Jung Yeun Song: Her heroism shines

For a girl born in South Korea with a disability, graduating from a Canadian university in engineering is a significant accomplishment. Here is her story:

Having been born with spina bifida and congenital scoliosis, I was not expected to have the capability to care for myself. My mother sent me to Canada when I was seven to seek medical attention that was not available in Korea.

In Canada, I was cared for by a Montreal foster family. After numerous surgeries, my mother made a difficult decision and consented to adoption, knowing life would be much easier for me here in Canada. In Korea, nothing was adapted for the disabled. She knew my Canadian family treated me as one of their own, and would take good care of me.

Throughout my years in Canada I attended school (from elementary school to university) and was constantly in and out of the hospital for surgeries. During my stays in the hospitals and my period of recoveries, with the help of hospital teachers and school tutors, I kept up with my studies. As well, in between surgeries, I was involved in extracurricular activities such as sports study and music study programs. I was also involved in organizing events to raise money for a local community charity.

With the goal of being self-sufficient, being accepted at Concordia University in Building Engineering was an exciting moment in my life. However, having a disability, I knew getting through the program would be a challenge.

Living on the South Shore meant having to travel an hour each way by public transportation, on bus and metro, with a school bag full of textbooks. Being less than 4’6” tall and walking with a cane made it difficult to get from class to class (changing buildings within Concordia’s downtown campus), especially during winter months.

Some days were very exhausting. But with the support of my Canadian and Korean families, my boyfriend, Concordia professors, as well as friends, I made it through the program. I also managed to volunteer in some ECA activities and tutoring international students who required help with their university English essays.

Concordia’s Office for Students with Disabilities offers special services for students with disabilities. I did not use their services as I felt I was capable of getting by without them. It was comforting to know, however, that the office was there for any reason and support. This is an example of a service offered to the disabled that probably would not have been available to me in Korea.

My experience at Concordia has been very positive and memorable. I have made friends who were always willing to help in any way, both academically and physically.

Completing my studies and graduating from Concordia University is a great accomplishment which has taught me that with enough motivation, even with additional difficulties, I am capable of pursuing and achieving the goals of any other independent girl.