The "EM" in GetEM Movin

My name is Emme Partyka, and as you read this, you’re going to learn more about me, my story, my experiences, my 501C3 - GetEM movin, and my self-reflection in my personal journey. I’m heading into my senior year at Central Bucks West High School In Doylestown Pennsylvania, and I am currently on the college search. Every day we come across different walks of life, and for me, sadly I have to deal with barriers that may seem invisible to most. My parents remind me that my full name is Emerson which means hard working and able. My middle name is Hope! They named me this because when I was born, I weighed 2lbs, and I was born 10 ½ weeks prematurely. To put that into perspective, our summer break is just over 10 ½ weeks. It’s like me being born on the last day of school when I was supposed to be born on the first day of school. My dad says I can’t be late for anything. I’ve had 6 different surgeries, countless hours of physical therapy, and too many doctors’ appointments, and even though it sounds like a lot, it has taught me to be grateful for everything I have, and to not take the little things in life for granted. The medical term is Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy is a group of disorders that affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. I look at it as a spectrum because symptoms vary from person to person. My type of CP impacts the movement of my legs, but I don’t let that stop me from doing what I love, or let that define me as a person.

My parents have instilled what they call the 50/50 rule in me since I was very little. This means that 50% of things that happen in life are in your control, and 50% isn’t. Here’s an example: We as a family choose to focus on things I can do, and not put me into a situation where I am unable to do something. Focus on what you CAN control to help drive your outlook on different sets of events in your lifetime. I can definitely say that looking at the positives in an unfavorable situation is certainly a choice. Good decisions come from experience, and experience comes from bad decisions. Not every decision you make is going to work out the way you hope it will, but don’t beat yourself up over it. It happens to the best of us.

I’ve decided to create this nonprofit called GetEM movin dedicated to gathering wheelchairs, canes, walkers, and other physical equipment for kids and families that are unable to afford it. I’ve been fortunate enough to say that I’ve had all these things provided to me from a very young age, but I’m aware that there are people out there that don’t have that privilege, and I thought this could potentially help someone continue their story. It is still under development, but I’ve planned on making this my summer project, and something that I am extremely passionate about for the benefit of others.

I appreciate you all for taking the time to listen to my story, but here’s what I’m asking of you. We are the next generation of leaders, so get involved in your community. Be the change. Start a club. Don’t let ignorance shut you down or stop you, because if you allow yourself to be silenced, the ignorance speaks louder. Let it be known that you are an ally for the voiceless. When you see someone in a wheelchair, or somebody that is different from you, take the time to recognize them as a person, rather than being intimidated, or not knowing what to say. 

A disability should not define or drive personality, intelligence, perception, and/or opinion. It is simply a label. I work extremely hard to prove myself every day, so I am not seen as “the girl in the wheelchair.” Instead I just want to be known as Emme. The girl that strives for change and impact. For those who take the time to engage with me, or that I engage with will find out that I am no different than them, and I always want to be a role model and accepted for who I am, not for who I’m perceived to be.    

Here's a video that was created a few years ago - I hope you enjoy: https://youtu.be/G_OrK8m4HLw