February 7, 2023 • 42 mins
In this episode, we highlight storytellers who are practitioners of this “Magical Advocacy.” The tools these practitioners use are, being clear about what you are asking for, knowing why you’re asking and connecting with people by using personal stories to put a human face on the issue. In her story “Wand Quest”, Jessica Guerrero invokes her advocacy skills to manifest a long held dream. Our second story “First Impressions” by Nissi Salazar shows the strength of her magical power to break down barriers comes from her passion for adventure, her commitment to Universal Love and her faith.
“Wand Quest” - Jessica Guerrero, has lived independently in Austin for around 10 years and has been with the Speaking Advocates program from its very first class. She told us, “I have a mild case of cerebral palsy but my wheelchair has opened the door to cosplay, martial arts, travelling, adaptive sports and so many other adventures.” She also really enjoys helping out in the community. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimotion159/. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.guerrero.1441
Host: Brittany Sessum is a Houston native and Army veteran that loves making connections with others. She has a passion to serve her family, the community, and her country by giving back in any capacity. She believes that her passions and actions live beyond herself. Brittany loves writing poetry, reading, traveling, and working as an entrepreneur.
“First Impressions” - Nissi Salazar: Nissi Salazar has lived her life in a wheelchair. Nevertheless cerebral palsy and the confinement of her chair cannot keep her from living! Her sassy and adventurous spirit gives her the drive to go beyond what is the norm for someone with her limitations. In fact, Nissi has made a career in proving that with a little help you can achieve anything.
She comes from a loud and loving family. One of four children to two hard-working Colombian immigrants. She’s lived in the front porch of the Texas Hill country most of her life. Both of her parents are big dreamers and have encouraged their children to dream big as well! https://www.nissisalazar.com/, Buy Nissi’s book A Paradox Of Victory, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nissis1/
Host Kamand Alaghehband: Kamand Alaghehband was born in Austin, TX and has autism. In 2020, The CDC reported approximately 1 in 54 children in the U.S. diagnosed with autism. This ratio is more than all cancer patients combined. Kamand has spent her life supporting all generations with disabilities. Kamand loves the Special Olympics and her favorite sports are swimming, basketball, and track. Kamand is a member of the executive committee of Special Olympics Athletes Leadership in Texas.She has created podcasts, Tik Tok videos, video games, and a variety of health activities during the pandemic to keep the athlete’s mind occupied in a healthy way. Kamand’s mission within her population is to bring peace today and create a vision for tomorrow’s disable population. Kamand hopes that she’ll be able to teach others to turn denial into acceptance. Watch Kamand’s Special Olympics healthy lifestyle videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mespecial8588
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Episode Transcript
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John Beer (00:08):
Welcome to True Tales by Disability Advocates,
authentic voices of peoplethriving with disabilities.
Where individuals use the art ofstorytelling to change the
world.
The True Tales by DisabilityAdvocates podcast is produced by
Art Spark, Texas SpeakingAdvocates Program.
Keep listening to hear howlife's challenges can spark a
(00:28):
desire to speak out and Advocatefor themselves and others.
MsBoye (00:33):
You're listening to "Magical Advocacy" episode two,
season two of True Tales byDisability Advocates, the
podcast where Advocates harnessthe power of storytelling to
build community with their peersand hope to develop empathy in
others.
A team of Disability Advocatescreates True Tales to give
disabled storytellers theopportunity to share their
(00:56):
personal stories and livedexperience in their authentic
voices.
We offer our unique and oftenunderrepresented perspective to
the growing community of podcastlisteners worldwide.
Did you know that according tothe CDC, one in four Americans
are disabled?
That's about 61 million adultswith 61 million experiences and
(01:18):
points of view about what itmeans to live in a world not
designed for them.
Recognizing that everyone's lifeis enriched by the inclusion of
multiple voices, Art Spark Texashas been training Disability
Advocates as storytellers forover twenty years.
The word Advocate comes from theLatin word, Advocare.
Ad means"to" and vocare is callor summon, call to aid and to
(01:43):
invoke.
These days, an Advocate is aperson who publicly supports or
recommends a particular cause orpolicy, but being a Disability
Advocate is more than standingup to the ableism of systems and
institutions.
We are called to use the skillswe've learned as Advocates to
create the world we want to livein every day.
(02:04):
When advocacy becomes a way oflife, the results can seem
magical, in this episode, wehighlight storytellers who are
practitioners of this"MagicalAdvocacy".
There are three basic tools of"Magical Advocacy", being clear
about what we're asking for,knowing why we're asking and
connecting with people by usingour personal stories to put a
(02:25):
human face on the issue.
Our first storyteller, JessicaGuerrero, returns with her story
"Wand Quest" in which sheinvokes her advocacy skills to
manifest a long held dream.
And our second story"FirstImpressions" by Nissi Salazar
reveals the strength of hermagical power to break down
barriers, comes from her passionfor adventure, a commitment to
(02:47):
universal love and her faith.
Their stories, show how usingthe three golden rules for
successful advocacy, be polite,be prepared, be persistent, can
be applied to manifesting ourdreams as well as challenging
the ableism we might encounterin normal activities of
adulthood, like hanging out inyour local coffee shop or
(03:09):
visiting an amusement park.
When we choose to be visible, beproud of who we are as we are,
and live life with kindness andpersistent authenticity, we
invoke a powerful magic that ischanging our world and the
people around us.
As you listen to this episode,may it plant seeds that will
(03:30):
empower you to develop thepractice of"Magical Advocacy" in
your life, and may you be ableto recognize the ways you are
living the life of an Advocateevery day.
Brittany (03:49):
Welcome to True Tales by Disability Advocates, the
podcast where we change theworld one story at a time.
I'm Brittany Sessum and I'm yourhost.
So welcome Jessica.
Jessica (04:02):
Hey, thanks! Thank you so much.
Brittany (04:05):
Jessica, we, not just we and not just me, but a lot of
people will be able to relate toyou.
There are many different keypoints that you had in your
story where people can relate.
One of the things that I foundinteresting when we were
talking, talking about yourInstagram page, about,"Cosplay".
(04:27):
Can you give our listeners justa little bit about what you mean
as far as"Cosplay" posing?
Jessica (04:35):
Well,"Cosplay" which is a hobby of mine that I've
spoken, about, on this podcastbefore, is dressing in costume
to play your favorite charactersfrom comic books, movies, anime,
um, just about all sorts ofdifferent kinds of media, but
(04:59):
when I speak about posing, it'sall about figuring out a pose
that you can, that you can takewhen people ask for pictures at,
at some of the events, theconventions that I go to.
You were asking me about, Ithink CosSketcher.
We talked about CosSketcher andthat's where we, and that's
(05:20):
where Cos-players get to pose infront of, uh, figure drawing
artists so that both canpractice their craft.
And so you have to learn to tocome up with, Poses that convey
your character, but also thatyou can hold for various lengths
of time.
(05:40):
So, so you need to...
I've found that sometimes whenit comes to holding some poses,
it helps to use breathingtechniques to be, to keep
relaxed while holding, whileholding position.
Um, and other times when youhave to, when you have to hold a
pa, a pose very long becausesometimes you pose for one
(06:04):
picture and more people want...
for pictures for one person andmore people stop to take, take
them too.
Sometimes another thing thatI've learned is that, to come up
with some somewhat, um, dynamicposes that are easier they're
(frustrated sound) easier to,they're easier to hold.
(06:28):
Okay, let's take a step backhere,(Laughs), because I'm
trying to figure out whatyou're, what you're asking me
here.
Um, what's, yeah, what do, whatexactly you're,
Brittany (06:39):
You're doing great, Jessica.
It was just, uh, one thing thatyou mentioned about taking the
best pictures.
Jessica (06:47):
Yeah.
Um, figuring out...
