My name is Michael Phillip Begum, 26 years of age and a 4 year college student majoring in Business Management here in my hometown of Brownsville, TX. I was born in Tampa, FL on April 26th, 1988, and was diagnosed with a very rare disease called Arthrogryposis. Basically, my brain did not tell my muscles grow, thus limiting my motion in my limbs. My father, Michael Begum Jr., passed away two years, but he was pretty amazing. He built my wheelchair, which is more like an electric bed, and helped me overcome many of my daily struggles. I wish he was able to engineer a lift that could pick me up from the floor, but I truly miss him. My daily life involves with me rolling from room to room, depending on my brother and provider to lift me into the tub to shower, and onto my electric bed. Before, it was much easier to do because I was little, but it has become difficult over the years.
Now I live with my mother, Josie, my 23 year old brother, Jonathan, and my 20 year old sister, Karin. Ever since I was 2, my Mom would buy me the latest video games as it was the one thing I could actually do. I would be in my room for hours, trying to complete as many games as possible. It was a great feeling to use my brain at a early age. Even my grandfather was impressed, claiming that I had the ''Begum Brain''.
One story I would like to share is that of which my mother has told me many times. When she was 8 1/2 months pregnant, a woman came to our auto-repair shop. She touched my mothers stomach and told her that I would be born with a disability. My mom became furious, and asked her to leave. While she was leaving, however, the woman said that I would be a gift and become a great man to my community. This may sound corny, but I believe I was put on this earth to teach others like myself that despite my disability, I am able to overcome them. I want people to know this about me, and that I am a man of dignity and respect. I also know that if people can look past my handicap, they could see me as their equal. My mother is my hero, and she does everything in her power to ensure all her children a good quality life.
My goal in life is to build my own future that will let me gain a certain sense of independence. One way to achieve this is opening up my own gaming place, in Houston, TX, that allow gamers of all kinds play to their hearts content. Video games have been around me my whole life, and I want to share it with anyone who shares my passion.
My only wish in life is to build me a futuristic house that can accommodate to my daily needs such as voice-recognition doors, custom shower, and a lift from the floor. I know these are dreams, but that is what life is made of. Never give up on your dreams, and be the best you can be.