My philosophy for a happy life

Hello everyone, I'm Victor, and as of today, I've officially entered my twenties. A few years back, before my freshman year in high school, I harbored a dream – to play the snare drum in the Foxboro High School Marching Band. However, there was a significant obstacle in my path: my condition, Progeria, limited my physical abilities. With each snare drum and harness weighing around 40 pounds, and my own weight barely tipping 50 pounds, carrying a standard-sized snare drum was simply out of the question. But I was determined to make my dream a reality.

So, when the band director assigned me to pit percussion – sans marching – I was understandably disappointed. Pit percussion involved playing auxiliary instruments like bongos, timpani, and cowbell, which were fun, but lacked the marching element I craved. Nevertheless, I refused to let obstacles deter me. With the unwavering support of my family, we collaborated with an engineer to design a lightweight snare drum harness, weighing a mere 6 pounds.

Before delving into my philosophy for a happy life, let me shed some light on Progeria. Afflicting only around 350 children worldwide, Progeria manifests in tight skin, lack of weight gain, stunted growth, and heart disease. Yet, despite its challenges, I've chosen to lead a fulfilling and joyful life.

So, what's my secret? It boils down to three key principles. First, I've come to terms with what I can't do, focusing instead on the multitude of things I can accomplish. While Progeria poses its share of limitations, I refuse to dwell on them incessantly. Yes, there are activities I'll never experience, like running marathons or riding intense roller coasters, but I channel my energy into pursuits I'm passionate about – whether it's scouting, music, comic books, or cheering for my beloved Boston sports teams.

Moreover, I've learned to adapt, finding alternative methods to achieve my goals, as exemplified by the custom-made snare drum harness. By embracing this mindset, I've fulfilled my dream of playing snare drum with the marching band – a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity.

Second, I prioritize surrounding myself with individuals of high quality – my loving family, supportive friends, and mentors. Their unwavering encouragement and camaraderie have been instrumental in my journey. Together, we form a tight-knit community that transcends the limitations imposed by Progeria. Whether we're goofing off or making music, their presence enriches my life in immeasurable ways.

Finally, I adhere to Walt Disney's timeless advice: "Keep moving forward." By maintaining a forward-thinking outlook, I ensure that there's always something to look forward to – whether it's the release of a new comic book, a family vacation, or simply hanging out with friends. Even during challenging times, this mentality sustains me, reminding me that a brighter future lies ahead.

Now, you may wonder about my aspirations. While my childhood dream of becoming an engineer has evolved, my desire to effect positive change remains steadfast. Whether it's delving into biology or pursuing a career in genetics, I'm committed to leaving a lasting impact on the world.

In essence, my philosophy revolves around resilience, gratitude, and forward momentum. Despite facing adversity, I refuse to succumb to self-pity, instead choosing to focus on the abundance of joy and opportunity that surrounds me. With this mindset, I hope to inspire others to embrace life's challenges with courage and optimism.

And remember, never pass up an opportunity to celebrate life. As I eagerly anticipate my school's homecoming dance tomorrow night, I urge you all to seize every moment with gusto. Thank you.

thanks for always following up on my lessons