Brittany (06:49):
Most people would think that a model or somebody
that is in commercials.
Jessica (06:57):
Yeah.
Cause it is modeling.
Brittany (06:58):
It's definitely modeling.
But you would never think thatthe modeling techniques, um,
that you would see on, um, adsand stuff still applies to
"Cosplay".
Because you're looking, whenyou're taking pictures with your
admirers, you're trying to getthe best picture and the best
(07:22):
frame.
Jessica (07:23):
Yeah.
I mean, if someone asks me to,to take a picture and that if
someone wants a picture of you,you wanna give'em the best
picture you can.
Cause oftentimes they, um,because they often love the
character just as much as youdo.
And so you wanna, you wanna dojustice, you wanna, you wanna do
(07:45):
the best performance that youcan as well, I would say.
The Instagram is actually my"Cosplay" page.
It's where I show all the stuffthat I do, all the stuff that I
do related to"Cosplay".
But that was just something newthat popped up between the last,
um, between the last time I wason here and now.
(08:08):
Yeah.
Brittany (08:09):
Okay.
alright.
One of the things that I, uh,picked up from your story is
that you wrote"A door opens."
Jessica (08:17):
Yeah, we're actually doing the wand piece because
the, the one piece that, the onethat I didn't get to perform,
because of unforeseencircumstances.
Mm-hmm.
Brittany (08:28):
Hey, you, you never know, like that's the thing,
adventures never die.
They always continue.
Jessica (08:37):
Mm-hmm.
Brittany (08:38):
And so, um, with no further ado, it's time to hear
your story.
Jessica (09:01):
My name is Jessica Guerrero and this is my story
"Wand Quest".
In the words of Hermione Granger"Luck can only get you so far,
sometimes you need a plan too."Wands of different styles and
colors dazzle me through a shopwindow.
A jovial Wizard in a flowingrobe and pointed hat stands
(09:24):
before me.
A door opens and he steps aside.
My heart pounds and I ventureinto the dark.
What magic might this littleshop hold for me?
I've traveled to"Islands ofAdventure" in Florida.
My parents and I are mainlythere to check out Hogwarts and
the bustling streets ofHogsmeade with snowcapped
(09:46):
rooftops.
We marvel at the multicoloredsuites of Honeydukes.
We delight in the cool creamytaste of butter beer.
We stroll the halls of Hogwartsand even brave the dangers of
the Forbidden Forest.
However, there is one experienceI've been dreaming about since
(10:08):
we booked tickets, OllivandersWand Shop.
I've watched videos to see if itwas accessible and even research
tips on being picked for a WandFitting".
I've saved up money for this.
This is the souvenir I wantabove all else.
(10:29):
That being my very own wand.
Day one we spend at UniversalStudios next door.
My parents went to walk back tothe hotel and just relax.
But stepping outside theUniversal gates, something
beckons me.
My hands angle my chair towards"The Islands of Adventure" and
(10:50):
"Hogwarts" within.
Can I please take a peek atHogsmeade, Mom?
I promise I'll give you a callwhen I'm ready for a walk back
afterwards." Mom and Dad look ateach other and then to my
relief, they smile and say,"Okay!""YES!" A wide grin on my
face I set out for Hogsmeade.
(11:11):
I make a beeline forOllivanders, get in line and I'm
ushered into the shop as part ofthe next group.
A Witch helps me park on theside of the room with other
people using scooters andstrollers.
Relief fizzes with excitementwhen I realize that this will
give us a wonderful view of theshow.
(11:34):
Under the gentle golden glow oflamplight shelf upon shelf stack
the walls with wand boxes.
Then a hush falls over the room,electric with anticipation as
the Wand Keeper enters.
His wizened eyes scan the crowdbefore beckoning a young
(11:58):
Gryffindor to his desk for wandfitting.
After a few, shall we say,magical misfires from her first
two wands, music twinkles fromevery direction.
Goosebumps prickle my arms, andthen it happens.
(12:18):
Strings and a choir swell with agust of wind as she takes hold
of the third.
The wand chose her.
This magical moment is a scenestraight outta the film"Harry
Potter and the Sorcerer'sStone".
We all clap and cheer.
She follows a Wizard to the nextroom, absolutely beaming.
(12:40):
Now, happy as I am watching theshow, I'm disappointed that it
isn't me beaming as I leave thatshop.
I resolve to try again the nextday.
And day two I try not just once,but twice.
Each time I'm positioned off tothe side in the accessibility
(13:01):
section and don't get picked.
Huh?
How will my wand find me here?
It comes down to the day beforewe fly home.
This is my last shot at a WandFitting, so I decide it's time
to work a little extra Magic.
I put on my lucky red pants, anew gray quidditch shirt with a
(13:26):
red number seven on the front,(that's Harry's number).
I even leave my hair a littleunkempt like Harry's too.
I smile at myself in the mirrorFor what I hope is the last time
I roll into Olivander's and amparked up where I have been
before.
About seven minutes later, Islowly roll out empty handed.
(13:52):
Doubt creeps into the edges ofmy mind, will I really fly home
without my prize?
Now I could take the easy routeand buy a wand from the other
part of the shop, but it isn'tjust the wand I seek though.
I want to be part of the show.
I want my wand to choose me damnit! So I decide to give it one
(14:16):
final shot.
You see, I'm not a woman whogives up easily.
As my group is let into theshop, a Wizard guides me towards
my usual parking spot.
This time I say,"Hey, can't I bewith everyone else?
I want a shot at this." After ashort pause, he shrugs and says,
(14:39):
"Sure, why not?" It's during myrequest that the Wand Keeper
enters.
As he glides down the stairs.
His eyes lock on mine.
I wondered when I would beseeing you." I tilt my head and
grin in reply.
I feel the tingle of Magic in mybelly and on the back of my neck
(15:02):
as I move forward to be chosenby the perfect wand for me.
Speaking up for myself shifts mefrom watching this iconic scene
from the sidelines to earning mywand center stage as I had
dreamed.
According to Albus Dumbledore,“Words are, in my not-so-humble
(15:24):
opinion, our most inexhaustiblesource of magic." I couldn't
agree more.
Thanks.
Brittany (15:40):
Welcome back, I'm here with Jessica.
Thanks for sharing your storywith us today.
Can you tell us when you wrotethis piece and what motivated
you to write it?
Jessica (15:50):
Why did this story come to mind?
Well, what jumped out to meabout this particular story was,
um, it was all about setting agoal, preparing for it, and
achieving that goal.
But the most magical part ofthat was that speaking up for
myself was what got me to thatgoal.
(16:14):
Yeah.
Well, I think the thing, thething that really opened the
door I worked hard at it, butthe key to opening that door was
was actually speaking up thefinal time I went after that
wand.
I noticed a pattern and I spokeup to change it, and it was, and
(16:36):
the, and again, that speaking upwas the key, in my mind, and it
was cool to just see it happenin real time.
As soon as I asked, I got whatI, I got what I had worked for.
We think about using thoseskills in more serious
situations, but here was just afun situation where I saw the
(16:56):
need to speak up.
I did, and it, and it worked.
Almost immediately,(clicks:)yeah.
It worked like a charm.
'Coz words have a lot of power.
Yeah.
At least that's what I wasthinking about.
Brittany (17:10):
No, Jessica, that was so true, words do have, they do
have power.
Jessica (17:16):
Mm-hmm.
Brittany (17:16):
I just wanted, just real quick to just take a time
out to get your experience ofthe Wand Keeper?
and tell us what is the purposeof the Wand Keeper?
Jessica (17:26):
Well, the Wand Keeper is the wizard who selects
someone from the audience, um,to, well, to receive their wand
and then guides them through theprocess of the wand fitting.
They also take the time toexplain how Ollivanders has been
(17:47):
providing, um, fine wands towitches and wizards for
centuries.
