Despite adversity, U student perseveres

Carli Carter crowd surfs at the Grand Kerfuffle last spring. Erin Burns/Daily Utah Chronicle file photo.

I have plans, things I want to do, places I want to see, said Carter, a junior in broadcast journalism.

She is actively involved on campus, holding the title of Brand Ambassador for Coca-Cola and Director of Archives for the Delta Gamma sorority.

Im successful because I let myself be successful, Carter said. I wont allow being in a wheelchair to hold me back.

Carter was in her first wheelchair when she was eight. At 14, she underwent a 12-hour-long surgery after the deterioration of her muscles left her with sclerosis and a collapsed lung.

Ive torn both my meniscuses from my legs giving out on me, she said of moments she spends out of the chair.

She dedicates time trying to inspire other community members who share her disease. In high school she was a state ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, with which she traveled all over Utah and Nevada talking about her story and encouraging others to live life to the fullest.

Im tired of people thinking that because were in wheelchairs, we arent normal people, Carter said, I want to get rid of that stereotype people say they forget Im in a wheelchair. Honestly, sometimes I forget Im in a wheelchair.

Silvia Potema, a senior in entrepreneurship, is Carters big sis in Delta Gamma. Carli is the one girl I truly look up to. Every day she has a smile on her face and is more grateful to be on this earth than anyone I know I find her being my big sister with always telling me not to give up and pushing me to my limits.

Carter lives in an apartment close to campus with her roommate. She brings herself to walk short distances, and can stand on her own for hours at a time.

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Despite adversity, U student perseveres