True Tales by Disability Advocates
Where advocates harness the power of storytelling to build community with their peers and hope to develop empathy in others. A team of disability advocates creates this True Tales podcast to share personal stories by disabled storytellers and add their voices to the growing community of podcast listeners.
True Tales by Disability Advocates
“Magical Advocacy”
In this episode, we highlight storytellers who are practitioners of this “Magical Advocacy.” The tools these practitioners use are, being clear about what you are asking for, knowing why you’re asking and connecting with people by using personal stories to put a human face on the issue. In her story “Wand Quest”, Jessica Guerrero invokes her advocacy skills to manifest a long held dream. Our second story “First Impressions” by Nissi Salazar shows the strength of her magical power to break down barriers comes from her passion for adventure, her commitment to Universal Love and her faith.
“Wand Quest” - Jessica Guerrero, has lived independently in Austin for around 10 years and has been with the Speaking Advocates program from its very first class. She told us, “I have a mild case of cerebral palsy but my wheelchair has opened the door to cosplay, martial arts, travelling, adaptive sports and so many other adventures.” She also really enjoys helping out in the community. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimotion159/. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.guerrero.1441
Host: Brittany Sessum is a Houston native and Army veteran that loves making connections with others. She has a passion to serve her family, the community, and her country by giving back in any capacity. She believes that her passions and actions live beyond herself. Brittany loves writing poetry, reading, traveling, and working as an entrepreneur.
“First Impressions” - Nissi Salazar: Nissi Salazar has lived her life in a wheelchair. Nevertheless cerebral palsy and the confinement of her chair cannot keep her from living! Her sassy and adventurous spirit gives her the drive to go beyond what is the norm for someone with her limitations. In fact, Nissi has made a career in proving that with a little help you can achieve anything.
She comes from a loud and loving family. One of four children to two hard-working Colombian immigrants. She’s lived in the front porch of the Texas Hill country most of her life. Both of her parents are big dreamers and have encouraged their children to dream big as well! https://www.nissisalazar.com/, Buy Nissi’s book A Paradox Of Victory, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nissis1/
Host Kamand Alaghehband: Kamand Alaghehband was born in Austin, TX and has autism. In 2020, The CDC reported approximately 1 in 54 children in the U.S. diagnosed with autism. This ratio is more than all cancer patients combined. Kamand has spent her life supporting all generations with disabilities. Kamand loves the Special Olympics and her favorite sports are swimming, basketball, and track. Kamand is a member of the executive committee of Special Olympics Athletes Leadership in Texas.She has created podcasts, Tik Tok videos, video games, and a variety of health activities during the pandemic to keep the athlete’s mind occupied in a healthy way. Kamand’s mission within her population is to bring peace today and create a vision for tomorrow’s disable population. Kamand hopes that she’ll be able to teach others to turn denial into acceptance. Watch Kamand’s Special Olympics healthy lifestyle videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mespecial8588
Click here to listen with the full transcript.
For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.
Segments of this podcast were read by an automated voice. Inconsistencies in pronunciation and tone may occur.
Welcome to True Tales by Disability Advocates, authentic voices of people thriving with disabilities. Where individuals use the art of storytelling to change the world. The True Tales by Disability Advocates podcast is produced by Art Spark, Texas Speaking Advocates Program. Keep listening to hear how life's challenges can spark a desire to speak out and Advocate for themselves and others.
