Woman Overcomes Physical Challenges To Earn Suffolk University Law Degree
BOSTON (CBS) – Emily Gillis knows how to persevere through adversity.
Gillis was born with a form of cerebral palsy called spastic quadriplegia which effects all of her limbs and forces her to get around in motorized wheelchair.
"It makes it also difficult to open doors and function in everyday life," Gillis said.
Now the 29-year-old is about to receive her degree from Suffolk University Law School.
"Put on your big girl pants and do it or you give up. And I don't give up," Gillis said her motto is.
Gillis says she didn't do this on her own. She thanks her dad who moved to Boston from Maryland and has dedicated the last three years of his life to taking his daughter to and from class every day.
"It's been a challenge. But when you have children you do whatever you can for them," Joseph Gillis said.
Emily said her dad's dedication is inspiring.
"I don't think I can put into words. It's just beyond that," said Emily Gillis, who will receive her degree on Saturday.
During her three years, Gillis never let her disability stop her from achieving her goal.
"Finally I'm done. I'm done," added Emily with a smile.
Gillis said her goal is to go back to Maryland and practice criminal law.