Jennie Lynn Alexina Miller, a member of Bethlehem Catholic’s Class of 2017, has overcome many physical disabilities while challenging herself to greater heights.

Jennie was born with a small right ear, a small right thumb and only a foot where her right leg was supposed to be and no right hip. She wears a prosthetic right leg and scoliosis affects her lower back. In addition, Jennie has suffered two concussions and undergone roughly 15 surgeries.

Jennie’s first concussion was due to falling off of the school bus on her way to school. A second concussion occurred in December 2013 when fell on ice, striking her head and breaking through into the cold water. Her brother rescued Jennie and was awarded the Medal of Merit from his Boy Scouts troop.

The same month, Jennie underwent major hip and knee surgery. Her hip kept coming out of its socket and she had a bowed leg. Following the surgery, she had to stay off of her leg for six weeks.

Jennie attended school in a wheelchair and had to spend most of her time in the nurse’s office because many of classes were taught on the second floor and the school did not have an elevator.

When the six weeks had passed, Jennie started two weeks of intense inpatient physical therapy. Her doctor estimated the therapy would take her three weeks to complete, but she pushed herself and checked out in two weeks.

The first day without physical therapy she decided to just rest. But the second day she started to stand and took a few small steps. By the end of the week, she was beginning to walk around the room, though it took most of her energy. By the end of the following week, she had improved to walking up and down stairs and got permission from her doctor to return to school.

Returning to school took loads of adjusting to the amount of energy needed to make through an entire day. At the end of a school day, she would lie down on the couch as soon as she got home and sleep for a few hours. That same routine went on for a few months until outpatient therapy helped her regain her lost strength.

“The physical challenges I face now are the ones I have faced all my life,” she says elaborating on how her challenges have affected her social and home life. “School life has been a challenge. In grade school I was always was asked ‘What happened?’ but when I got to high school people didn’t really ask because they thought they were being rude.”

With the help of peers, Jennie was able to get from class to class by leaving a few minutes early. Her friends and family have become her largest support system because they do not act like she has a disability. They treat her equally and with respect, as she likes. Jennie’s family expects her to participate in chores just like any child would.

“My family pushes me to do my best and to never use my disability as an excuse,” she says. “My friends treat me like they treat each other. I respect them as they respect me. They don’t see my disability as a disability rather it as an extension of who I am.”

At Bethlehem Catholic, Jennie participated in Choir, Squire Roses, Eco-Club, and Students for Life. Jennie says her biggest high school achievement, though completely unexpected, has been receiving Bethlehem Catholic High School Students For Life Award for her passion in defending life and upholding the pro-life teachings of the Catholic Church.

Jennie’s list of achievements continued to grow when she received a scholarship from University of New Haven called the Academic Charger Award based on her excellent school grades including her SAT and ACT scores.

Asked where she would like to see herself in five years, Jennie sees herself in a job where she is able to help the creatures of the sea while discovering new species. She hopes to be living in an apartment or a house while living a happy and productive life.

“Do not give up,” Jennie offers to others with disabilities. “I know times may seem tough, but you are tougher. There will be times when you feel alone in the world, but you are not. I am out here and I know what you are going through. There are others out there like us. We are not alone.”

Halfway through 2017, Jennie has been through a ton of ordeals, but she is eager for what the rest of the year has in store for her.

“My goals for the remaining 2017 year is to spend it with family and friends and become a better person as I go on to college,” she says.

Jennie will move into her new college dorm Aug. 23 and start classes Aug. 28 majoring in marine biology.

Jennie’s advice to her peers? “Never give up. You are not alone, and you will succeed. You are the best at being you. Don’t change for anyone, unless you want to change yourself to be a better you.”