MsBoye:You're listening to"Magical Advocacy" episode two, season two of True Tales by Disability Advocates, the podcast where Advocates harness the power of storytelling to build community with their peers and hope to develop empathy in others. A team of Disability Advocates creates True Tales to give disabled storytellers the opportunity to share their personal stories and lived experience in their authentic voices. We offer our unique and often underrepresented perspective to the growing community of podcast listeners worldwide. Did you know that according to the CDC, one in four Americans are disabled? That's about 61 million adults with 61 million experiences and points of view about what it means to live in a world not designed for them. Recognizing that everyone's life is enriched by the inclusion of multiple voices, Art Spark Texas has been training Disability Advocates as storytellers for over twenty years. The word Advocate comes from the Latin word, Advocare. Ad means"to" and vocare is call or summon, call to aid and to invoke. These days, an Advocate is a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy, but being a Disability Advocate is more than standing up to the ableism of systems and institutions. We are called to use the skills we've learned as Advocates to create the world we want to live in every day. When advocacy becomes a way of life, the results can seem magical, in this episode, we highlight storytellers who are practitioners of this"Magical Advocacy". There are three basic tools of"Magical Advocacy", being clear about what we're asking for, knowing why we're asking and connecting with people by using our personal stories to put a human face on the issue. Our first storyteller, Jessica Guerrero, returns with her story"Wand Quest" in which she invokes her advocacy skills to manifest a long held dream. And our second story"First Impressions" by Nissi Salazar reveals the strength of her magical power to break down barriers, comes from her passion for adventure, a commitment to universal love and her faith. Their stories, show how using the three golden rules for successful advocacy, be polite, be prepared, be persistent, can be applied to manifesting our dreams as well as challenging the ableism we might encounter in normal activities of adulthood, like hanging out in your local coffee shop or visiting an amusement park. When we choose to be visible, be proud of who we are as we are, and live life with kindness and persistent authenticity, we invoke a powerful magic that is changing our world and the people around us. As you listen to this episode, may it plant seeds that will empower you to develop the practice of"Magical Advocacy" in your life, and may you be able to recognize the ways you are living the life of an Advocate every day.
Brittany:Welcome to True Tales by Disability Advocates, the podcast where we change the world one story at a time. I'm Brittany Sessum and I'm your host. So welcome Jessica.
Jessica:Hey, thanks! Thank you so much.
Brittany:Jessica, we, not just we and not just me, but a lot of people will be able to relate to you. There are many different key points that you had in your story where people can relate. One of the things that I found interesting when we were talking, talking about your Instagram page, about,"Cosplay". Can you give our listeners just a little bit about what you mean as far as"Cosplay" posing?
Jessica:Well,"Cosplay" which is a hobby of mine that I've spoken, about, on this podcast before, is dressing in costume to play your favorite characters from comic books, movies, anime, um, just about all sorts of different kinds of media, but when I speak about posing, it's all about figuring out a pose that you can, that you can take when people ask for pictures at, at some of the events, the conventions that I go to. You were asking me about, I think CosSketcher. We talked about CosSketcher and that's where we, and that's where Cos-players get to pose in front of, uh, figure drawing artists so that both can practice their craft. And so you have to learn to to come up with, Poses that convey your character, but also that you can hold for various lengths of time. So, so you need to... I've found that sometimes when it comes to holding some poses, it helps to use breathing techniques to be, to keep relaxed while holding, while holding position. Um, and other times when you have to, when you have to hold a pa, a pose very long because sometimes you pose for one picture and more people want... for pictures for one person and more people stop to take, take them too. Sometimes another thing that I've learned is that, to come up with some somewhat, um, dynamic poses that are easier they're(frustrated sound) easier to, they're easier to hold. Okay, let's take a step back here,(Laughs), because I'm trying to figure out what you're, what you're asking me here. Um, what's, yeah, what do, what exactly you're,
Brittany:You're doing great, Jessica. It was just, uh, one thing that you mentioned about taking the best pictures.
Jessica:Yeah. Um, figuring out...
Brittany:Most people would think that a model or somebody that is in commercials.
Jessica:Yeah. Cause it is modeling.
Brittany:It's definitely modeling. But you would never think that the modeling techniques, um, that you would see on, um, ads and stuff still applies to"Cosplay". Because you're looking, when you're taking pictures with your admirers, you're trying to get the best picture and the best frame.
Jessica:Yeah. I mean, if someone asks me to, to take a picture and that if someone wants a picture of you, you wanna give'em the best picture you can. Cause oftentimes they, um, because they often love the character just as much as you do. And so you wanna, you wanna do justice, you wanna, you wanna do the best performance that you can as well, I would say. The Instagram is actually my"Cosplay" page. It's where I show all the stuff that I do, all the stuff that I do related to"Cosplay". But that was just something new that popped up between the last, um, between the last time I was on here and now. Yeah.
