September 2011: Jessica Kruger

It seemed so simple!

Get out of bed, head to work, climb the ladder, paint some homes and make some money to put towards university. With the blink of an eye this seemingly simple task turned into a life altering and destructive endeavor. I caution you, the story I am about to share with you will not just break your heart and bring you to tears but it will hopefully leave you inspired, realizing “no matter how bad things may seem at one point or another we can make it through”, according to Jessica Kruger, my personal inspiration this month!

At the age of 15 Jessica Kruger had decided to paint homes for a bit, make some money and live life to the fullest! However, while standing on a ladder and painting at her job at College Pro Painters, Jessica Kruger tragically fainted and came crashing down. In that very moment, with her neck broken in four places she knew life would never be the same.

It would have been easy for this fun loving, enthusiastic and excited for life 15 year old to give up and hate the world for what happened. Jessica wasn’t about to let that happen to her. While in rehab, learning to move her joints again, realizing she would not be able to walk and would now be a quadriplegic, she still was not willing to stop! While in rehab, believe it or not, she managed to continue her education, take classes and keep up with her course load.

A girl with a mission today, Jessica Kruger, now a Simon Fraser University English student, has not given up on her life long dream to teach in third-world countries. A challenge perhaps, but after already being sent to Africa on a breathtaking safari through Kenya sponsored by The Sunshine Foundation, she is motivated now more than ever to make it happen…and I have no doubt she will!

Today, Kruger can be found studying away, going out with friends, or playing wheelchair rugby (the youngest girl on the B.C. team in fact), or baking. She shows us that a bump in the road doesn’t stop us from living life to the fullest! You have a dream, then make it happen…no matter the circumstances!

Jessica leaves our listeners and readers with some strong words, “always have courage to push through and believe in yourself!”

It was an honour and an absolute pleasure having the opportunity to highlight such a wonderfully inspiring individual!

About the Author: Zahra Premji

Her headphones in, music blasting, and of course groovin' to the beat of the day literally no matter where she is! This is how you'll find Zahra on most days, whether it be while writing papers or bungee jumping. Adventurous and spontaneous are probably the best words that describe her and her lust for travel and discovery from Australia to Africa. Zahra loves what she does because she enjoys digging up the facts and using her voice to tell the stories that may not be heard otherwise. Considering she is just about done her Major in Communications at SFU she hopes to make her dreams a reality and take the steps towards becoming a Television Broadcaster.

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