Get inspired with Lina Nguyen, Ms. Wheelchair Utah 2020
TRAILS longtime volunteer Emily Hansen interviews Lina Nguyen, who was recently crowned Ms. Wheelchair Utah 2020.
Q: These past weeks have changed the lives of people around the globe. What changes have been the hardest for you in your day-to-day life?
Honestly, I am an extravert person. I like being out and about talking to people. Being isolated in my house and not being able to do the normal things like school and work is hard. Even though I am texting and talking on the phone, I like face-to-face. I feel like I am not helping people as much as I used to doing and it is hard to be as productive as I normally am.
People with disabilities are having a hard time. People are hoarding all the resources with that people and disabilities need. And when they can’t have those things, it is harder on them. People are fearful of that. I saw a lady, she had hoarded all the toilet paper and was selling it online for a lot more money. People are way overreacting. The fear is most damaging, more than the virus.
Q: As newly crowned Ms. Wheelchair Utah 2020, part of your platform is spreading awareness about support groups for people with disabilities. In what ways might people with disabilities, or really anyone, benefit from a support group right now as we face COVID-19?
I think the greatest benefit with support groups is sharing resources. Being by yourself and isolated, you aren’t aware what is out there. For example, being a part of Ladies in Motion, we share information about the different programs available. I am also a part of the Disabilities Rights Committee. Right now, we are asking people what essential things they need at this time. Then, we are using Facebook to get the word out and ask others to help donate the items needed.
Q: Was there a time in your life, maybe at the beginning of your injury, where you didn’t feel supported?
Definitely. The first few years right after my accident. My family and hospital staff were there, but I didn’t see a lot of people in my situation. I didn’t know many people with disabilities in the community. I just felt alone. That is why I feel so passionate about support groups, like Ladies in Motion, that helps people see that we can have a normal life and go and do those things that we want to do in our lives.
Q: And how has being a member of a support group or groups helped you become who you are today?
When I joined Ladies in Motion, back four-five years ago, I was able to go out more and have the support of others that knew what I was going through. It really benefitted me and made me feel like I wanted to spread awareness that your life isn’t completely over after a spinal cord injury.
Social media has benefitted me as well when people share their story. Being around others with disabilities has really elevated that passion for me.
I’m really thankful for what TRAILS does, and I love being a part of it. I was the first person to try the Tetraski, and it was really exciting. And it is great to be active. It has really motivated my life even more. I have done most of the sports that TRAILS offers: shooting, cycling, sailing, and skiing. I had actually planned to participate over my spring break, but it was cancelled because of COVID-19.
Q: I was with you that first year after your injury. I helped you sign up for your first Ms. Wheelchair Utah. What made you want to do this again, nearly 10 years later?
Being in that environment 10 years ago, as Ms. Wheelchair Hotwheels, taught me that I could use my platform to educate. I was going through a lot at that time: pneumonia and a drug overdose. I knew in my mind that once I got better, I would do the adult category. Back in 2017, I wanted to do participate again, but sadly learned the Utah program was dissolved. So this year, I applied to be an independent delegate. I am excited to use the injury in a positive way and show people that there are better ways to live life with a disability. I am grateful to reach out to others on this platform and educate others.
Q: This pandemic has been a huge upset to your campaign since I know you were planning on spreading awareness through speaking to various groups across the state. I hope there is still plenty of time to that in the many months ahead. But right now, what ways have you found that you can still spread awareness despite the social distancing restrictions?
I’ve been thinking about this a lot. I can still spread awareness through my Instagram blog, and I still make an effort to share the different trials that I go through openly, hoping it helps others relate. I am thinking of doing videos as well that can educate others on the support groups available. I love style and have thought about making videos about my sense of style.
In addition, my goal is to start a mentor group for people that have just become injured or with a disability. When I first got injured, I didn’t have a mentor or a support group. That is why I am so passionate about this. Highlighting the things that I have overcome and showing people that yes, things have changed, but you can still live your life the way you want.
Q: If others want to get involved in a support group, how would you recommend they start?
Honestly, they can start a group with anyone around them. Just gathering together, going out together and doing different activities once a month or weekly. Saying we want to get together whether it is cycling or movies, or whatever you are interested in. Ladies in Motion just started as a hang-out group but has grown into a group that works together to address certain issues that face us in the community.
Q. We would love to follow your journey this next year as Ms. Wheelchair Utah. How do we find you?
Instagram
rollingwithlina
mswheelchairutah
Twitter
@rollingwithlina
@mswheelchairut
Facebook
@rollingwithlina
@mswheelchairutah2020
Support Lina
Support Lina’s GoFundMe campaign as she’s raising funds to travel throughout the state to visit hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and schools.