Brittany:Okay. alright. One of the things that I, uh, picked up from your story is that you wrote"A door opens."
Jessica:Yeah, we're actually doing the wand piece because the, the one piece that, the one that I didn't get to perform, because of unforeseen circumstances. Mm-hmm.
Brittany:Hey, you, you never know, like that's the thing, adventures never die. They always continue.
Jessica:Mm-hmm.
Brittany:And so, um, with no further ado, it's time to hear your story.
Jessica:My name is Jessica Guerrero and this is my story"Wand Quest". In the words of Hermione Granger"Luck can only get you so far, sometimes you need a plan too." Wands of different styles and colors dazzle me through a shop window. A jovial Wizard in a flowing robe and pointed hat stands before me. A door opens and he steps aside. My heart pounds and I venture into the dark. What magic might this little shop hold for me? I've traveled to"Islands of Adventure" in Florida. My parents and I are mainly there to check out Hogwarts and the bustling streets of Hogsmeade with snowcapped rooftops. We marvel at the multicolored suites of Honeydukes. We delight in the cool creamy taste of butter beer. We stroll the halls of Hogwarts and even brave the dangers of the Forbidden Forest. However, there is one experience I've been dreaming about since we booked tickets, Ollivanders Wand Shop. I've watched videos to see if it was accessible and even research tips on being picked for a Wand Fitting". I've saved up money for this. This is the souvenir I want above all else. That being my very own wand. Day one we spend at Universal Studios next door. My parents went to walk back to the hotel and just relax. But stepping outside the Universal gates, something beckons me. My hands angle my chair towards"The Islands of Adventure" and"Hogwarts" within. Can I please take a peek at Hogsmeade, Mom? I promise I'll give you a call when I'm ready for a walk back afterwards." Mom and Dad look at each other and then to my relief, they smile and say,"Okay!""YES!" A wide grin on my face I set out for Hogsmeade. I make a beeline for Ollivanders, get in line and I'm ushered into the shop as part of the next group. A Witch helps me park on the side of the room with other people using scooters and strollers. Relief fizzes with excitement when I realize that this will give us a wonderful view of the show. Under the gentle golden glow of lamplight shelf upon shelf stack the walls with wand boxes. Then a hush falls over the room, electric with anticipation as the Wand Keeper enters. His wizened eyes scan the crowd before beckoning a young Gryffindor to his desk for wand fitting. After a few, shall we say, magical misfires from her first two wands, music twinkles from every direction. Goosebumps prickle my arms, and then it happens. Strings and a choir swell with a gust of wind as she takes hold of the third. The wand chose her. This magical moment is a scene straight outta the film"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". We all clap and cheer. She follows a Wizard to the next room, absolutely beaming. Now, happy as I am watching the show, I'm disappointed that it isn't me beaming as I leave that shop. I resolve to try again the next day. And day two I try not just once, but twice. Each time I'm positioned off to the side in the accessibility section and don't get picked. Huh? How will my wand find me here? It comes down to the day before we fly home. This is my last shot at a Wand Fitting, so I decide it's time to work a little extra Magic. I put on my lucky red pants, a new gray quidditch shirt with a red number seven on the front,(that's Harry's number). I even leave my hair a little unkempt like Harry's too. I smile at myself in the mirror For what I hope is the last time I roll into Olivander's and am parked up where I have been before. About seven minutes later, I slowly roll out empty handed. Doubt creeps into the edges of my mind, will I really fly home without my prize? Now I could take the easy route and buy a wand from the other part of the shop, but it isn't just the wand I seek though. I want to be part of the show. I want my wand to choose me damn it! So I decide to give it one final shot. You see, I'm not a woman who gives up easily. As my group is let into the shop, a Wizard guides me towards my usual parking spot. This time I say,"Hey, can't I be with everyone else? I want a shot at this." After a short pause, he shrugs and says,"Sure, why not?" It's during my request that the Wand Keeper enters. As he glides down the stairs. His eyes lock on mine. I wondered when I would be seeing you." I tilt my head and grin in reply. I feel the tingle of Magic in my belly and on the back of my neck as I move forward to be chosen by the perfect wand for me. Speaking up for myself shifts me from watching this iconic scene from the sidelines to earning my wand center stage as I had dreamed. According to Albus Dumbledore,“Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic." I couldn't agree more. Thanks.
