EKO Scholar Thalia Avgousti
“Don’t let your disability limit you and you will do amazing things in life.” Thalia
Accomplished athlete, motivational speaker and natural leader, Thala Avgousti is all about inspiring young people with disabilities to believe in themselves to reach their full potential.
Thalia says being raised with a foundation of courage and self-acceptance helped her get out of her comfort zone, accept failure, grow, and reach her full potential. From age three, she competed in individual and team sports, swimming competitively at the Provincial level at OFSSAA, playing basketball, soccer, hockey, baseball, and participating in cross-country and track events. A skillful skier and snowboarder, she was selected for the leadership team of the Track 3 ski program to teach incoming participants, and also found time for horseback riding, children’s theatre, gymnastics and ballet. Ever-focused on her goals, she will be pursuing her fitness designation.
Thalia’s long list of achievements and awards stretches back to early elementary school, ranging from academics to athletics to character awards to community leadership. Of special note, she won a “Yes I Can Award” which recognizes the accomplishments of exceptional students for making a lasting impact on their school communities. A devoted volunteer in her school, extra-curricular activities and beyond, she was a highly regarded Best Buddy Ambassador and graduated to a Best Buddy Leader. She also completed the Peer Mentor Group Training at Holland Bloorview and looks forward to working with kids with disabilities and serving as a role model.
With this impressive resume, it is her presentation to elementary and high school students that she is most proud of. Entitled with words she lives by, Thalia’s “My Ability is Stronger than my Disability” motivational speech shared her journey and focus on what she can do, not what she can’t do. She hopes to inspire students with disabilities to believe in themselves and not let their disability limit them, but also raise awareness and encourage compassion and inclusivity to make schools and the community a better place for everyone.
Thalia has completed her first year at Mohawk College with plans to pursue a career in recreational therapy.
Read about EKO Scholar Evan McDonald