Ashley is beginning her second year in the THRIVE Program at the University of Central Missouri, where she had perfect attendance her first year! She was homecoming queen in high school, and loves acting, dancing, playing volleyball, horseback riding, and writing stories and scripts (she shared that Reba McIntyre inspired her to ride horses and get into the entertainment business!).
In college and beyond, Ashley hopes to maintain her independence and plans to learn to drive a car. She also wants to be an inspiration to others, including others with disabilities; in her scholarship application, she wrote, “I have reached out to new THRIVE student to help her feel comfortable. I love working with the elderly back home and making them smile.”
Ashley also shared with us that “My parents always encouraged me to dream big and told me I could do anything as long as I never gave up. Sometimes I was teased and bullied in school but I just kept going.” That is a truly inspiring statement! Thank you for shining your light, Ashley! We can’t wait to see where you go in life!