Brittany:Welcome back, I'm here with Jessica. Thanks for sharing your story with us today. Can you tell us when you wrote this piece and what motivated you to write it?
Jessica:Why did this story come to mind? Well, what jumped out to me about this particular story was, um, it was all about setting a goal, preparing for it, and achieving that goal. But the most magical part of that was that speaking up for myself was what got me to that goal. Yeah. Well, I think the thing, the thing that really opened the door I worked hard at it, but the key to opening that door was was actually speaking up the final time I went after that wand. I noticed a pattern and I spoke up to change it, and it was, and the, and again, that speaking up was the key, in my mind, and it was cool to just see it happen in real time. As soon as I asked, I got what I, I got what I had worked for. We think about using those skills in more serious situations, but here was just a fun situation where I saw the need to speak up. I did, and it, and it worked. Almost immediately,(clicks:) yeah. It worked like a charm.'Coz words have a lot of power. Yeah. At least that's what I was thinking about.
Brittany:No, Jessica, that was so true, words do have, they do have power.
Jessica:Mm-hmm.
Brittany:I just wanted, just real quick to just take a time out to get your experience of the Wand Keeper? and tell us what is the purpose of the Wand Keeper?
Jessica:Well, the Wand Keeper is the wizard who selects someone from the audience, um, to, well, to receive their wand and then guides them through the process of the wand fitting. They also take the time to explain how Ollivanders has been providing, um, fine wands to witches and wizards for centuries. How the, how the wands have cores of things such as dragon heartstring unicorn hair, or phoenix tail feather. But they also make, but they also make the point that the, the wand chooses the wizard, although they don't quite understand how or why. Um, but you'll never get the best result using a wand that belongs to another witch or wizard.
Brittany:Okay. So that's, that's very interesting. So you were saying something about a wand choosing a person. So in, in your story, you mentioned about the lady that had a wand choose her. How does a wand choose a person?
Jessica:Well, during a fitting, the Wand Keeper will, hand you a wand and if the wand isn't a good fit, they'll ask you to accomplish a task and maybe give you a spell with which to do it. Like they'll ask you to maybe water some flowers on a, on a shelf in the room. But when you try and water those flowers, they wilt. Or let's say they ask you just to light up the tip of the wand, but when you try to do so, you might cause a thunderstorm. And then usually when things like that happen, you quickly hand those wands back to the Wand Keeper while they're using a counter spell to stop whatever it is you started. Just put things right.
Brittany:I'm very interested in, you know, learning more about, the music after, after the wand chooses it's person. But what was the music that indicates to you that there's a misfire? I just wanna know, like, is there a big difference?
Jessica:There isn't any music until there is, until you find that right wand. It's the music that basically, it tells you that something is about to happen. I it, that music gave me goosebumps when it's, when it starts, when it started to twinkle, not just when I was watching, but even more so when I finally got the wand. And then when you take hold of the, uh, the one wand that fits right, you get that swell of strings and choir. As well as a gust of wind and the space around you lights up. Again, this is just like in the movies because Universal Studios is a place that likes to put you right at the center of scenes that you know and love.
Brittany:That's very awesome. So you're saying that it was just very realistic? Because at first I was thinking it was like something like from a game show that stated where you could hear that it may have not been the right one for a person. Like wa-wa-waa!
Jessica:They didn't use music then. I'm sure they used other effects to show, again, the misfires, but they never used.... I mean, you never heard that kind of music in the movie. The music came in really when, when a wand with a right fit was found. I mean, it gives you a very special feeling to be possibly in the shoes of, of characters you love. For even a moment. Yeah, the music pretty much represents the coming of magic.
Brittany:Thank you. I, I love your response. So let's take a step back, um mm-hmm and you spoke of, in your, in your story, you speak of, uh, the lucky red pants.
