Jonathan Schomaker: The Little Hero

   During the first lockdown in 2020, the whole world was scared, everyone was probably thinking if they're gonna make it. Everyone was praying not to lose a family member. Nobody wants to experience loss. It is probably the hardest feeling ever, and no matter how much you try to cope, you just can't.

   At that time, my addiction for a game called VRCHAT started. I played it everyday. I could play it for 6 hours and wouldn't even notice! At that time, thousands of people all over the world joined VRCHAT to kill time and to socialize.

   At that time, I got closer to a guy who had the username "Don Fluffles". He's 16 from America. I noticed that he speaks a bit slower than others, I asked our mutual friend why is that. He told me that he has a disability. I was curious to know more, but didn't get to ask, because Don suggested that he'd play a video of himself so that we get to know more about him. Gosh he always reaches people first! Isn't that absolutely brave?

   The video shows Jonathan, which is his real name, competing with his team in a cross-country race, from a WHEELCHAIR! It was so inspiring! After that, he explained that he has cerebellar hypoplasia, a rare neurological condition that affects muscle tone and coordination. But that didn't stop him at all! He always speaks about cross-country with passion. When I got to know him, he was sad because he had to stop the cross-country meetings during the lockdown. And I still remember how happy he was when it was all over.

   You may be wondering how can someone be this brave and passionate.. you know life is never easy on any of us. Well, this is Jonathan's life motto that keeps him motivated: "Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now, if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain’t you. You’re better than that!", And as you would have guessed by now, he's a big fan of Rocky movie series!

  Aside from that, this young man surely loves singing and he's the best karaoke partner! He's a huge metalhead and he introduced me to some new songs. Knowing Jonathan surely had a positive impact on me and I'm sure he had the same impact on most of the people he knows. He's so lively. He loves to draw and play videogames. He's a kind person overall! And I'm sure he's gonna be an awesome man, hopefully we can meet in the future!

   Having a disability doesn't and shouldn't stop you from doing what you want. On the contrary, I think it makes you appreciate life more. It makes you wanna seize every opportunity. I'm so proud of Jonathan for believing in himself. Hopefully we get to see you in the Paralympics very soon! I will be rooting for you forever and always!