At the age of seven, Helen Teioli lost her left leg in a tragic car crash in Honiara that left her in a very difficult situation.
With her left leg gone, she was introduced to prosthesis (false) leg as a replacement.
“Trying to get myself to use prosthesis leg was very difficult,” Helen recalled.
“I was shy and ashamed to use my new leg,” she said.
“Everywhere I go, people would stare at me and make comments.
“It was uncomfortable and disheartening to be in such situation.
“It actually took me 11 years to break that bond of shyness and finally accept who I am,” the now 28-year-old said.
After going through a tough time, Helen holds a bachelor of commerce, majoring in Management/Public Amin and Sociology at the University of the South Pacific, was able to move on with life and today she’s now got a dream job with World Fish office in Auki as a research analyst.
As a young man growing up, she said she always wanted to involve in research work.
“I’m proud to achieve exactly my dream in life,” she said.
As a research, Helen is always on the move, visiting communities, talking to people, as well as frequent travel to overseas
At times, her family got worried Helen may have been pushed too far beyond her limits and worn her leg out but she is not a quitter, especially when she is doing what she loves.
“I like being a researcher and I love doing my job wherever it takes me, it’s like my passion, I like to take up challenges and prove myself to the world that I can do something despite my disability.”
There are however, times Helen found it very difficult to cope with her prosthesis leg.
“When I travelled down to Western Province for the first time, someone has to carry me out of the boat and on to the shore, because I had to keep my prosthesis leg dry or it will worn out quickly,” she said.
“But now, I’m used to it and my peers and work colleagues are well aware of my situation everywhere, and whenever we travel,” she said.
After all those travelling, Helen’s prosthesis leg is deteriorating fast and needs maintenance.
Every seven years, she has to travel to Australia to change her prosthesis.
Looking back at her life, Helen encouraged young people with disabilities to continue to strive to achieve their dreams.
“To people with disabilities: Your disability is not your inability.
“To young women: Remember behind every great man is a woman. You have the potential to do anything just like any other man, never look down on yourself. And to the young people of the nation: Believe in yourself and be self-motivated, dream big and aim high.”
Helen acknowledged her family, friends and work colleagues for their support.
She said her favourite bible verse, which is also her pillar of strength, is Philippines 4:13 (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me).
Helen said she plans to go for further studies and get a Master’s degree to show the world that disability should not hinder anyone from achieving their dreams.
REGINA LEPPING