Jessica:I was dressing for what I want. I mean, I had, I had these red sweatpants on with the Quidditch shirt, the slightly unkept hair, and even the fact that I wore glasses, I was hoping for a very Harry-esque look. To catch, to perhaps catch the Wand Keeper's attention. So they didn't feel very, uh, there hadn't been particularly lucky at that time, but I certainly felt lucky when I got, when I got picked.
Brittany:Mm-hmm.
Jessica:And, and I also feel lucky, um, to be doing this right now, because I'm doing this with you and I'm actually wearing the same outfit that I wore that day. I mean, you can't see it on camera, but this is the shirt that I described. Yeah. Which is... kind of... Well, I just thought that it would, the, I just thought that it would, um, that it would help me in the, in this quest. Again, cuz you're trying to get, you're trying to get that, to get that attention, to find something that'll give you that edge over the competition, so to speak.
Brittany:And Jessica, you, you really did catch the Wand Keeper's eyes, he's been watching you, even in the other part where you weren't getting picked until you asked to move to the other side. He's been watching you. Did you get your wand and do you still have it?
Jessica:Well, of course, this show is very much to get, to where you can pay for that wand. But as I said before, I had been saving up for it, so I was ready for this. And as far as that wand, I don't have it here with me right now, but I still have that wand.
Brittany:Cuz you mentioned about how much time you spent to prepare yourself mentally, physically going and not giving up, no matter how many times you went through different groups.
Jessica:Mm-hmm.
Brittany:...of um, of pickings.
Jessica:Yeah.
Brittany:You still was determined to keep going and keep going until you got what you wanted. So, what did you take away from this experience?
Jessica:Well, what did I take away from this adventure? Well, I know that speaking up for oneself isn't always easy and not as easy as I made it sound here. Um, but it is a necessary skill for a disabled person like me. That can be necessary both at work and at play. And it's true that planning and persistence aided in my wand quest, but it was the magic of speaking up for myself that unlocked the full experience that I was looking for. I mean, as we said, no sooner did I ask to stay with the rest of the group, then did that Wand Keeper lock his eyes on mine. I mean, it was a, the wand fitting was as magical as I dreamed and hoped it would be, but it was made all the sweeter that, that the power of just a little bit of self-advocacy got me to my goal.
Brittany:I really appreciate that, Jessica, for you just speaking up for yourself.
Jessica:Mm-hmm.
Brittany:And who would've known if you would've ever gotten that wand if you stayed in the same area that you were in, if you stayed in the same mindset? You could have given up the first two times but, you just keep going up there, because you already had that expectation before you came onto the trip that you were going to find that wand. When you have obstacles in your way, don't let people drag you down or don't let that obstacle drag you down.
Jessica:Yeah, I was going to, I was just going to do the best I could to, to reach that goal. And I guess the good thing about seeing the show a few times was I was able to get into it a bit more once, once I actually, once I actually got the chance to participate too so it was fun.
Brittany:Well, I'm very happy, Jessica, that you had fun. It sounds like a good experience that you had from the beginning to the end, even though it could have been, you know, stressful at times or frustrating at times. But it seemed like you really had a great outlook and you had fun.
Jessica:Yeah, It was fun and I'm proud of myself for succeeding in my goal.
Brittany:That's, that's really great to hear Jessica I just wanna tell you that I've really enjoyed speaking with you today. I enjoyed your story on the power of speaking up.
Jessica:You too.
Brittany:If our listeners, um, relate to your story and wanna connect, what are some ways for them to reach out to you?
Jessica:I'm on Facebook as"Jessica Giselle", and my Instagram is, uh, Kimotion 159 Well, the Instagram isn't as related to this particular story. The Facebook is my personal page, but one thing that a lot of people have taken to enjoying about the Facebook page, I do cooking adventures where I try different recipes that I come across and people seem to really enjoy that.
