to take every opportunity and learn everything that I can. I want to make a positive difference.

If I were to achieve one more thing, it'd be to say it's okay to be different, as long as you believe in yourself. My only limitation is my imagination and there are so many avenues that I cannot wait to explore.