YOU'RE NOT ALONE
LIKE YOU THINK
YOU ARE
for TEXAS MONTHLY
A photography essay about navigating young adulthood living with cerebral palsy and the subtle dance between change and monotony in a small Texan town before leaving for college — before life changes forever.
You're not alone like you think you are pictures Emma and the slowness of her last summer at home before leaving for college — before life changes forever.
Born and raised in a small town near Fort Worth, Texas, 19-year-old Emma has been a fighter from day one — She has dystonic mild cerebral palsy and, through this collaboration, offers a unique insight into her life as she navigates young adulthood with her condition, balancing the subtle dance between change and monotony during this defining time of her life.
Through her reflections, this zine delves into Emma's experiences of growing up, feeling different, dealing with pity from peers, struggling with gym class, and how these experiences haunt her to this day. We highlight her journey towards self-acceptance, learning to set boundaries, and empowering herself. Everyday challenges, like a memorable drive-thru incident, illustrate Emma's ongoing struggles but, even more so, her resilience and strength.
We hope Emma's story provides support to others with disabilities, and fosters understanding among those without.
"One day after school I drove to the Whataburger across the street from my house. When I arrived both drive-thru lanes were open. I pulled into the line where an employee walks right up to the car instead of having to reach for the food through the window. I ordered a chicken sandwich, largy fry, and a large sweet tea. After about 15 minutes the food finally arrived. I paid and grabbed the sack of food, and thought, "no big deal". All of a sudden, when I grabbed the large styrofoam drink from the worker, I squeezed too hard, spilling it all over myself and my car seat. He asked if I need napkins and another drink. Due to being so embarrassed, I acted like nothing happened. "No thank you," I answered and drove off. Now there was even less time to eat because I had to clean myself and the car seat. Spilling a drink in a drive-thru can happen to anybody. Here's the thing -- it's not just about spilling one drink. This also, is not just a story. It is part of my day-to-day struggle of living with cerebral palsy."
Emma's dad is my mom's cousin and we first met in 2012 during a family gathering in Texas when she was 7 and I was 19. Our families stayed in touch through occasional facebook chats, and we reunited in the summer of 2022. She recently visited me in Los Angeles and will start film school in Georgia this fall. Emma granted me a deep, intimate look into her present and her past, allowing me access to her world while I spent the summer of 2023 in Texas with her and her family after a breakup from a 5-year relationship. Emma is like my second younger sister, and I'm beyond grateful for the bond we share.
Thank you for taking a look at our project!