Post by aggiemanone on May 24, 2005 12:11:25 GMT -5
Ryan McGimpsey speaks her mind, despite not being able to speak
www.news-record.com/news/local/gso/ryan_052405.htm
5-24-05
By Lanita Withers Staff Writer
News & Record
GREENSBORO
Is there anyone who doesn't know Ryan McGimpsey as she navigates the halls of her school?
Probably not. She gets more shout-outs than her favorite singer, Fantasia, would get in downtown High Point.
"Hey, woman," a woman calls out as McGimpsey gives a tour of Gateway Educational Center.
McGimpsey, who uses a wheelchair, smiles wide and continues on her way.
After 19 years at Gateway, the place has become a second home to the 22-year-old, who has cerebral palsy. But after her graduation from Gateway today, she has her sights on another campus: N.C. A&T.
McGimpsey is volunteering as a greeter, fulfilling a dream of being connected to the university. When guests arrive for certain campus events, such as the forum on the search for a new UNC system president this month, McGimpsey is there, welcoming them to Aggieland.
McGimpsey speaks by using a Dynavox, a computerized communication device. "My Dynavox is my voice," she said.
She isn't able to control the use of her arms and legs. Instead, she uses a headstick to type out what she wants to say. With a final tap on the screen, a female voice speaks McGimpsey's words.
"She speaks her mind about things," said Phyllis Page, a vocational education teacher at Gateway. "She's able to program things in to say greetings to people or give directions to here or there."
"She programs in everything that she needs to. She's totally independent with that. She's a very smart young lady that doesn't let anything stop her."
McGimpsey's love of all things Aggie started early.
Her mother, Yvonne McGimpsey, remembers taking her daughter to hear the university band practice when she was younger.
"We live not far from the university and you can hear the band practicing during the fall of the year months," her mother said. "I used to take her other there so she could watch them practice."
The seeds of Aggie Pride had been planted.
They blossomed when a good friend, who was also a student at A&T, took McGimpsey to campus for a variety of events.
"I think she grew to love the school and the campus life there at that time through the eyes of her care provider," Yvonne McGimpsey said. "Since then, she has loved North Carolina A&T."
As she grew older and started planning for her future, Ryan McGimpsey "made it very clear that she wanted to do something at A&T University," Page said.
The folks at A&T were happy to oblige.
"I cannot think of a word to adequately describe Ryan and the impact she's had on us," said Mable Scott, A&T's associate vice chancellor for development and university relations. "Ryan is one of the best communicators I've ever worked with. Her smile says it all."
Keith McConico, an A&T alumnus who volunteers at the campus radio station, said McGimpsey is an inspiration to all Aggies.
"She gave me a new perspective on looking at people with her condition, that she has a lot of heart and is very independent," he said.
Yvonne McGimpsey said her daughter's successes are because of Ryan's perseverance.
"Ryan was born with cerebral palsy, so when a parent has a child with a handicap such as that, the parent wants the child to be as independent as possible," Yvonne McGimpsey said.
"She's displayed what she's interested in, and it happens. To see her take the baton and run with it ... I'm just elated with this."
And to Ryan McGimpsey, that's what it means to be an Aggie.
"Aggie Pride to me means dedication to accomplishing your dreams," McGimpsey said. "I am proud to be a part of the Aggie Family. Aggie Pride!"
Contact Lanita Withers
at 373-7071 or lwithers@news-record.com
www.news-record.com/news/local/gso/ryan_052405.htm
5-24-05
By Lanita Withers Staff Writer
News & Record
GREENSBORO
Is there anyone who doesn't know Ryan McGimpsey as she navigates the halls of her school?
Probably not. She gets more shout-outs than her favorite singer, Fantasia, would get in downtown High Point.
"Hey, woman," a woman calls out as McGimpsey gives a tour of Gateway Educational Center.
McGimpsey, who uses a wheelchair, smiles wide and continues on her way.
After 19 years at Gateway, the place has become a second home to the 22-year-old, who has cerebral palsy. But after her graduation from Gateway today, she has her sights on another campus: N.C. A&T.
McGimpsey is volunteering as a greeter, fulfilling a dream of being connected to the university. When guests arrive for certain campus events, such as the forum on the search for a new UNC system president this month, McGimpsey is there, welcoming them to Aggieland.
McGimpsey speaks by using a Dynavox, a computerized communication device. "My Dynavox is my voice," she said.
She isn't able to control the use of her arms and legs. Instead, she uses a headstick to type out what she wants to say. With a final tap on the screen, a female voice speaks McGimpsey's words.
"She speaks her mind about things," said Phyllis Page, a vocational education teacher at Gateway. "She's able to program things in to say greetings to people or give directions to here or there."
"She programs in everything that she needs to. She's totally independent with that. She's a very smart young lady that doesn't let anything stop her."
McGimpsey's love of all things Aggie started early.
Her mother, Yvonne McGimpsey, remembers taking her daughter to hear the university band practice when she was younger.
"We live not far from the university and you can hear the band practicing during the fall of the year months," her mother said. "I used to take her other there so she could watch them practice."
The seeds of Aggie Pride had been planted.
They blossomed when a good friend, who was also a student at A&T, took McGimpsey to campus for a variety of events.
"I think she grew to love the school and the campus life there at that time through the eyes of her care provider," Yvonne McGimpsey said. "Since then, she has loved North Carolina A&T."
As she grew older and started planning for her future, Ryan McGimpsey "made it very clear that she wanted to do something at A&T University," Page said.
The folks at A&T were happy to oblige.
"I cannot think of a word to adequately describe Ryan and the impact she's had on us," said Mable Scott, A&T's associate vice chancellor for development and university relations. "Ryan is one of the best communicators I've ever worked with. Her smile says it all."
Keith McConico, an A&T alumnus who volunteers at the campus radio station, said McGimpsey is an inspiration to all Aggies.
"She gave me a new perspective on looking at people with her condition, that she has a lot of heart and is very independent," he said.
Yvonne McGimpsey said her daughter's successes are because of Ryan's perseverance.
"Ryan was born with cerebral palsy, so when a parent has a child with a handicap such as that, the parent wants the child to be as independent as possible," Yvonne McGimpsey said.
"She's displayed what she's interested in, and it happens. To see her take the baton and run with it ... I'm just elated with this."
And to Ryan McGimpsey, that's what it means to be an Aggie.
"Aggie Pride to me means dedication to accomplishing your dreams," McGimpsey said. "I am proud to be a part of the Aggie Family. Aggie Pride!"
Contact Lanita Withers
at 373-7071 or lwithers@news-record.com
