Niki Swann Journals

JUNE:

June 10, 2010- Northumberland County Board of Supervisors Meeting

The Northumberland County Board of Supervisors sent me an invitation to attend their monthly meeting to award me with a resolution recognizing my
achievements and accomplishments. It read as follows:

RESOLUTION RECOGNITION TO DEVON NICOLE SWANN
WHEREAS; Devon Nicole Swann (Niki), graduated from Northumberland High School in 2004, received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Longwood
University and is earning her Masters Degree in English Literature at Virginia Commonwealth University; and
WHEREAS; the same Niki Swann teaches composition at Rappahannock Community College and has earned the respect from her colleagues and students;
and
WHEREAS; Niki Swann has overcome challenges and obstacles to achieve and accomplish great success; and
WHEREAS; the same Niki Swann was crowned Ms. Wheelchair of Virginia on Saturday, March 27, 2010 and voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow
contestants; and
WHEREAS; this accomplishment as a Northumberland County resident deserves special recognition,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE Northumberland County Board of Supervisors does hereby recognize Ms. Niki Swann for being an
inspiration to all county citizens and the Board extends their sincere appreciation and best wishes for a bright and successful future.

It was a touching moment to have such public recognition from a community that has supported me from the beginning. :)

June 12, 2010- Northumberland High School Graduation (Heathsville, Virginia) / Mid-Atlantic Wheelchair Games (Fishersville, Virginia)

What a busy day! I cannot express how honored I was to be selected as the Keynote Speaker for my old Alma Mater! The morning was full of anticipation
and excitement-- high school graduation is a major milestone in anyone’s life. It was a touching day for me because not only was I asked to be a speaker, but
it was a personal moment to be able to thank, rather candidly, my former teachers and community for encouraging me and supporting me when I was first
injured as a high school student. To the graduating class of 2010, I tried to impart to them that although the road they travel will change, the moments and
situations that seem like boundaries, really aren’t. They have been giving the tools and the resources to surmount any trying experience they encounter.
My personal motto is “Accept No Boundaries” and I believe that is a message that every one who was present at the graduation, seniors and guests, can
take with them.

After the graduation, I hit the road and travelled to Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center for the Mid-Atlantic Wheelchair Games. I was asked to be the
Keynote speaker for this event as well. I met a lot of wonderful people. The event I was present at is called the “Slalom”. I was ALMOST convinced to
participate after watching a demonstration for powerchair users ( I didn’t know that there would be two different tracks, but looking back it makes perfect
sense:) ) I was amazed at how fast some of the kids who participated were! I am ashamed to say, that at the last minute I chickened out and didn’t do it.
Maybe next year :)

June 15, 2010--Meeting with Delegate Albert Pollard, Kilmarnock, Virginia

All throughout my childhood and as a high school student, I received letters for being on the honor roll signed by Delegate Albert Pollard. Today, I had the
opportunity of meeting him! We met near his office and discussed accessibility issues in the Northern Neck. It was a very pleasant meeting and we talked
about some different projects we could put together in the future, including accessible parking in his district. I hope to be working with him in the future!
In addition to our conversation, Mr Pollard presented me with state pins his office kindly donated for me to pass out at Ms Wheelchair America.They’re
beautiful! I don’t like to brag, but I think I will definitely have some of the prettiest pins at the competition!

June 19, 2010-- Hostessing at Max’s Positive Vibe Cafe, Richmond, Viriginia

When I was at Vibefest in May, Garth (the owner of the Positive Vibe Cafe) asked if I would be interested in hostessing one night in the summer as Ms
Wheelchair Virginia! This was a really fun experience. When I was younger (before my accident) I used to work in the restaurant industry. Tonight, I got a
chance to meet and greet customers as well as take them to their seats to be waited on. I was accompanied by Kelly Narrowski-- a former Ms Wheelchair
Missouri and one of the judges from this year’s pageant. We had a great time talking and working. I love the Positive Vibe Cafe, not only because it provides
training for people with disabilities to enter the work force, but it also employs people with disabilities. What better way of breaking down stereotypes?
Everyday, the people who work their prove to themselves and others that living with a disability is possible, that we can be productive, contributing
members of society! At the end of the night, we had dinner. The new menu is great and I highly recommend the sweet potato fries :)

June 26, 2010-- Victory Games (Richmond, Virginia) / Miss Virginia Pageant ( Roanoke, Virginia)

Another fun filled day! One this particular morning, I woke up and drove into Richmond to speak and welcome everyone to the 2010 Victory Games. The
Victory Games (formally known as the Rainbow Games) is a one day sporting event for kids and young adults with physical disabilities. Watching the
different kids compete truly warmed my heart. They are all amazing kids with incredible attitudes who just want a chance to “normal”. The beautiful thing
about this program is that it helps create a sense of self-esteem and pride in kids growing up with disabilities in the hopes that they can change the way the
world sees physical impairments. I had a blast! Unfortunately, I was unable to stay throughout the day to see the awards passed out, I had to hit the road
and head to my next engagement!