How the, how the wands havecores of things such as dragon
heartstring unicorn hair, orphoenix tail feather.
But they also make, but theyalso make the point that the,
(18:10):
the wand chooses the wizard,although they don't quite
understand how or why.
Um, but you'll never get thebest result using a wand that
belongs to another witch orwizard.
Brittany (18:25):
Okay.
So that's, that's veryinteresting.
So you were saying somethingabout a wand choosing a person.
So in, in your story, youmentioned about the lady that
had a wand choose her.
How does a wand choose a person?
Jessica (18:40):
Well, during a fitting, the Wand Keeper will, hand you a
wand and if the wand isn't agood fit, they'll ask you to
accomplish a task and maybe giveyou a spell with which to do it.
Like they'll ask you to maybewater some flowers on a, on a
(19:01):
shelf in the room.
But when you try and water thoseflowers, they wilt.
Or let's say they ask you justto light up the tip of the wand,
but when you try to do so, youmight cause a thunderstorm.
And then usually when thingslike that happen, you quickly
hand those wands back to theWand Keeper while they're using
(19:24):
a counter spell to stop whateverit is you started.
Just put things right.
Brittany (19:29):
I'm very interested in, you know, learning more
about, the music after, afterthe wand chooses it's person.
But what was the music thatindicates to you that there's a
misfire?
I just wanna know, like, isthere a big difference?
Jessica (19:48):
There isn't any music until there is, until you find
that right wand.
It's the music that basically,it tells you that something is
about to happen.
I it, that music gave megoosebumps when it's, when it
starts, when it started totwinkle, not just when I was
watching, but even more so whenI finally got the wand.
(20:12):
And then when you take hold ofthe, uh, the one wand that fits
right, you get that swell ofstrings and choir.
As well as a gust of wind andthe space around you lights up.
Again, this is just like in themovies because Universal Studios
is a place that likes to put youright at the center of scenes
(20:35):
that you know and love.
Brittany (20:38):
That's very awesome.
So you're saying that it wasjust very realistic?
Because at first I was thinkingit was like something like from
a game show that stated whereyou could hear that it may have
not been the right one for aperson.
Like wa-wa-waa!
Jessica (20:55):
They didn't use music then.
I'm sure they used other effectsto show, again, the misfires,
but they never used....
I mean, you never heard thatkind of music in the movie.
The music came in really when,when a wand with a right fit was
(21:17):
found.
I mean, it gives you a veryspecial feeling to be possibly
in the shoes of, of charactersyou love.
For even a moment.
Yeah, the music pretty muchrepresents the coming of magic.
Brittany (21:34):
Thank you.
I, I love your response.
So let's take a step back, ummm-hmm and you spoke of, in
your, in your story, you speakof, uh, the lucky red pants.
Jessica (21:49):
I was dressing for what I want.
I mean, I had, I had these redsweatpants on with the Quidditch
shirt, the slightly unkept hair,and even the fact that I wore
glasses, I was hoping for a veryHarry-esque look.
To catch, to perhaps catch theWand Keeper's attention.
(22:11):
So they didn't feel very, uh,there hadn't been particularly
lucky at that time, but Icertainly felt lucky when I got,
when I got picked.
Brittany (22:24):
Mm-hmm.
Jessica (22:25):
And, and I also feel lucky, um, to be doing this
right now, because I'm doingthis with you and I'm actually
wearing the same outfit that Iwore that day.
I mean, you can't see it oncamera, but this is the shirt
that I described.
Yeah.
Which is...
(22:45):
kind of...
Well, I just thought that itwould, the, I just thought that
it would, um, that it would helpme in the, in this quest.
Again, cuz you're trying to get,you're trying to get that, to
get that attention, to findsomething that'll give you that
edge over the competition, so tospeak.
Brittany (23:06):
And Jessica, you, you really did catch the Wand
Keeper's eyes, he's beenwatching you, even in the other
part where you weren't gettingpicked until you asked to move
to the other side.
He's been watching you.
Did you get your wand and do youstill have it?
Jessica (23:25):
Well, of course, this show is very much to get, to
where you can pay for that wand.
But as I said before, I had beensaving up for it, so I was ready
for this.
And as far as that wand, I don'thave it here with me right now,
but I still have that wand.
Brittany (23:45):
Cuz you mentioned about how much time you spent to
prepare yourself mentally,physically going and not giving
up, no matter how many times youwent through different groups.
Jessica (24:03):
Mm-hmm.
Brittany (24:04):
...of um, of pickings.
Jessica (24:07):
Yeah.
Brittany (24:07):
You still was determined to keep going and
keep going until you got whatyou wanted.
So, what did you take away fromthis experience?
Jessica (24:17):
Well, what did I take away from this adventure?
Well, I know that speaking upfor oneself isn't always easy
and not as easy as I made itsound here.
Um, but it is a necessary skillfor a disabled person like me.
That can be necessary both atwork and at play.
(24:41):
And it's true that planning andpersistence aided in my wand
quest, but it was the magic ofspeaking up for myself that
unlocked the full experiencethat I was looking for.
I mean, as we said, no soonerdid I ask to stay with the rest
(25:04):
of the group, then did that WandKeeper lock his eyes on mine.
I mean, it was a, the wandfitting was as magical as I
dreamed and hoped it would be,but it was made all the sweeter
that, that the power of just alittle bit of self-advocacy got
(25:24):
me to my goal.
Brittany (25:26):
I really appreciate that, Jessica, for you just
speaking up for yourself.
Jessica (25:32):
Mm-hmm.
Brittany (25:33):
And who would've known if you would've ever gotten that
wand if you stayed in the samearea that you were in, if you
stayed in the same mindset?
You could have given up thefirst two times but, you just
keep going up there, because youalready had that expectation
(25:56):
before you came onto the tripthat you were going to find that
wand.
When you have obstacles in yourway, don't let people drag you
down or don't let that obstacledrag you down.
Jessica (26:09):
Yeah, I was going to, I was just going to do the best I
could to, to reach that goal.
And I guess the good thing aboutseeing the show a few times was
I was able to get into it a bitmore once, once I actually, once
I actually got the chance toparticipate too so it was fun.
Brittany (26:30):
Well, I'm very happy, Jessica, that you had fun.
It sounds like a good experiencethat you had from the beginning
to the end, even though it couldhave been, you know, stressful
at times or frustrating attimes.
But it seemed like you reallyhad a great outlook and you had
fun.
Jessica (26:51):
Yeah, It was fun and I'm proud of myself for
succeeding in my goal.
Brittany (26:58):
That's, that's really great to hear Jessica I just
wanna tell you that I've reallyenjoyed speaking with you today.
I enjoyed your story on thepower of speaking up.
Jessica (27:09):
You too.
Brittany (27:11):
If our listeners, um, relate to your story and wanna
connect, what are some ways forthem to reach out to you?
Jessica (27:20):
I'm on Facebook as "Jessica Giselle", and my
Instagram is, uh, Kimotion 159Well, the Instagram isn't as
related to this particularstory.
The Facebook is my personalpage, but one thing that a lot
of people have taken to enjoyingabout the Facebook page, I do
(27:45):
cooking adventures where I trydifferent recipes that I come
across and people seem to reallyenjoy that.
Brittany (27:51):
And so you all heard it here, um, on Facebook.
Uh, Jessica Giselle, you can gofind her personal page, and also
I've heard that she has some,she puts on her Facebook page
any projects that she has comingup.
And Jessica, even though you maybe a little bit nervous, feel
(28:16):
that you're not coming across,uh, clearly...
But definitely today you did a,a great job.
And so I just wanna just tellyou again, um, Jessica, thanks
for, for coming on to the showand we appreciate you so much
and we, we hope that you have,uh, many more new adventures to
(28:38):
come.
Jessica (28:38):
Yeah.
Well, it was, it's always apleasure working with you.
Bye.
