That moment when I photobombed Jen Wahl on live TV
In this moment, Jen Wahl was doing her live shot when I accidentally peered my head out from behind my computer screen.
My desk in the newsroom is at our Hot Spot, near our assignment desk, a.k.a. the "Live Alert Center."
Sometimes our reporters will do a live shot from our newsroom during a broadcast.
And as you can imagine, the shot provides a perfect opportunity to photobomb.
In this moment, Jen Wahl was doing her live shot when I accidentally peered my head out from behind my computer screen.
Now my forehead had its 15 seconds of fame.
I'm a Hall of Famer!
Yup. It's true.
Yup. It's true.
This year, I had the pleasure of being inducted into the Mountain Pointe High School Hall of Fame.
I was inducted as a member of the 2016 class that included comedian/writer T.J. Chambers, fighter Clifford Starks and Olympian Will Claye.
When I first heard I was nominated, my first thought was "why me?"
Regardless of my credentials, however illustrious or mediocre, I was humbled and grateful to be inducted. Mountain Pointe and the teachers and classmates I had played a huge part in my recovery.
With all of the stories going around regarding bullying and peer pressure, I hope when people see my plaque in the gym lobby, the see just how important and beneficial a supportive and caring environment can be.
If you didn't attend the ceremony this September, you can watch the festivities online on my YouTube page.
Through My Eyes: Senior English Video
One of the highlights of my time in high school had to be creating my Senior English video project. This gave me the opportunity to turn the short story I wrote in the hospital into a short film.
This September, I'm going to be inducted into the Mountain Pointe High School Hall of Fame. It's an incredible honor and I couldn't be more proud to be a Pride alumni.
It's safe to say that high school was one of the craziest experiences of my life. I truly experienced a gamut of emotions. From missing out on my entire freshman year to an unforgettable night with my prom date, it was an amazing four years.
But one of the highlights, had to be creating my Senior English video project. This gave me the opportunity to turn the short story I wrote in the hospital into a short film.
If you want to see my "masterpiece" here you go:
Steven Spielberg I am not, but it was a fun experience. I gained a whole new perspective and appreciation for filmmakers.
Next step will now be to get my screenplay turned into a movie. I'm thinking Joseph Gordon-Levitt in the lead role.
After Tokyo attack, we must remember, 'all abilities matter'
From France to Florida, these incidents are becoming all too familiar, but this one hit particularly close to home for me.
This week, news broke of a horrific attack near Tokyo where a suspect killed 19 people in an assisted-living facility.
My immediate reaction, like everyone else, was how can these senseless acts continue and how can someone be driven to commit such a violent crime?
From France to Florida, these incidents are becoming all too familiar, but this one hit particularly close to home for me.
Not because of the amount of lives that were lost, but because who these people were.
They were targeted simply because they were people with disabilities.
When I first heard the news that this person specifically sought to do harm to those with disabilities, my heart dropped.
The suspect was 26-year-old Satoshi Uematsu, a former employee of the facility where the attack occurred and it was reported that he wanted to rid the world of people with disabilities.
A truly senseless act.
And just like the other recent atrocities that have occurred in recent weeks, we need to remember those struck by this horrible tragedy.
When an African-American is killed during an altercation with police, there are those who cry out, "Black Lives Matter." When cops are targeted and killed senselessly in an ambush, there are those who cry, "Blue Lives Matter."
But what happens when 19 innocent people with disabilities are tragically killed in an attack just because they're viewed differently or are looked on as undervalued members of society?
You won't find many social media posts showing people standing with those with disabilities or rallies calling for reform to protect those who can't protect themselves, but maybe we should.
Those with disabilities are very much a part of the global community and we continue to fight for inclusion in mainstream society. All to often, those with disabilities are seen as nothing more than a footnote or second-class citizens, and it is that thinking that may have influenced this attack.
While we may never truly know just what drove a man to do such a tragic act, we can move forward and commit to doing more to help those with disabilities and make sure they aren't forgotten.
Because in the end, all abilities matter.
This phone conversation with a Social Security employee will make you cringe
What started out as a cordial conversation, turned into a heated debate.
The other day when I was having lunch with my mom, she told me about a horrible phone conversation she had with an employee working with Social Security.