After the incredible morning, my friend Steve and I set out for Roanoke. We finally arrived and readied for the Miss Virginia Pageant. The night was full of
excitement-- pretty dresses, shinny tiaras and a plethora of anxious young women vying to be chosen the new Miss Virginia. I watched each finalist perform
and the outgoing titleholder (our very own Chinah Hellmandollar) say her farewells and finally, Miss Greater Richmond, Caitlin Uze, was crowned. It was
kind of nice to enjoy the pageant experience from the sidelines, instead of as a contestant! Steve and I headed to the after party and had a lot of fun talking
to different people. All in all, it was a pleasant ending to a very eventful day!

June 27, 2010-- Visit at the VA Hospital, Salem, Virginia

After a very exciting day before, I was even more excited for my visit to the VA hospital. I was able to mingle with the patients at their weekly social event.
The Mason’s wives brought delicious homemade cakes for us to enjoy. I took pictures with some of the patients. Although I couldn’t stay long, it was a
wonderful opportunity to thank former service men and women. I hope that I will have a chance to return in the future!

MAY:

7 May 2010: First Friday-- A Salute to First Responders, Kilmarnock, Virginia
Rappahannock General Hospital, the local hospital in my home town ( I was born there!) invited me to participate in their First Friday celebration for the
month of May. On this particular occasion, RGH honored all of those admirable men and women who first respond in emergency situations. The evening
was full of good music provided by a local band, great company and tours of the evacu-life helicopter-- the Nightingale! My mom and grandmother joined me
as I set up a display with some informational brochures about the Ms Wheelchair Va program. I talked with many people about my platform and
experiences and saw a few familiar faces! It’s so important to support and thank all of our first responders; as a person who has benefited from the services
they provide, it was wonderful to be a part of this event.

8 May 2010: Ms Wheelchair Va Reunion & Interview with Miss Virginia, China Hellamendollar, "419" -- Roanoke, Virginia
May 8th kicked off Americorps week. As I am sure you all know, Ms Wheelchair Va has a grant with Americorps and our members work hard to provid
service to the community and promote awareness of disability issues. The day was great! This was the first time (some of) the members of the MWVA
family was able to reunite since March. We met at a wonderful restaurant called "419" and had a lovely afternoon catching up. We also celebrated my
birthday-- the big 24. After we ate a lovely meal, Chinah and I took the opportunity to do a short interview about our roles as Miss Virginia and Ms
Wheelchair Virginia. It’s posted on our facebook page.

14 May 2010: WRIC Interview with Amy Lacey-- Richmond, Virginia
It finally happened! My very first TV interview-- and I survived! I met with Amy Lacey bright and early Friday morning to do a live interview with her at
the WRIC station here in Richmond. I have to admit, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect-- the set looks so big on TV and I was afraid I would get a little
nervous in front of the very cute weatherman. The studio, surprisingly, is fairly small-- the alternate between a few stations and there are bright lights
everywhere. Amy was very nice and she made me feel very at ease. She asked me about the program, my platform, and of course, the burning question on
everyone’s mind--Ms Wheelchair America. After my time on the air, I talked with the news anchors a bit more, and I have an open invitation to come back
at anytime. :)

16 May 2010: Vibefest, Positive Vibe Cafe -- Richmond, Virginia
For those of you not familiar with the Positive Vibe Cafe, it’s a wonderful establishment. Garth Larcen and his family own the non-profit foundation; their
goal is to prepare people with either cognitive or physical disabilities for employment in the food industry.
Each year, the cafe puts together this benefit to help fund their training program and this year, I was asked to be the "guest speaker". It was a great day
filled with wonderful food, music and incredible spirit. Programs, like the ones the Positive Vibe Cafe provides, are so important --not only for people within
the disability community, but for everyone. As title holder, my platform is all about breaking down stereotypes that encompass people with disabilities, and
the best way to do that is by inclusion! I talked with some wonderful people and some potential contestants. On a side note-- I was given a "Vibe Fest" t-shirt
as well as a free CD from one of the bands that preformed -- Against Grace-- very good music, and really easy on the eyes! I say, all in all, this year’s Vibe
Fest was a success!