Brittany (28:44):
This story was hosted by me Brittany Sessum, and
produced by Jennifer McKinney.
Editing and mixing by MsBoye.
The production team alsoincludes Kamand Alaghehband and
Kaye Love.
Special thanks to ourstoryteller Jessica Guerrero
Please stay tuned.
Kamand Alaghehband (29:13):
Hi, I'm Kamand Alaghehband and I'm
excited to speak withstoryteller, Nissi Demboski
today.
She's a very unique artist witha phenomenal personality and a
smile that melts your heart.
She's an artist, an adventurerwho seeks her live her life
(29:34):
fully.
Nissi's a wife, a sister, awriter and an athlete who likes
horseback riding, wakeboarding,and so much more.
So welcome, Nissi, before youshare your story, how would you
like to introduce yourself toour listeners?
Nissi (29:55):
Hello.
My name is Nissi Demboski I am30 years old and I was diagnosed
with Cerebral Palsy when I wasjust one years old.
I come from a very lovingColombian family.
I have two sisters, one brother,and an amazing husband.
Both of my parents areincredible people who taught
(30:16):
their children the value of hardwork and respecting others.
I've had the pleasure ofadvocating for the disabled,
being a dog trainer and amotivational speaker.
I've also been a writer, afull-time student, and just a
little bit of a adrenalinejunkie.
(30:37):
My passion is for people, notjust people but loving people.
For now I'm enjoying the beautyand reality of marital bliss.
My husband, Christopher and Ihave recently moved to Seguin
Texas, where we live with ourlittle mini miniature schnauzer
(30:57):
Gatsby.
I'm excited about what thefuture holds for us.
More to the point, I can't waitto share our great adventures
with the world.
Kamand Alaghehband (31:08):
It sounds like you enjoy the full fun
life.
What a gift.
I see so many people haveeverything in life that they
could desire, but they don'tknow how to enjoy it.
You call yourself an adventurejunkie.
What do you mean by that?
Nissi (31:27):
I mean, I love to do stuff like climb mountains, go
water skiing and snow skiing,ride four wheelers and go-karts.
I've ridden motorcycles and Ilove horseback riding.
I've done obstacle courses.
I want to swim with sharks andgo skydiving, maybe even make it
(31:53):
to Base Camp on Mount Everest.
At my childhood church there arelong, steep stairs and for as
long as I can remember, one ofmy best friends who doesn't
believe in the ramps, loves togently push me down the steps at
(32:13):
the church.
People would get so scared andbe like,"Nissi why aren't you
scared?" One, I trusted my bestfriend and liked living life on
the edge.
Kamand Alaghehband (32:27):
Wow, Nissi, you are by far the most
adventurous person I've evermet.
Your life would make a great TVshow.
I'm sure people would love it.
I know I would be your biggestfan! If you have ever wondered
how to show affection and shareyour passion with others, listen
(32:50):
to Nissi's story,"FirstImpressions".
Nissi (33:04):
This is"First Impressions" by Nissi Demboski.
There are several responses whenpeople first meet me.
The first is an immediate smile.
The second is a sort of frown,but then a smile.
And the third is pure shock.
People smile at me when theyfirst meet me because I am
(33:26):
usually smiling at them.
I've been told many times I havea welcoming presence about
myself.
People say I draw them in withmy smile.
Those people who start out witha frown are usually trying to
figure out what's wrong with me.
Sometimes people don't see mychair, so they are taken aback
(33:46):
when they see that I need helpto eat or drink.
They seem a little confusedbecause I look normal, but then
they see someone helping me andthey realize that I have a
Disability and still okay, andthat brings the smile.
The people who show total shock,see how comfortable I am with
(34:11):
myself and they don't know howto respond.
My abrupt, outgoing, loud, andsometimes a bit overwhelming
comments can be alarming topeople.
My humor helps people come toterms with the fact that I'm
happy just like I am.
(34:32):
My mom has a wild sense ofhumor.
She's way out there.
She is constantly making fun ofherself, making us laugh at
ourselves, and we all just kindof picked up on it.
I am always laughing, I like tomake people feel comfortable
(34:53):
with me.
Instead of waiting for them toask about my Disability, I'm
getting there for them.
I spend every Tuesday morning ata coffee shop in Bulverde where
I live.
I started out just meeting afriend there every couple of
weeks.
Now it's a place where the staffall knows me and helps me.
(35:19):
They take their breaks to helpfeed me.
They give me a discount forfood.
I even have my own button on theregister now.
It's so great.
Every week I have a wholemorning meeting new people.
I have been taught to not lookat my Disability as a
disadvantage, but as a blessing.
(35:41):
Because I'm in a wheelchair, I'mable to reach people that are
intimidated or scared, and I amable to make them feel
comfortable with themselves andeven with me.
Thank you
Kamand Alaghehband (36:06):
Thanks for sharing your story with us
today.
I can relate to a lot of thingsyou have done in life.
My parents are also quite theadventures.
They tell me to do a lot ofthings that I wouldn't have done
by myself.
I've been wakeboarding andhorseback riding, just like you.
(36:26):
What advice do you have for ouraudience who want to live their
lives like you feeling fulfilledand happy?
Nissi (36:34):
I think, I would say by no means my life's perfect.
I guess I choose to make thebest of my lifestyle and
situation.
My faith is a huge help.
I can't tell you how many timesI have felt so alone defeated
and like, there was no way out.
Still because of my relationshipwith Jesus, I can lean on him
(36:58):
and realize that I can't changecertain aspects of my disability
or my circumstances.
I choose to see the good.
It's a choice.
You can choose to get up in themorning and put a smile on your
face, or you can choose to stayin bed and to be defeated.
The choice is always yours.
Kamand Alaghehband (37:21):
I totally agree Nissi, but your choice is
not always easy and it takes aspecial person and lots of
courage to get up and put asmile on your face when you feel
down.
You inspire me with yourpersonality and the choices you
make in your life.
(37:41):
You've also written a book.
So what's it about.
Tell our audience about it andwhat motivates you to write it?
Nissi (37:51):
Oh, yes.
It's called"A Paradox ofVictory." I would say it's more
of a autobiography slash memoir.
It's not a, it's not inchronological order.
There's a chapter on each memberof my family, except for my
husband, we didn't know eachother at the time.
(38:12):
I talk about my smile.
I talk about the struggle I hadevery day with body pain.
I talk about my faith.
It touches a lot of differentthings.
I think one of my favoritechapters, was the one I did
about my old service dog Trixie.
Our bond was so real andtangible, and I felt her loss
(38:35):
very strongly.
Another chapter I love is thefirst chapter, in my book which
is called"Behind the smile,Beyond the Chair." If you
message me on my social mediaplatforms or email me through my
website, I will happily get youa book, signed by me.
Kamand Alaghehband (38:55):
Amazing.
I can't wait to read it.
Actually, one of the biggestreasons I'm involved with this
podcast is to bring peace fortoday and create a vision for
tomorrow.
I believe being happy andgrateful with what we have can
(39:15):
turn everything in life intojoy.
Love yourself.
Be confident in your looks,express your talents and let
yourself shine to the world.
Great chatting with you, Nissi.
I'm so glad you are willing toshare your story and wisdom with
us.
Nissi (39:35):
Thank you so much for having me on this show Kamand.
It's been a great opportunityand love chatting with you.
Thank you so much.
Kamand Alaghehband (39:44):
If you would like to know more about Nissi,
you can reach her, at Facebook,Instagram, Twitter, and on
TikTok, Nissi Demboski and visither website at Nissisalazar.com.
Nissi (40:00):
Thank you so much ladies.
You guys were incredible.
Kamand Alaghehband (40:06):
Thanks for listening to this episode.
"First Impressions" was hostedby me, produced by Brittany
Sessum, and edited by Msboye.
