At Hope Services, we believe in the potential of every individual to achieve greatness. Chi, a young woman with cerebral palsy and a participant in our Tailored Day Services (TDS) program, embodies this belief through her inspiring journey from Vietnam to the United States, overcoming adversity to become a professional graphic designer.

Chi’s story begins in Vietnam, where she was born into a low-income household. As a healthy baby girl, her future seemed bright until an unusually high fever one night led to a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy. This condition significantly impacted her ability to move, maintain balance, and posture, necessitating her reliance on others for support.

In Vietnam, individuals with disabilities often faced severe restrictions, including being barred from attending school. “People who suffered from deafness, cerebral palsy, or other physical and developmental disabilities were not educated to be self-sufficient, productive, and contributing members of their communities,” Chi shared.

Despite these challenges, Chi’s determination and resilience shone through. After immigrating to the United States, she embraced new possibilities. “Immigrating to America brought me independence and self-motivation. Coming to this country, I was given opportunities to find myself,” she said.

Central to Chi’s success has been the support of Hope Services and her dedicated life coach, Shelley Van Zerr-Terry. Shelley meets with Chi twice per week, addressing both her personal and professional goals. Through this consistent support, Chi has made remarkable progress. “She is very determined and very driven,” Shelley remarked. “She’ll ask me for advice as her Life Coach, and I remind her of things to consider when she’s making big life-changing decisions.”

Using a touchscreen device operated by her feet to communicate, Chi pursued her love for design and brand marketing, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design in May of 2024. Reflecting on her educational journey, Chi said, “I taught myself that the only limits you have are the ones you place on yourself.”

Now that Chi is no longer in school, Shelley’s support has shifted from the classroom to general life activities. Together, they cook meals at Chi’s apartment and spend time in the community. Shelley assists Chi with making phone calls, responding to emails, preparing for interviews, and even acts as her personal assistant when needed. Shelley even helped Chi arrange a memorable trip to New York City and Canada for her parents last year. This comprehensive support has been invaluable in helping Chi navigate her daily life and pursue her ambitions.

While Chi’s disability affects her verbal articulation, she has not allowed this to hinder her academic success. Her ability to work with her support team and commit to her goals has been key to her success.

“Sometimes I only sleep 6 hours as I wake up early to catch the bus… but I’ve maintained high academic achievement by managing my time well and being persistent. If I truly want something, I go after it and get it done. Sometimes being tired isn’t an option,” Chi explained.

Chi’s ambitions go beyond obtaining her Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (which she plans to pursue next). “My personal goals include going back to Vietnam to educate individuals in the Government about diversity, having a family of my own, and somehow paying back to this country; it has given me so much,” she expressed.

At Hope Services, we are incredibly proud of Chi’s achievements and her unwavering determination. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and a resilient spirit, anyone can overcome barriers and achieve their dreams.

Chi is a highly talented individual, whose work you can check out online at www.chidesignz.com. If you’re looking for a fantastic graphic designer, don’t hesitate to reach out through the contact page on her website. Chi is actively seeking employment and would love to hear from you!

Learn more about Hope Services here.