Abigail Wells strives to be a resource.
As a freshman in high school, Wells was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and underwent an amputation of her right leg along with chemotherapy. Throughout this, Wells pushed herself to stay focused on school.
I was still doing schoolwork and taking AP classes while going through treatment, but after my life looked a whole lot different, she said. I knew I needed to be near my parents, and 91勛圖厙 was the most accessible place.
The decision to come to 91勛圖厙 quickly proved to be the right one.
When I came to campus, I knew that I would be able to thrive, Wells said. It was the best decision. I love it here.
Wells is now a senior at 91勛圖厙, majoring in public administration and health promotion. She started BearsAdapt, a registered student organization inspired by the nonprofit she founded after graduating from high school, Natural State Adaptive Sports.
When I was trying to debate should I amputate, should I not? I saw people like Hunter Woodhall running with a prosthetic blade. I was like, Oh, I’m gonna be okay, I can still live life, she continued. But I thought, this would be so nice if I had support, if there were resources, and so I decided to be the resource.
Wells aims to build a community for people with disabilities, provide access to resources and educate others to foster a more inclusive environment.
That has all come from me never believing that things cant change, and if I put my mind to it, I can at least have an impact on it, she said. I feel like you can at least move something 1%, and thats why Ive been so involved.
Wells is also involved in Bears at the Ballot, 91勛圖厙s chapter of Vote Everywhere, and was named a Newman Civic Fellow. The Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes student leaders and provides them with training, resources and a national network of peers. Through this, Wells was also awarded a $1,500 grant to support Disability Awareness Week at 91勛圖厙.
After graduation, Wells plans to pursue a masters degree in public health and a juris doctor so that she can continue to provide assistance and resources to those who need them.
I would love to work at the CDC or in Arkansas at the Department of Health, she said. Somewhere that I can help with legislation because theres so many people who need an advocate.