Special thanks to our guest,Nissi Debosky and I'm Kamand
Alaghehband and you've beenlistening to True Tales by
Disability Advocates podcast.
MsBoye (40:30):
We hope you have enjoyed entering the worlds of our
storytellers and that maybe yougained some insight for
yourself.
If you heard your personal storyreflected in their stories or
were touched by the content ofthis episode, we'd love to hear
from you.
You can share your stories andcomments on our True Tales
Podcast Facebook page.
(40:51):
The link will be in the shownotes.
If you'd like to hear morestories like this, the whole of
season one is available at ArtSpark Texas dot org, A R T S P A
R K T X dot O R G.
True Tales podcast or on yourfavorite podcast platform, we're
(41:12):
on'em all.
Look out for updates aboutseason two and bonus episodes by
following Art Spark Texas onFacebook, Instagram, TikTok,and
Twitter
John Beer (41:27):
All episodes of the True Tales by Disability
Advocates are free on Applepodcasts, Spotify, and anywhere
you get your podcasts.
The program is funded in part bya grant from the Texas State
Independent Living Council, theAdministration for Community
Living and individuals like you.
To learn about The SpeakingAdvocates Program, sign up for
(41:50):
our newsletter at Art SparkTx.org, that's A R T S P A R K T
X dot O R G.
The free virtual training isopen to people of all
disabilities, no matter whereyou live.
Welcome to True Tales by Disability Advocates,
authentic voices of peoplethriving with disabilities.
Where individuals use the art ofstorytelling to change the
world.
The True Tales by DisabilityAdvocates podcast is produced by
Art Spark, Texas SpeakingAdvocates Program.
Keep listening to hear howlife's challenges can spark a
(00:28):
desire to speak out and Advocatefor themselves and others.
MsBoye (00:33):
You're listening to "Magical Advocacy" episode two,
season two of True Tales byDisability Advocates, the
podcast where Advocates harnessthe power of storytelling to
build community with their peersand hope to develop empathy in
others.
A team of Disability Advocatescreates True Tales to give
disabled storytellers theopportunity to share their
(00:56):
personal stories and livedexperience in their authentic
voices.
We offer our unique and oftenunderrepresented perspective to
the growing community of podcastlisteners worldwide.
Did you know that according tothe CDC, one in four Americans
are disabled?
That's about 61 million adultswith 61 million experiences and
(01:18):
points of view about what itmeans to live in a world not
designed for them.
Recognizing that everyone's lifeis enriched by the inclusion of
multiple voices, Art Spark Texashas been training Disability
Advocates as storytellers forover twenty years.
The word Advocate comes from theLatin word, Advocare.
Ad means"to" and vocare is callor summon, call to aid and to
(01:43):
invoke.
These days, an Advocate is aperson who publicly supports or
recommends a particular cause orpolicy, but being a Disability
Advocate is more than standingup to the ableism of systems and
institutions.
We are called to use the skillswe've learned as Advocates to
create the world we want to livein every day.
(02:04):
When advocacy becomes a way oflife, the results can seem
magical, in this episode, wehighlight storytellers who are
practitioners of this"MagicalAdvocacy".
There are three basic tools of"Magical Advocacy", being clear
about what we're asking for,knowing why we're asking and
connecting with people by usingour personal stories to put a
(02:25):
human face on the issue.
Our first storyteller, JessicaGuerrero, returns with her story
"Wand Quest" in which sheinvokes her advocacy skills to
manifest a long held dream.
And our second story"FirstImpressions" by Nissi Salazar
reveals the strength of hermagical power to break down
barriers, comes from her passionfor adventure, a commitment to
(02:47):
universal love and her faith.
Their stories, show how usingthe three golden rules for
successful advocacy, be polite,be prepared, be persistent, can
be applied to manifesting ourdreams as well as challenging
the ableism we might encounterin normal activities of
adulthood, like hanging out inyour local coffee shop or
(03:09):
visiting an amusement park.
When we choose to be visible, beproud of who we are as we are,
and live life with kindness andpersistent authenticity, we
invoke a powerful magic that ischanging our world and the
people around us.
As you listen to this episode,may it plant seeds that will
(03:30):
empower you to develop thepractice of"Magical Advocacy" in
your life, and may you be ableto recognize the ways you are
living the life of an Advocateevery day.
Brittany (03:49):
Welcome to True Tales by Disability Advocates, the
podcast where we change theworld one story at a time.
I'm Brittany Sessum and I'm yourhost.
So welcome Jessica.
Jessica (04:02):
Hey, thanks! Thank you so much.
Brittany (04:05):
Jessica, we, not just we and not just me, but a lot of
people will be able to relate toyou.
There are many different keypoints that you had in your
story where people can relate.
One of the things that I foundinteresting when we were
talking, talking about yourInstagram page, about,"Cosplay".
(04:27):
Can you give our listeners justa little bit about what you mean
as far as"Cosplay" posing?
Jessica (04:35):
Well,"Cosplay" which is a hobby of mine that I've
spoken, about, on this podcastbefore, is dressing in costume
to play your favorite charactersfrom comic books, movies, anime,
um, just about all sorts ofdifferent kinds of media, but
(04:59):
when I speak about posing, it'sall about figuring out a pose
that you can, that you can takewhen people ask for pictures at,
at some of the events, theconventions that I go to.
You were asking me about, Ithink CosSketcher.
We talked about CosSketcher andthat's where we, and that's
(05:20):
where Cos-players get to pose infront of, uh, figure drawing
artists so that both canpractice their craft.
And so you have to learn to tocome up with, Poses that convey
your character, but also thatyou can hold for various lengths
of time.
(05:40):
So, so you need to...
I've found that sometimes whenit comes to holding some poses,
it helps to use breathingtechniques to be, to keep
relaxed while holding, whileholding position.
Um, and other times when youhave to, when you have to hold a
pa, a pose very long becausesometimes you pose for one
(06:04):
picture and more people want...
for pictures for one person andmore people stop to take, take
them too.
Sometimes another thing thatI've learned is that, to come up
with some somewhat, um, dynamicposes that are easier they're
(frustrated sound) easier to,they're easier to hold.
(06:28):
Okay, let's take a step backhere,(Laughs), because I'm
trying to figure out whatyou're, what you're asking me
here.
Um, what's, yeah, what do, whatexactly you're,
Brittany (06:39):
You're doing great, Jessica.
It was just, uh, one thing thatyou mentioned about taking the
best pictures.
Jessica (06:47):
Yeah.
Um, figuring out...
Brittany (06:49):
Most people would think that a model or somebody
that is in commercials.
Jessica (06:57):
Yeah.
Cause it is modeling.
Brittany (06:58):
It's definitely modeling.
But you would never think thatthe modeling techniques, um,
that you would see on, um, adsand stuff still applies to
"Cosplay".
Because you're looking, whenyou're taking pictures with your
admirers, you're trying to getthe best picture and the best
(07:22):
frame.
Jessica (07:23):
Yeah.
I mean, if someone asks me to,to take a picture and that if
someone wants a picture of you,you wanna give'em the best
picture you can.
Cause oftentimes they, um,because they often love the
character just as much as youdo.
And so you wanna, you wanna dojustice, you wanna, you wanna do
(07:45):
the best performance that youcan as well, I would say.
The Instagram is actually my"Cosplay" page.
It's where I show all the stuffthat I do, all the stuff that I
do related to"Cosplay".
But that was just something newthat popped up between the last,
um, between the last time I wason here and now.
(08:08):
Yeah.
Brittany (08:09):
Okay.
alright.
One of the things that I, uh,picked up from your story is
that you wrote"A door opens."
Jessica (08:17):
Yeah, we're actually doing the wand piece because
the, the one piece that, the onethat I didn't get to perform,
because of unforeseencircumstances.
Mm-hmm.
