NOTEBOOK: Making a difference in other people’s lives
EMILY BARSKE Sep 20, 2022 | 8:21 pm
1 min read time
277 wordsAll Latest News, Business Record Insider, The Insider Notebook
I first interviewed Alex Watters for a story I reported for the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 2020. Later that year, he was part of our 90 Ideas in 90 Minutes event.
Watters is the alumni engagement director at Morningside University in Sioux City and is also on the City Council there. He uses a wheelchair after he was in an accident while diving at Lake Okoboji and he is a strong advocate for the disability community in Iowa.
I thought his post on LinkedIn last week was worthy of sharing:
Yesterday hit differently. 18 years ago I had an accident that landed me in this hospital bed. I was 18 years old. To think that I’ve used a wheelchair for half of my life is unbelievable. Sometimes it feels like it’s all I’ve known and at other times it feels like just yesterday. I’m not going to drone on about all of the lessons that I have learned along the way, there have been many, but I want to emphasize how grateful I am for the people that have impacted my journey along the way- my family, friends, and so many others. I’ve been privileged with so many opportunities and fun experiences. However, only after my accident, when I became dependent upon others, did I realize the inherent ability that each of us have to make a difference in the lives of others. I’ve tried my best to pay it forward and I would challenge you all to do the same. Be kind to others and help where you can. You never know who you may be inspiring with your actions.
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