Every single person has something in their life that they need to overcome in order to be successful. Whether it’s a confidence issue, a lack of motivation, or a physical disability, we all have something that makes life just a little bit more difficult. While most people tend to crumble under the pressure of being different or having to try harder to accomplish something, this little girl showed us what it looks like to strive and succeed no matter what obstacle is put in front of you.Sara, who is originally from China, was not only born without hands, but she was left without a family of her own, as well. Luckily, while she was living in China, the Hinesley family from the United States decided to adopt her, and she was brought back to the United States. Despite her physical disability, there’s nothing that can keep Sara from succeeding, and that was proven when she won the Nicholas Maxim Award in the 2019 Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest.
One all of the applicants have placed their entry, a team of occupational therapists judge all of the entries. The award not only comes with a pretty cool trophy, but it also comes with $500 in educational materials and $500 in prize money!
While speaking with Good Morning America, Sara said that she “felt excited and proud” about winning the award. Because she was born without hands, Sara had to learn an entirely new way of writing, which she does by gripping the writing utensil with both of her arms. “Sara is very motivated and a disciplined student. She excels really at about anything she tries,” said Sara’s mother, Cathryn Hinesley.
“Cursive is round and it’s trying to connect [letters] so it’s art,” said Sara. According to Sara’s mother, the young girl has chosen not to use prosthetic hands. “All of her life she has figured out ways to overcome that challenge and it’s really made her a very strategic thinker. Before she takes on a task she tends to plot out how she’s going to accomplish it and is usually successful,” said Sara’s mother. Her mother also called her handwriting a “testament to the human spirit,” and “It shows what perseverance and a positive attitude can do. Sara is a great example of that.” We definitely agree! Keep inspiring others, Sara, you’re doing an amazing job!