Brittany (08:28):
Hey, you, you never know, like that's the thing,
adventures never die.
They always continue.
Jessica (08:37):
Mm-hmm.
Brittany (08:38):
And so, um, with no further ado, it's time to hear
your story.
Jessica (09:01):
My name is Jessica Guerrero and this is my story
"Wand Quest".
In the words of Hermione Granger"Luck can only get you so far,
sometimes you need a plan too."Wands of different styles and
colors dazzle me through a shopwindow.
A jovial Wizard in a flowingrobe and pointed hat stands
(09:24):
before me.
A door opens and he steps aside.
My heart pounds and I ventureinto the dark.
What magic might this littleshop hold for me?
I've traveled to"Islands ofAdventure" in Florida.
My parents and I are mainlythere to check out Hogwarts and
the bustling streets ofHogsmeade with snowcapped
(09:46):
rooftops.
We marvel at the multicoloredsuites of Honeydukes.
We delight in the cool creamytaste of butter beer.
We stroll the halls of Hogwartsand even brave the dangers of
the Forbidden Forest.
However, there is one experienceI've been dreaming about since
(10:08):
we booked tickets, OllivandersWand Shop.
I've watched videos to see if itwas accessible and even research
tips on being picked for a WandFitting".
I've saved up money for this.
This is the souvenir I wantabove all else.
(10:29):
That being my very own wand.
Day one we spend at UniversalStudios next door.
My parents went to walk back tothe hotel and just relax.
But stepping outside theUniversal gates, something
beckons me.
My hands angle my chair towards"The Islands of Adventure" and
(10:50):
"Hogwarts" within.
Can I please take a peek atHogsmeade, Mom?
I promise I'll give you a callwhen I'm ready for a walk back
afterwards." Mom and Dad look ateach other and then to my
relief, they smile and say,"Okay!""YES!" A wide grin on my
face I set out for Hogsmeade.
(11:11):
I make a beeline forOllivanders, get in line and I'm
ushered into the shop as part ofthe next group.
A Witch helps me park on theside of the room with other
people using scooters andstrollers.
Relief fizzes with excitementwhen I realize that this will
give us a wonderful view of theshow.
(11:34):
Under the gentle golden glow oflamplight shelf upon shelf stack
the walls with wand boxes.
Then a hush falls over the room,electric with anticipation as
the Wand Keeper enters.
His wizened eyes scan the crowdbefore beckoning a young
(11:58):
Gryffindor to his desk for wandfitting.
After a few, shall we say,magical misfires from her first
two wands, music twinkles fromevery direction.
Goosebumps prickle my arms, andthen it happens.
(12:18):
Strings and a choir swell with agust of wind as she takes hold
of the third.
The wand chose her.
This magical moment is a scenestraight outta the film"Harry
Potter and the Sorcerer'sStone".
We all clap and cheer.
She follows a Wizard to the nextroom, absolutely beaming.
(12:40):
Now, happy as I am watching theshow, I'm disappointed that it
isn't me beaming as I leave thatshop.
I resolve to try again the nextday.
And day two I try not just once,but twice.
Each time I'm positioned off tothe side in the accessibility
(13:01):
section and don't get picked.
Huh?
How will my wand find me here?
It comes down to the day beforewe fly home.
This is my last shot at a WandFitting, so I decide it's time
to work a little extra Magic.
I put on my lucky red pants, anew gray quidditch shirt with a
(13:26):
red number seven on the front,(that's Harry's number).
I even leave my hair a littleunkempt like Harry's too.
I smile at myself in the mirrorFor what I hope is the last time
I roll into Olivander's and amparked up where I have been
before.
About seven minutes later, Islowly roll out empty handed.
(13:52):
Doubt creeps into the edges ofmy mind, will I really fly home
without my prize?
Now I could take the easy routeand buy a wand from the other
part of the shop, but it isn'tjust the wand I seek though.
I want to be part of the show.
I want my wand to choose me damnit! So I decide to give it one
(14:16):
final shot.
You see, I'm not a woman whogives up easily.
As my group is let into theshop, a Wizard guides me towards
my usual parking spot.
This time I say,"Hey, can't I bewith everyone else?
I want a shot at this." After ashort pause, he shrugs and says,
(14:39):
"Sure, why not?" It's during myrequest that the Wand Keeper
enters.
As he glides down the stairs.
His eyes lock on mine.
I wondered when I would beseeing you." I tilt my head and
grin in reply.
I feel the tingle of Magic in mybelly and on the back of my neck
(15:02):
as I move forward to be chosenby the perfect wand for me.
Speaking up for myself shifts mefrom watching this iconic scene
from the sidelines to earning mywand center stage as I had
dreamed.
According to Albus Dumbledore,“Words are, in my not-so-humble
(15:24):
opinion, our most inexhaustiblesource of magic." I couldn't
agree more.
Thanks.
Brittany (15:40):
Welcome back, I'm here with Jessica.
Thanks for sharing your storywith us today.
Can you tell us when you wrotethis piece and what motivated
you to write it?
Jessica (15:50):
Why did this story come to mind?
Well, what jumped out to meabout this particular story was,
um, it was all about setting agoal, preparing for it, and
achieving that goal.
But the most magical part ofthat was that speaking up for
myself was what got me to thatgoal.
(16:14):
Yeah.
Well, I think the thing, thething that really opened the
door I worked hard at it, butthe key to opening that door was
was actually speaking up thefinal time I went after that
wand.
I noticed a pattern and I spokeup to change it, and it was, and
(16:36):
the, and again, that speaking upwas the key, in my mind, and it
was cool to just see it happenin real time.
As soon as I asked, I got whatI, I got what I had worked for.
We think about using thoseskills in more serious
situations, but here was just afun situation where I saw the
(16:56):
need to speak up.
I did, and it, and it worked.
Almost immediately,(clicks:)yeah.
It worked like a charm.
'Coz words have a lot of power.
Yeah.
At least that's what I wasthinking about.
Brittany (17:10):
No, Jessica, that was so true, words do have, they do
have power.
Jessica (17:16):
Mm-hmm.
Brittany (17:16):
I just wanted, just real quick to just take a time
out to get your experience ofthe Wand Keeper?
and tell us what is the purposeof the Wand Keeper?
Jessica (17:26):
Well, the Wand Keeper is the wizard who selects
someone from the audience, um,to, well, to receive their wand
and then guides them through theprocess of the wand fitting.
They also take the time toexplain how Ollivanders has been
(17:47):
providing, um, fine wands towitches and wizards for
centuries.
How the, how the wands havecores of things such as dragon
heartstring unicorn hair, orphoenix tail feather.
But they also make, but theyalso make the point that the,
(18:10):
the wand chooses the wizard,although they don't quite
understand how or why.
Um, but you'll never get thebest result using a wand that
belongs to another witch orwizard.
Brittany (18:25):
Okay.
So that's, that's veryinteresting.
So you were saying somethingabout a wand choosing a person.
So in, in your story, youmentioned about the lady that
had a wand choose her.
How does a wand choose a person?
Jessica (18:40):
Well, during a fitting, the Wand Keeper will, hand you a
wand and if the wand isn't agood fit, they'll ask you to
accomplish a task and maybe giveyou a spell with which to do it.
Like they'll ask you to maybewater some flowers on a, on a
(19:01):
shelf in the room.
But when you try and water thoseflowers, they wilt.
Or let's say they ask you justto light up the tip of the wand,
but when you try to do so, youmight cause a thunderstorm.
And then usually when thingslike that happen, you quickly
hand those wands back to theWand Keeper while they're using
(19:24):
a counter spell to stop whateverit is you started.
Just put things right.
Brittany (19:29):
I'm very interested in, you know, learning more
about, the music after, afterthe wand chooses it's person.
But what was the music thatindicates to you that there's a
misfire?
I just wanna know, like, isthere a big difference?
