Big Red (University of Arkansas)

Transcription

Patience Beard is a Razorback cheerleader who’s gained attention around the world – she’s the cheerleader with the prosthetic leg. It’s the result of a birth defect. But no one who’s met Patience  feels sorry for her. What they feel is awe.    I had it amputated when I was nine months old and got fitted for my first prosthesis when I was 13 months old and I learned to walk with a prosthetic leg so my whole life I’ve just had it and I can’t even tell you what it’s like to have two legs (laughs).   She credits her parents for encouraging her to be active. She fell in love with cheerleading in middle school. And the Texarkana, Texas native fell in love with the University of Arkansas on her first visit to campus. When she tried out for the Spirit Squad, she scored in the Top Five of 50 candidates.    She is a skilled cheerleader, skilled athlete, and I can guarantee this, that no one can ever tell her not to do something, because she’ll do it, and she’ll probably be the best at it.   She has the technical ability, she has the enthusiasm, and she exemplifies what a Razorback cheerleader is all about.    I don’t know how to describe it, she’s just kind of like a light to the other people.   You have to work hard. I want to show people that whatever you set your mind to do that work is what you have to do. You have to put out work to get a reward.   I chose Communications for my major because, one, I love to talk. I’d love to be an inspirational speaker and so I thought that that would help me more to gain the courage to talk in front of people.    Her work as a cheerleader, as a student, and as a person are all moving her toward her goal. She knows her story can make a difference   Now I do just want to get my story out and just show the world that like you can do what you want, no matter what your circumstances are.    For more about the University of Arkansas visit shortakes.uark.edu.