Nicole Helfer
15 August, 2006

Hello Everyone!

My name is Nicole Helfer; most know me as Niki.

I've been through a lot in my life but nothing changed my life until I was 16 years old. I was in a life changing accident that left me in a wheelchair. I couldn't walk, and, doctors were sure I would never walk again.

But to this day I have proved them wrong, I'm not walking like what people would call "normal" walking. I walk with a limp, but I dont look at it like that. I look at the fact that I can walk, and I've tried really hard to get where I am today. I have to say that I'm greatful that this happened to me as it really opened my eyes to a lot of things, like who my true friends are, what is most important in life is family and succeeding, and not being the most prettiest or the most popular.

Things like that won't stay with you for the rest of your life, and they certainly won't make you succeed in life. Yes, although there is a saying that it's not what you know, it's who you know, which is true. But in high school, being popular shouldn't just matter, because marks is what's going to get you into post-secondary education.

I've been through a lot in my life which makes up my character. I'm strong and beautiful, but I don't mean to sound concieted or anything; but after all I've been through, I chose to stick it out and look for better days. I'm finally feeling the pay off of all this hard work.

The objective to Just Around the Corner is to put what I've been through and my experiences, and help people like you. It's also my opinion and though not everyone is going to agree, that's why we have feedback.

Enjoy. Just remember: "Nothing is impossible to a willing mind".

Nicole Helfer is our latest columnist here at 148.ca; we wish her luck in the success of her section.