Jessica (19:48):
There isn't any music until there is, until you find
that right wand.
It's the music that basically,it tells you that something is
about to happen.
I it, that music gave megoosebumps when it's, when it
starts, when it started totwinkle, not just when I was
watching, but even more so whenI finally got the wand.
(20:12):
And then when you take hold ofthe, uh, the one wand that fits
right, you get that swell ofstrings and choir.
As well as a gust of wind andthe space around you lights up.
Again, this is just like in themovies because Universal Studios
is a place that likes to put youright at the center of scenes
(20:35):
that you know and love.
Brittany (20:38):
That's very awesome.
So you're saying that it wasjust very realistic?
Because at first I was thinkingit was like something like from
a game show that stated whereyou could hear that it may have
not been the right one for aperson.
Like wa-wa-waa!
Jessica (20:55):
They didn't use music then.
I'm sure they used other effectsto show, again, the misfires,
but they never used....
I mean, you never heard thatkind of music in the movie.
The music came in really when,when a wand with a right fit was
(21:17):
found.
I mean, it gives you a veryspecial feeling to be possibly
in the shoes of, of charactersyou love.
For even a moment.
Yeah, the music pretty muchrepresents the coming of magic.
Brittany (21:34):
Thank you.
I, I love your response.
So let's take a step back, ummm-hmm and you spoke of, in
your, in your story, you speakof, uh, the lucky red pants.
Jessica (21:49):
I was dressing for what I want.
I mean, I had, I had these redsweatpants on with the Quidditch
shirt, the slightly unkept hair,and even the fact that I wore
glasses, I was hoping for a veryHarry-esque look.
To catch, to perhaps catch theWand Keeper's attention.
(22:11):
So they didn't feel very, uh,there hadn't been particularly
lucky at that time, but Icertainly felt lucky when I got,
when I got picked.
Brittany (22:24):
Mm-hmm.
Jessica (22:25):
And, and I also feel lucky, um, to be doing this
right now, because I'm doingthis with you and I'm actually
wearing the same outfit that Iwore that day.
I mean, you can't see it oncamera, but this is the shirt
that I described.
Yeah.
Which is...
(22:45):
kind of...
Well, I just thought that itwould, the, I just thought that
it would, um, that it would helpme in the, in this quest.
Again, cuz you're trying to get,you're trying to get that, to
get that attention, to findsomething that'll give you that
edge over the competition, so tospeak.
Brittany (23:06):
And Jessica, you, you really did catch the Wand
Keeper's eyes, he's beenwatching you, even in the other
part where you weren't gettingpicked until you asked to move
to the other side.
He's been watching you.
Did you get your wand and do youstill have it?
Jessica (23:25):
Well, of course, this show is very much to get, to
where you can pay for that wand.
But as I said before, I had beensaving up for it, so I was ready
for this.
And as far as that wand, I don'thave it here with me right now,
but I still have that wand.
Brittany (23:45):
Cuz you mentioned about how much time you spent to
prepare yourself mentally,physically going and not giving
up, no matter how many times youwent through different groups.
Jessica (24:03):
Mm-hmm.
Brittany (24:04):
...of um, of pickings.
Jessica (24:07):
Yeah.
Brittany (24:07):
You still was determined to keep going and
keep going until you got whatyou wanted.
So, what did you take away fromthis experience?
Jessica (24:17):
Well, what did I take away from this adventure?
Well, I know that speaking upfor oneself isn't always easy
and not as easy as I made itsound here.
Um, but it is a necessary skillfor a disabled person like me.
That can be necessary both atwork and at play.
(24:41):
And it's true that planning andpersistence aided in my wand
quest, but it was the magic ofspeaking up for myself that
unlocked the full experiencethat I was looking for.
I mean, as we said, no soonerdid I ask to stay with the rest
(25:04):
of the group, then did that WandKeeper lock his eyes on mine.
I mean, it was a, the wandfitting was as magical as I
dreamed and hoped it would be,but it was made all the sweeter
that, that the power of just alittle bit of self-advocacy got
(25:24):
me to my goal.
Brittany (25:26):
I really appreciate that, Jessica, for you just
speaking up for yourself.
Jessica (25:32):
Mm-hmm.
Brittany (25:33):
And who would've known if you would've ever gotten that
wand if you stayed in the samearea that you were in, if you
stayed in the same mindset?
You could have given up thefirst two times but, you just
keep going up there, because youalready had that expectation
(25:56):
before you came onto the tripthat you were going to find that
wand.
When you have obstacles in yourway, don't let people drag you
down or don't let that obstacledrag you down.
Jessica (26:09):
Yeah, I was going to, I was just going to do the best I
could to, to reach that goal.
And I guess the good thing aboutseeing the show a few times was
I was able to get into it a bitmore once, once I actually, once
I actually got the chance toparticipate too so it was fun.
Brittany (26:30):
Well, I'm very happy, Jessica, that you had fun.
It sounds like a good experiencethat you had from the beginning
to the end, even though it couldhave been, you know, stressful
at times or frustrating attimes.
But it seemed like you reallyhad a great outlook and you had
fun.
Jessica (26:51):
Yeah, It was fun and I'm proud of myself for
succeeding in my goal.
Brittany (26:58):
That's, that's really great to hear Jessica I just
wanna tell you that I've reallyenjoyed speaking with you today.
I enjoyed your story on thepower of speaking up.
Jessica (27:09):
You too.
Brittany (27:11):
If our listeners, um, relate to your story and wanna
connect, what are some ways forthem to reach out to you?
Jessica (27:20):
I'm on Facebook as "Jessica Giselle", and my
Instagram is, uh, Kimotion 159Well, the Instagram isn't as
related to this particularstory.
The Facebook is my personalpage, but one thing that a lot
of people have taken to enjoyingabout the Facebook page, I do
(27:45):
cooking adventures where I trydifferent recipes that I come
across and people seem to reallyenjoy that.
Brittany (27:51):
And so you all heard it here, um, on Facebook.
Uh, Jessica Giselle, you can gofind her personal page, and also
I've heard that she has some,she puts on her Facebook page
any projects that she has comingup.
And Jessica, even though you maybe a little bit nervous, feel
(28:16):
that you're not coming across,uh, clearly...
But definitely today you did a,a great job.
And so I just wanna just tellyou again, um, Jessica, thanks
for, for coming on to the showand we appreciate you so much
and we, we hope that you have,uh, many more new adventures to
(28:38):
come.
Jessica (28:38):
Yeah.
Well, it was, it's always apleasure working with you.
Bye.
Brittany (28:44):
This story was hosted by me Brittany Sessum, and
produced by Jennifer McKinney.
Editing and mixing by MsBoye.
The production team alsoincludes Kamand Alaghehband and
Kaye Love.
Special thanks to ourstoryteller Jessica Guerrero
Please stay tuned.
Kamand Alaghehband (29:13):
Hi, I'm Kamand Alaghehband and I'm
excited to speak withstoryteller, Nissi Demboski
today.
She's a very unique artist witha phenomenal personality and a
smile that melts your heart.
She's an artist, an adventurerwho seeks her live her life
(29:34):
fully.
Nissi's a wife, a sister, awriter and an athlete who likes
horseback riding, wakeboarding,and so much more.
So welcome, Nissi, before youshare your story, how would you
like to introduce yourself toour listeners?
Nissi (29:55):
Hello.
My name is Nissi Demboski I am30 years old and I was diagnosed
with Cerebral Palsy when I wasjust one years old.
I come from a very lovingColombian family.
I have two sisters, one brother,and an amazing husband.
Both of my parents areincredible people who taught
(30:16):
their children the value of hardwork and respecting others.
I've had the pleasure ofadvocating for the disabled,
being a dog trainer and amotivational speaker.
I've also been a writer, afull-time student, and just a
little bit of a adrenalinejunkie.
