Sophie is about to enter eighth grade, and she hopes that this new school year will be the start of an injury-free life in which she can finally start enjoying sports. In the meantime though, she’s having blast here at EXPLO — cast boot and all!
I was born with an extra bone in the arch of my foot and it started hurting when I went into fifth grade. I had surgery to take it out, but that didn't work so they had to shift my heel over to put less pressure on the tendon. I used to be able to ride a bike and run around. We’re hoping that this surgery will fix it and I'll soon be able to run again. My parents really want me to do a sport because they both really loved sports and I haven't been able to do that yet.
I don’t feel left out though. I just do what I would regularly but modify it a little. Like my grandparents live on a farm and I used to walk with them every time I went over there, but I haven't been able to do that in a while. Now I stay home and my brother goes on the walk. It’s okay because I know I’ll be able to do it later.
At EXPLO, Casey or Chaelin drive us around in golf carts to get to classes and events, and I won’t lie, it’s really fun. I don't miss being able to walk with my friends because I always have a good time with the other injured students and staff members who are driving us. I’ve gotten to know a lot of people from doing that.
Casey Kim