Brittany:And so you all heard it here, um, on Facebook. Uh, Jessica Giselle, you can go find her personal page, and also I've heard that she has some, she puts on her Facebook page any projects that she has coming up. And Jessica, even though you may be a little bit nervous, feel that you're not coming across, uh, clearly... But definitely today you did a, a great job. And so I just wanna just tell you again, um, Jessica, thanks for, for coming on to the show and we appreciate you so much and we, we hope that you have, uh, many more new adventures to come.
Jessica:Yeah. Well, it was, it's always a pleasure working with you. Bye.
Brittany:This story was hosted by me Brittany Sessum, and produced by Jennifer McKinney. Editing and mixing by MsBoye. The production team also includes Kamand Alaghehband and Kaye Love. Special thanks to our storyteller Jessica Guerrero Please stay tuned.
Kamand Alaghehband:Hi, I'm Kamand Alaghehband and I'm excited to speak with storyteller, Nissi Demboski today. She's a very unique artist with a phenomenal personality and a smile that melts your heart. She's an artist, an adventurer who seeks her live her life fully. Nissi's a wife, a sister, a writer and an athlete who likes horseback riding, wakeboarding, and so much more. So welcome, Nissi, before you share your story, how would you like to introduce yourself to our listeners?
Nissi:Hello. My name is Nissi Demboski I am 30 years old and I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when I was just one years old. I come from a very loving Colombian family. I have two sisters, one brother, and an amazing husband. Both of my parents are incredible people who taught their children the value of hard work and respecting others. I've had the pleasure of advocating for the disabled, being a dog trainer and a motivational speaker. I've also been a writer, a full-time student, and just a little bit of a adrenaline junkie. My passion is for people, not just people but loving people. For now I'm enjoying the beauty and reality of marital bliss. My husband, Christopher and I have recently moved to Seguin Texas, where we live with our little mini miniature schnauzer Gatsby. I'm excited about what the future holds for us. More to the point, I can't wait to share our great adventures with the world.
Kamand Alaghehband:It sounds like you enjoy the full fun life. What a gift. I see so many people have everything in life that they could desire, but they don't know how to enjoy it. You call yourself an adventure junkie. What do you mean by that?
Nissi:I mean, I love to do stuff like climb mountains, go water skiing and snow skiing, ride four wheelers and go-karts. I've ridden motorcycles and I love horseback riding. I've done obstacle courses. I want to swim with sharks and go skydiving, maybe even make it to Base Camp on Mount Everest. At my childhood church there are long, steep stairs and for as long as I can remember, one of my best friends who doesn't believe in the ramps, loves to gently push me down the steps at the church. People would get so scared and be like,"Nissi why aren't you scared?" One, I trusted my best friend and liked living life on the edge.
Kamand Alaghehband:Wow, Nissi, you are by far the most adventurous person I've ever met. Your life would make a great TV show. I'm sure people would love it. I know I would be your biggest fan! If you have ever wondered how to show affection and share your passion with others, listen to Nissi's story,"First Impressions".
Nissi:This is"First Impressions" by Nissi Demboski. There are several responses when people first meet me. The first is an immediate smile. The second is a sort of frown, but then a smile. And the third is pure shock. People smile at me when they first meet me because I am usually smiling at them. I've been told many times I have a welcoming presence about myself. People say I draw them in with my smile. Those people who start out with a frown are usually trying to figure out what's wrong with me. Sometimes people don't see my chair, so they are taken aback when they see that I need help to eat or drink. They seem a little confused because I look normal, but then they see someone helping me and they realize that I have a Disability and still okay, and that brings the smile. The people who show total shock, see how comfortable I am with myself and they don't know how to respond. My abrupt, outgoing, loud, and sometimes a bit overwhelming comments can be alarming to people. My humor helps people come to terms with the fact that I'm happy just like I am. My mom has a wild sense of humor. She's way out there. She is constantly making fun of herself, making us laugh at ourselves, and we all just kind of picked up on it. I am always laughing, I like to make people feel comfortable with me. Instead of waiting for them to ask about my Disability, I'm getting there for them. I spend every Tuesday morning at a coffee shop in Bulverde where I live. I started out just meeting a friend there every couple of weeks. Now it's a place where the staff all knows me and helps me. They take their breaks to help feed me. They give me a discount for food. I even have my own button on the register now. It's so great. Every week I have a whole morning meeting new people. I have been taught to not look at my Disability as a disadvantage, but as a blessing. Because I'm in a wheelchair, I'm able to reach people that are intimidated or scared, and I am able to make them feel comfortable with themselves and even with me. Thank you
Kamand Alaghehband:Thanks for sharing your story with us today. I can relate to a lot of things you have done in life. My parents are also quite the adventures. They tell me to do a lot of things that I wouldn't have done by myself. I've been wakeboarding and horseback riding, just like you. What advice do you have for our audience who want to live their lives like you feeling fulfilled and happy?
