Interview with Eva Kott

Exceptional Learners Collaborative recently had the privilege of interviewing Eva Kott, a passionate leader making a difference in the field of self-advocacy. Eva was previously featured in an ELC news article highlighting her inspiring journey and commitment. (Read the article here)
In this follow-up, we're excited to take a closer look at Eva's story, exploring her experiences, motivations, and insights. 

Q: How old are you and what grade are you in now? 16 years old and I'm a junior
A: 16 years old and I'm a junior.

Q: What are your favorite things about school right now? 
A: Hanging out with friends. Chit chats and doing quizzes fun on line. I love spending time with my boyfriend.

Q: What’s an interesting fact about you?
A: I am a Swiftie! My favorite song is You Belong with Me. Also I have a disability.  I have CP. CP is movement disorder where when I was born premature (3 months to be exact). I did not have enough oxygen to my cerebellum. When people don’t have enough oxygen to the brain, it is damaged or dies. The motor part of my cerebellum is damaged and I cannot walk or use my hands. But at least I have the ability to use my neck and my voice. And I use my wheelchair. And dystonia is basically muscle tightness. I have that every day, 24/7.

Q: Do you feel pain?
A: Yes. Medication helps. My helpers are amazing. I love them.

Q: Why do you feel so strongly about your advocacy? 
A: People need to hear the story.

Q: What do you hope for? 
A: One, for people to understand my struggle. Two, to not have to wait five months to get a new headrest.

Q: Why so long? 
A: You don’t wanna know.

Q: What do you want your future to include?
A: What I imagine is going to college. After college, maybe marry my high school sweetheart. And maybe self advocacy will pay the bills, maybe have children one day. So I can say, "Mom you’re a grandma!"

Q: What message do you have for younger children who are finding their way around school and life?
A: Dream it, believe it, work hard and achieve it.

Q: What other fun things would you like people to know about you? 
A: I have a 10 year old sister. She's a 5th grader.

Q: What do you want to use your voice for? What do you want them to remember about you?
A: Respect others disability wise or not. Be a good person. Don’t look back to the past. Focus on the future. Just be you.