(30:37):
My passion is for people, notjust people but loving people.
For now I'm enjoying the beautyand reality of marital bliss.
My husband, Christopher and Ihave recently moved to Seguin
Texas, where we live with ourlittle mini miniature schnauzer
(30:57):
Gatsby.
I'm excited about what thefuture holds for us.
More to the point, I can't waitto share our great adventures
with the world.
Kamand Alaghehband (31:08):
It sounds like you enjoy the full fun
life.
What a gift.
I see so many people haveeverything in life that they
could desire, but they don'tknow how to enjoy it.
You call yourself an adventurejunkie.
What do you mean by that?
Nissi (31:27):
I mean, I love to do stuff like climb mountains, go
water skiing and snow skiing,ride four wheelers and go-karts.
I've ridden motorcycles and Ilove horseback riding.
I've done obstacle courses.
I want to swim with sharks andgo skydiving, maybe even make it
(31:53):
to Base Camp on Mount Everest.
At my childhood church there arelong, steep stairs and for as
long as I can remember, one ofmy best friends who doesn't
believe in the ramps, loves togently push me down the steps at
(32:13):
the church.
People would get so scared andbe like,"Nissi why aren't you
scared?" One, I trusted my bestfriend and liked living life on
the edge.
Kamand Alaghehband (32:27):
Wow, Nissi, you are by far the most
adventurous person I've evermet.
Your life would make a great TVshow.
I'm sure people would love it.
I know I would be your biggestfan! If you have ever wondered
how to show affection and shareyour passion with others, listen
(32:50):
to Nissi's story,"FirstImpressions".
Nissi (33:04):
This is"First Impressions" by Nissi Demboski.
There are several responses whenpeople first meet me.
The first is an immediate smile.
The second is a sort of frown,but then a smile.
And the third is pure shock.
People smile at me when theyfirst meet me because I am
(33:26):
usually smiling at them.
I've been told many times I havea welcoming presence about
myself.
People say I draw them in withmy smile.
Those people who start out witha frown are usually trying to
figure out what's wrong with me.
Sometimes people don't see mychair, so they are taken aback
(33:46):
when they see that I need helpto eat or drink.
They seem a little confusedbecause I look normal, but then
they see someone helping me andthey realize that I have a
Disability and still okay, andthat brings the smile.
The people who show total shock,see how comfortable I am with
(34:11):
myself and they don't know howto respond.
My abrupt, outgoing, loud, andsometimes a bit overwhelming
comments can be alarming topeople.
My humor helps people come toterms with the fact that I'm
happy just like I am.
(34:32):
My mom has a wild sense ofhumor.
She's way out there.
She is constantly making fun ofherself, making us laugh at
ourselves, and we all just kindof picked up on it.
I am always laughing, I like tomake people feel comfortable
(34:53):
with me.
Instead of waiting for them toask about my Disability, I'm
getting there for them.
I spend every Tuesday morning ata coffee shop in Bulverde where
I live.
I started out just meeting afriend there every couple of
weeks.
Now it's a place where the staffall knows me and helps me.
(35:19):
They take their breaks to helpfeed me.
They give me a discount forfood.
I even have my own button on theregister now.
It's so great.
Every week I have a wholemorning meeting new people.
I have been taught to not lookat my Disability as a
disadvantage, but as a blessing.
(35:41):
Because I'm in a wheelchair, I'mable to reach people that are
intimidated or scared, and I amable to make them feel
comfortable with themselves andeven with me.
Thank you
Kamand Alaghehband (36:06):
Thanks for sharing your story with us
today.
I can relate to a lot of thingsyou have done in life.
My parents are also quite theadventures.
They tell me to do a lot ofthings that I wouldn't have done
by myself.
I've been wakeboarding andhorseback riding, just like you.
(36:26):
What advice do you have for ouraudience who want to live their
lives like you feeling fulfilledand happy?
Nissi (36:34):
I think, I would say by no means my life's perfect.
I guess I choose to make thebest of my lifestyle and
situation.
My faith is a huge help.
I can't tell you how many timesI have felt so alone defeated
and like, there was no way out.
Still because of my relationshipwith Jesus, I can lean on him
(36:58):
and realize that I can't changecertain aspects of my disability
or my circumstances.
I choose to see the good.
It's a choice.
You can choose to get up in themorning and put a smile on your
face, or you can choose to stayin bed and to be defeated.
The choice is always yours.
Kamand Alaghehband (37:21):
I totally agree Nissi, but your choice is
not always easy and it takes aspecial person and lots of
courage to get up and put asmile on your face when you feel
down.
You inspire me with yourpersonality and the choices you
make in your life.
(37:41):
You've also written a book.
So what's it about.
Tell our audience about it andwhat motivates you to write it?
Nissi (37:51):
Oh, yes.
It's called"A Paradox ofVictory." I would say it's more
of a autobiography slash memoir.
It's not a, it's not inchronological order.
There's a chapter on each memberof my family, except for my
husband, we didn't know eachother at the time.
(38:12):
I talk about my smile.
I talk about the struggle I hadevery day with body pain.
I talk about my faith.
It touches a lot of differentthings.
I think one of my favoritechapters, was the one I did
about my old service dog Trixie.
Our bond was so real andtangible, and I felt her loss
(38:35):
very strongly.
Another chapter I love is thefirst chapter, in my book which
is called"Behind the smile,Beyond the Chair." If you
message me on my social mediaplatforms or email me through my
website, I will happily get youa book, signed by me.
Kamand Alaghehband (38:55):
Amazing.
I can't wait to read it.
Actually, one of the biggestreasons I'm involved with this
podcast is to bring peace fortoday and create a vision for
tomorrow.
I believe being happy andgrateful with what we have can
(39:15):
turn everything in life intojoy.
Love yourself.
Be confident in your looks,express your talents and let
yourself shine to the world.
Great chatting with you, Nissi.
I'm so glad you are willing toshare your story and wisdom with
us.
Nissi (39:35):
Thank you so much for having me on this show Kamand.
It's been a great opportunityand love chatting with you.
Thank you so much.
Kamand Alaghehband (39:44):
If you would like to know more about Nissi,
you can reach her, at Facebook,Instagram, Twitter, and on
TikTok, Nissi Demboski and visither website at Nissisalazar.com.
Nissi (40:00):
Thank you so much ladies.
You guys were incredible.
Kamand Alaghehband (40:06):
Thanks for listening to this episode.
"First Impressions" was hostedby me, produced by Brittany
Sessum, and edited by Msboye.
Special thanks to our guest,Nissi Debosky and I'm Kamand
Alaghehband and you've beenlistening to True Tales by
Disability Advocates podcast.
MsBoye (40:30):
We hope you have enjoyed entering the worlds of our
storytellers and that maybe yougained some insight for
yourself.
If you heard your personal storyreflected in their stories or
were touched by the content ofthis episode, we'd love to hear
from you.
You can share your stories andcomments on our True Tales
Podcast Facebook page.
(40:51):
The link will be in the shownotes.
If you'd like to hear morestories like this, the whole of
season one is available at ArtSpark Texas dot org, A R T S P A
R K T X dot O R G.
True Tales podcast or on yourfavorite podcast platform, we're
(41:12):
on'em all.
Look out for updates aboutseason two and bonus episodes by
following Art Spark Texas onFacebook, Instagram, TikTok,and
John Beer (41:27):
All episodes of the True Tales by Disability
Advocates are free on Applepodcasts, Spotify, and anywhere
you get your podcasts.
The program is funded in part bya grant from the Texas State
Independent Living Council, theAdministration for Community
Living and individuals like you.
To learn about The SpeakingAdvocates Program, sign up for
(41:50):
our newsletter at Art SparkTx.org, that's A R T S P A R K T
X dot O R G.
The free virtual training isopen to people of all
disabilities, no matter whereyou live.
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