Nissi:I think, I would say by no means my life's perfect. I guess I choose to make the best of my lifestyle and situation. My faith is a huge help. I can't tell you how many times I have felt so alone defeated and like, there was no way out. Still because of my relationship with Jesus, I can lean on him and realize that I can't change certain aspects of my disability or my circumstances. I choose to see the good. It's a choice. You can choose to get up in the morning and put a smile on your face, or you can choose to stay in bed and to be defeated. The choice is always yours.
Kamand Alaghehband:I totally agree Nissi, but your choice is not always easy and it takes a special person and lots of courage to get up and put a smile on your face when you feel down. You inspire me with your personality and the choices you make in your life. You've also written a book. So what's it about. Tell our audience about it and what motivates you to write it?
Nissi:Oh, yes. It's called"A Paradox of Victory." I would say it's more of a autobiography slash memoir. It's not a, it's not in chronological order. There's a chapter on each member of my family, except for my husband, we didn't know each other at the time. I talk about my smile. I talk about the struggle I had every day with body pain. I talk about my faith. It touches a lot of different things. I think one of my favorite chapters, was the one I did about my old service dog Trixie. Our bond was so real and tangible, and I felt her loss very strongly. Another chapter I love is the first chapter, in my book which is called"Behind the smile, Beyond the Chair." If you message me on my social media platforms or email me through my website, I will happily get you a book, signed by me.
Kamand Alaghehband:Amazing. I can't wait to read it. Actually, one of the biggest reasons I'm involved with this podcast is to bring peace for today and create a vision for tomorrow. I believe being happy and grateful with what we have can turn everything in life into joy. Love yourself. Be confident in your looks, express your talents and let yourself shine to the world. Great chatting with you, Nissi. I'm so glad you are willing to share your story and wisdom with us.
Nissi:Thank you so much for having me on this show Kamand. It's been a great opportunity and love chatting with you. Thank you so much.
Kamand Alaghehband:If you would like to know more about Nissi, you can reach her, at Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on TikTok, Nissi Demboski and visit her website at Nissisalazar.com.
Nissi:Thank you so much ladies. You guys were incredible.
Kamand Alaghehband:Thanks for listening to this episode."First Impressions" was hosted by me, produced by Brittany Sessum, and edited by Msboye. Special thanks to our guest, Nissi Debosky and I'm Kamand Alaghehband and you've been listening to True Tales by Disability Advocates podcast.
MsBoye:We hope you have enjoyed entering the worlds of our storytellers and that maybe you gained some insight for yourself. If you heard your personal story reflected in their stories or were touched by the content of this episode, we'd love to hear from you. You can share your stories and comments on our True Tales Podcast Facebook page. The link will be in the show notes. If you'd like to hear more stories like this, the whole of season one is available at Art Spark Texas dot org, A R T S P A R K T X dot O R G. True Tales podcast or on your favorite podcast platform, we're on'em all. Look out for updates about season two and bonus episodes by following Art Spark Texas on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok,and Twitter
John Beer:All episodes of the True Tales by Disability Advocates are free on Apple podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere you get your podcasts. The program is funded in part by a grant from the Texas State Independent Living Council, the Administration for Community Living and individuals like you. To learn about The Speaking Advocates Program, sign up for our newsletter at Art Spark Tx.org, that's A R T S P A R K T X dot O R G. The free virtual training is open to people of all disabilities, no matter where you live.
.jpg)
