Despite having a number of obstacles to overcome, Amanda Vallo has continued to push forward in her education and succeed in inspiring others.

Vallo, a graduate student in counseling psychology, was hit by a car on her way home when she was a sophomore in high school.

“I broke my neck, suffered a spinal chord injury and could not move from neck down,” Vallo said.

Before the accident, Vallo was a very active basketball player and played other sports such as volleyball, bowling and swimming. She was preparing for a basketball championship for the next day when the accident occurred.

“I received a lot of support from my family, friends and medical professionals,” Vallo said. “They helped me stay focused on getting better.”

To Vallo, her future was bleak at the time, as many people in the same condition often end up in a wheelchair. However, her resilience enabled her to continue leading an active life.

“She is an athlete in a true essence through challenging herself all the time,” said Vallo’s mother, Sue Starr. “She always maintains a positive attitude without knowing how far she will go.”

Many people marvel at the progress of her physical condition because today she works out at a gymnasium five to six times a week.

Nick Osborne, the owner and a trainer at Built Solid Strength and Fitness gymnasium, said Vallo possesses a good attitude.

“There are three or four people with some physical disability training with us, and she is one of the most active,” Osborne said. “She is willing to try new things even though she might not be able to do it.”

Most importantly, the 27-year-old is making the best out of her experience to help others who are going through the same trauma she went through.

“I can make a connection with them without saying anything and intuitively know when to ask questions,” Vallo said. “I can be realistic, encouraging and not give them false hopes.”

Vallo’s zest in the field of psychology stems from her contentment of being able to reach out to others. Her enthusiasm is reinforced by impressions the medical professionals left her while she was in the hospital.

Although she is making huge leaps in her physical condition, the accident still left her with some physical defects. Vallo has difficulty in balancing, coordinating her body and walking.

“It is physically demanding to get into graduate school because it takes a little bit of extra effort, and I would not be able to give as much time as what traditional students do,” Vallo said.

Aside from being a research associate at the hospital, she is a teaching assistant for psychology classes.

Kartika Sari Prajitna, a junior in international business and a former student of Vallo’s, said Vallo is a responsible and conscientious instructor.

“Although it is tedious for her to conduct lessons, she is dedicated in explaining whatever questions we had,” Prajitna said.

Vallo’s desire to obtain a doctorate degree is spurred by the fervor she has for her career goals and her will to fulfill her grandfather’s hope of becoming his first grandchild to obtain an advanced degree.

“I want my grandfather to be part of my dream,” Vallo said.

Starr is pleased of her daughter’s achievement.

“Amanda is very much her own person, in a compassionate and caring way,” Starr said. “I am so proud of what she has accomplished and would not fear for her success in anything.”

Vallo’s goal is to obtain her degree at the end of next year and to become certified as a personal trainer for a hospital.