21 May 2010: Tour of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden-- Richmond, Virginia
Although I have lived in the Richmond Area for almost two years, I have never had the pleasure of visiting the Botanical Gardens. I was given a private
tour of the entire property on this very lovely Friday morning. Some of the highlights of the tour included a beautiful rose garden that reminded me of the
English countryside, a room devoted entirely to orchids and a very interesting conversation with a butterfly specialist. I was also given a tour of the old
Victorian house on the property built in 1880! It was very wheelchair friendly, including a bathroom! My favorite room was the a little parlor that made me
feel like I was in my very own Jane Austen novel! Although these sites were exceptional, the heart (and most important) part of my tour was the visit into
the accessible treehouse. The treehouse has been a vital part of the children’s garden since 2005 and remains the ONLY accessible treehouse on the east
coast. This treehouse not only provides children with the opportunity to be able to be a "normal" kid without the usual restrictions, but it is also an asset to
anyone who has a disability. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, all have the chance to participate in activities the rest of the world takes for granted. As
a child growing up, I did not have a disability, but nor had I been in a "real" treehouse. Today, at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, I looked overtop of
the trees, talked with kids who were there for field trips. On my way up the ramp to the treehouse, I was behind a little boy, I guess around 3 or 4, who
turned to me and said " are you coming with me" -- at that moment, that little boy didn’t see someone with a disability, he just saw just me. This is the type
of experience every person (disability or not) should have-- the chance to focus not on limitations or restrictions, but on a common purpose.

On another side note: The Botanical Gardens also has "ADA" approved mulch-- it prevents the tires from sinking down and getting stuck! I tried it out, and
it’s really impressive :)

APRIL:

April 5 (Monday) Interview with Tom Martin -- Rappahannock Record, Warsaw Virginia Mr. Martin is a reporter for the local newspaper in Warsaw as well
as a full time faculty member at Rappahannock Community College where I am privileged enough to work. Shortly after my supervisor, Dean Bradshaw,
sent a notice to the faculty announcing my recent crowning, he requested an interview with me! Luckily, for my first official engagement, I didn't have to
travel far--we met in the comfort of my very own office on campus. We had a lovely conversation about the Ms Wheelchair Va. program and my experience
as a contestant, as well as my future prospects as a titleholder. When we spoke about my platform, “Breaking Down Stereotypes to Build Opportunities” , he
asked me : “Do you think your students have a different perspective of disability because of you.” I know, I must have smiled all over myself, because
showing the world (most directly through the kids I see everyday) a new face of disability is the driving force behind my advocacy plan. The article has yet
to come out, but I will keep you all posted :)

April 12 (Monday) Interview with Jessica Sterrett-- Northumberland Echo, Warsaw Virginia Again, another interview with the local paper. The
Northumberland Echo is the paper I've grown up reading in my local community. My name and face is no stranger to this local institution--- I've been in
school functions, on the honor roll, even my accident was featured at one time--however, I don't think that I've ever had my name in there for anything that
has filled me with such pride. Jessie Sterrett, my interviewer, and I grew up together throughout school, so this interview really wasn't all that
intimidating. What I particularly enjoyed about this interview and the opportunity of being in the local paper, is that it provided a way for me to say
“Thank You” to a community that has supported me, not only with sponsorship for this years program, but throughout a longer period. My community had
faith in me when I didn't have faith in myself, and by being an advocate and a positive outcome to what at one time was a very bleak situation, I can show
them that their efforts were not in vain!

April 23 (Friday) Interview with Kat Simons --Lite 98, Richmond Virginia Wow! What an exciting engagement. I've never been to a radio station before-- I
had NO idea that there were seven different radio stations housed in the same area. I met with Kat Simons (someone I listen to on the radio occasionally)
and she is one of the sweetest people ever. She has such an big heart and amazing spirit that loves the Ms Wheelchair Va Organization. We had a brief
interview discussing my upcoming year, and a little bit about the program itself. Her enthusiasm is so contagious! I can't wait to have an opportunity to
talk with her again. One a side note, while I was there, she introduced me to my favorite DJ and the radio station I listen to all the time in my car-- Crash,
from 102.1, the X! He's very nice and even posed for a picture with me! Although, this has not been an overly busy month for me, it's been a wonderful start
for what I hope will be one exciting journey!
XOXO,
Niki