As a new retiree, my mom was calling the Social Security Administration to see what she needed to do to start her social security payments.
But what started out as a cordial conversation, turned into a heated debate.
At the beginning of the conversation, the employee was asking my mom some demographic information to prepare her application. The process was going normally until he asked her if she had any children with disabilities.
"Yes," she replied.
The employee then asked if her child (me, of course) was employed. He also asked what my income was.
My mom said yes, I was employed and made between $38,000-$45,000. She was unaware of the exact amount.
"Well he's not disabled then," he exclaimed.
As you can imagine, my mom was shocked at that statement.
"What," she said in disbelief. "What do you mean?"
"If he makes that much money, then he's not disabled," he proclaimed.
My mom then fired back and said I'm very much disabled and proceeded to tell the employee that I am a quadriplegic and use an electric wheelchair to get around.
His response to that was even more astounding. Jake from State Farm, he is not.
"So is Stephen Hawking," the employee remarked.
Before a total argument broke out, my mom kept her calm and finished answering his questions without dignifying his remark with a response.
It's interactions like this that highlight the need for a complete overhaul of the benefits system offered to those with disabilities by the U.S. government.
For those unaware, people with disabilities are eligible to receive monthly stipends from the government similar to social security. But one of the many stipulations of this program is that you can't earn more than a certain amount or you will become ineligible for the program.
I, unfortunately, had to learn this the hard way.
When I got my first job, I was receiving the monthly stipend and started earning money from my job.
It didn't take long for Social Security to inform me that I was no longer eligible to receive these payments due to my new income. On top of that, I had to pay back the payments I received while I was working.
Sadly, I'm still paying them back to this day.
This rule infuriates me to no end. In a program that is designed to support people with disabilities, it seems like the disability has no bearing on the program at all.
The only thing that matters is if you're poor. But the last time I checked, my bank account doesn't determine the severity of my disability.
And contrary to that employee's thinking, a large paycheck isn't going to miraculously make my arms move.
If this story infuriates you as much as me, please share this with as many people as you can. It's time that people with disabilities have a stronger voice in society and with enough support, hopefully those in power will finally start to listen.
Why 'Me Before You' is hypocritical to people with disabilities
The film, "Me Before You," is hitting theaters on June 3, and many in the disability community are protesting the movie and its message.
I like to think of myself as a hopeless romantic.
I've been known to daydream every now and then of the famous scene between Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant in "Notting Hill."
But instead of William Thacker standing in front of a girl, asking him to love her, it's me listening to the romantic request.
It's on-screen romances like this that inspire moviegoers and bleeding hearts alike, but there's a new film that is offering the complete opposite message for one audience.
The film, "Me Before You," is hitting theaters on June 3, and many in the disability community are protesting the movie and its message.
Adapted from the book of the same name, "Me Before You" tells the story of Will Traynor, a thrill seeker who becomes a quadriplegic after an accident. After his accident, Traynor then falls in love with his caretaker, Louisa.
And, unfortunately, that's where the romance ends.
Before reading any further here's your SPOILER ALERT warning. I'll be revealing the movie's plot twist below.
While Louisa and Will fall in love, Will ultimately decides to end his own life instead of living and having a relationship with Louisa.
I'll be the first to admit that when the film came out, I was excited to see the movie. Having a romance with a main character as a person with a disability is something you don't see on the big screen too often.
But I recently found out that Will kills himself because he doesn't believe his life in a wheelchair is not worth living. And that completely changed my opinion.
The film uses the hashtag #LiveBoldly in their promotional material and that is even the mantra Will shares with Louisa. But apparently if you're a person with a disability, you're not able to lead a fulfilling life.
As a person with a disability, I am completely disappointed in this film. While this film is touting itself as a romance, for people who use wheelchairs or have any physical disability, it is the total opposite.
The message it's sending is completely hypocritical by saying people should live boldly, but quadriplegics can't lead lives worth living.
Portrayals like this have been all too common on both film and television and that needs to change. We are more than just victims and faceless characters and deserve to have more accurate representation in Hollywood.
Able-bodied people have numerous love stories to hope and dream on, but what about those of us who are disabled and hope to live happily ever after like those we watch in the movies? What message is it sending if the best character we can identify with decides it's better to die than be a burden for someone else?
