December 12, 2007
Freshman Kevin Vu is an inspiration. At the age of
18, he’s already accomplished more than the
typical overachiever – despite growing up with
many doctors telling him he didn’t have a future.
Kevin, who has cerebral palsy, has fought through
obstacles and looks forward to a career helping
others with disabilities. A political science major,
he plans to become a lawyer and practice either
civil or corporate law, and continue to fight for the
rights of students with disabilities.
“If I were going to say something to a graduating
senior going into education or health care, [I’d say] hang on to the passion that you have for your job because many times people stop really caring about their students and patients,” Kevin says.
A graduate of Hoover High in Fresno, Kevin
Mark Crosse / The Fresno Bee Kevin Vu, a Hoover High senior with cerebral palsy who usually uses a wheelchair, walks across the stage with crutches to get his diploma and is congratulated by Michelle Asadoorian, a Fresno Unified board member.
fought many battles for necessary
accommodations he needed to succeed. He
learned to speak by practicing with his siblings. He
mastered every exercise, such as how to walk,
which he was taught by the physical therapists once a week in Los Angeles.
Despite his physical disability, Kevin’s mind is sharp, and he knew he was smart. Instead of
letting people put him in a corner, he spoke up and made himself be heard. It was this way that
he astounded the doctors at his physical and mental development. As a result of Kevin’s
determination and the assistance of arm crutches, he was able to walk across the stage and accept his high school diploma.
In addition to having a positive attitude toward life and relentless determination, Kevin was also fortunate to have a supportive family environment. Regardless of the language barrier, Kevin says his Vietnamese-born mother has been his rock. She did all she could to make sure that he
was not left behind, he says.
As a result of Kevin’s perseverance, he has not only been a successful public speaker since the age of 12, but he has taken on the challenge of being an advocate for people with disabilities. Kevin has been recognized at state, federal and national levels for his efforts. Last year, he was specially invited to spend a week in Washington, D.C., including a meeting with President George W. Bush. They discussed his obstacles as well as health care an education issues and other improvements that could be made for people with disabilities. In addition to his advocacy efforts, Kevin also makes time to participate in the Boys and Girls
Organization, campaigns for the Republican Party, Light the Night (which supports the fight against leukemia) and the Southeastern Asian Conference.
With Kevin’s passion for life and equality for people with disabilities, he’s sure to continue making a difference in our society and overcoming obstacles thrown his way.