If you're wondering, I will not be going to see this movie and I urge my friends and all those reading this to do the same. This is not a story that should be supported.
For now, me and other quadriplegics will have to wait for that romantic story that instills hope and love instead of regret and despair.
Until then, I will go back to those Rom Coms that I've seen countless times. And I will continue to hope, continue to dream and continue to live boldly.
Because we only live one life, and it's our duty to live it to the fullest.
10 things to know when meeting someone in a wheelchair
No, we don't want to race your scooter.
As a person with a disability, I have learned to successfully navigate the wonderful world of awkward situations.
Whether I'm out grocery shopping or at the movies with friends, it's not out of the ordinary to be thrusted into uncomfortable experiences. From the painfully piercing stares from toddlers, to inappropriate remarks from strangers, I've seen and heard them all.
Over the past 18 years of using an electric wheelchair, I've bumbled and lumbered my way through experiences and have become an expert in the excruciating.
With this incredible wealth of knowledge, I'm offering these 10 things to consider when you meet someone with a disability:
Don't ask if we know your friend in a wheelchair
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone in a wheelchair knows everyone with a disability. So no, I don't know your friend, Steve, in Atlanta.
We don't want to go for a race
If we wanted to have a race, I'd go to a race track, not a department store.
We don't drive over the speed limit
Our wheelchairs barely go above nine miles per hour, so the speed limit is safe from us.
A fist bump is just as good as a handshake
Many quadriplegics have difficulty moving their fingers and raising their arms, so a fist bump is an accepted alternative to the hand shake or high five.
It's okay to ask to lend a hand
If you come across someone in a wheelchair and it looks like they require assistance, they probably do. Go ahead and ask to lend a hand.
Everyone's disability is different
There are several different types and severities of disabilities, so each person's situation is unique.
It's okay to ask what happened
While I've been asked hundreds of times, it's perfectly fine to ask why I'm in a wheelchair. I figure letting people know about what happened helps them feel more at ease around me.
Your kid doesn't want to go for a ride
On more than one occasion, I've had people with babies playfully say the baby wants a ride on my wheelchair and then put him or her on my lap. Not only does it scare the kid, it's also awkward and extremely uncomfortable for me.
We don't need a gold star for going to the supermarket
If you see someone in a wheelchair out at the grocery store or at a restaurant, you don't need to give us a pat on the back or a thumbs up. We're living our normal lives just like you and buying dinner shouldn't be something you need to cheer about.
You don't need to speak louder
Pro Tip: Being disabled doesn't mean we can't hear or understand you. There's no need to speak to us any louder than anyone else or like we're little toddlers.
By no means are you expected to follow these tips to the letter. They're more guidelines than rules. But if these tips help your next experience with a person with a disability be a little less stressful and awkward, then my goal was accomplished.
Like they always say: the more you know.
The story behind #GabesWheelchairSelfies
If I wanted to join the selfie revolution, I would need to get creative.
It's no secret that selfies are all the rage. But for someone who can't use their arms, executing the perfect selfie can be quite difficult.
So if I wanted to join the selfie revolution, I would need to get creative.
A few years ago, I purchased a strap called the ThiPhone and jerry rigged it so I could put my phone on it. Everyday I strap it on to my leg so I can have access to my phone without having to ask someone for help.
A couple years ago, I was waiting around for my ride when I decided to take a picture from my phone as it sat on my leg. I liked the unique perspective of the shot, so I decided I would keep taking selfies at various locations I visited.
What was just an experiment to waste time, turned into an interesting look into my travel and experiences. The photos have showed my growth and life with a disability from a perspective that people wouldn't normally see.
I include the hashtag #GabesWheelchairSelfies in all the selfies I take so I can document them and provide a way to look through my various photos.
If you want to see all my photos, please follow me on Instagram at @gabetrujillo.
We can be heroes
For me, one of my most memorable idols lived on my television.
Mark and I during his hospital visit.
We all had our idols growing up. Whether it was your freshman English teacher who always challenged you to follow your dreams or your favorite baseball player who always left you in awe, idols can be all around us.
For me, one of my most memorable idols lived on my television.
When I became sick and spent several months in the hospital, I didn't know what my future held. I was 14-years-old and had to learn how to move my arms and breathe all over again. Seeing tomorrow quickly became my daily goal and thinking about life outside of the hospital was more dream than reality.
While I put my education on hold, I still thought about what my life would be like after college. I had some ideas on what I wanted to do as a career, but a fateful encounter in my hospital room changed my life forever.
During my hospital stay, I started writing about my hospital experience. I wanted to share my thoughts and insight into my life-changing ordeal and hoped it would help someone in similar circumstances.
It didn't take long for me to develop a love for writing and at that point I knew I wanted to pursue writing as a career. Since the staff knew I enjoyed writing and had a love for sports, they decided to send a special visitor my way.
12News' Mark Curtis.
When I was in the rehabilitation center, Curtis was volunteering at the hospital and the staff arranged for me to meet the then sportscaster.
To say I was excited would be an understatement. I had spent years watching him on television and the chance to meet him in person would be amazing.
For a few moments, I wasn't a scared kid in a hospital. I was just an avid Arizona sports fan talking about my favorite teams with a new friend. Curtis and I chatted a few times before I was released and his time with me was a big reason why I pursued a career in sports journalism.
After high school, I attended Arizona State University and earned a Bachelor's Degree in journalism. With my degree in hand, I set out to become the next great sports writer. But as life always does, it threw me a couple curve balls.
Various job opportunities sent me into the world of marketing and social media. I enjoyed this line of work, but something always felt like it was missing. A few months ago, an opportunity crossed my path that I couldn't pass up.
This past December, I stated my new position as Social Media Producer for 12 News. It's only been a few months, but I can safely say that this is where I was meant to be. It's an awesome feeling being able to get up and genuinely feel like you are doing what you were meant to do.
After years of trying, I've finally made it into the world of journalism.
No, I haven't become the famous sports writer I dreamed about, but my journey is far from over. And the coolest part?
I get to work with the person who inspired me to become a journalist in the first place, Mark Curtis. When I first saw him, he was just a guy on television chatting about the Arizona Cardinals. Now he's a guy I can I can truly call a friend.
Not many people get to say they work with their idols, and I'm privileged to be one of them.
So what's the moral of this story?
We can all be heroes. Maybe not the kind that leaps tall buildings in a single bound, but the kind that donates their time and shows a boy that anything is possible. The kind that gives people, especially a thankful kid, the inspiration to never give up and fight for your dreams, no matter what.
A Disability Fee?
An extra charge for using a wheelchair? SMH.
This morning, I needed to have my wheelchair-accessible van sent to the auto shop for repairs. I normally am finished with work around 1pm, so I asked the mechanic to have the repairs done by then and he said it should be completed by the afternoon.
About two hours before I was ready to leave, the mechanic told me that the repairs wouldn't be complete until 2pm.
But that isn't the biggest conflict of this story. Since my van was out of commission, I was forced to find another way home. After brainstorming possible scenarios, I decided to take a cab home.
I pulled up the number for Yellow Cab to arrange to have a wheelchair-accessible taxi pick me up. Once I got through to the operator, it was only a few minutes before I had a ride arranged.
A few moments later, the taxi driver calls to tell me he's here to pick me up. It didn't take long before I was strapped in and ready to hit the road.
I made it home a few minutes later and as I was getting ready to pay the fare, the driver drops this bomb on me:
"That'll be $57," he said.
If I could, I would have fallen out of my chair then and there. I proceeded to ask why a 15 minute trip cost almost $60.
The driver tells me that the mileage only cost around $30, but I was charged a $25 pick up fee because I was in a wheelchair.
You read that right, there's an extra fee just because I am a person with a disability. The driver didn't get into the specifics about why that fee was in place, but he did tell my mom and I that he'd give me a "break" next time. He shouldn't be so generous.
It's things like this that make using a wheelchair so difficult. People wonder why they don't see so many people with disabilities out and about and this is s big reason why. Many of those with disabilities are on fixed incomes, so getting around become nearly impossible when every time you want to go out, it'll cost nearly $100 just for a ride.
This needs to change. Accessibility is an important part of being able to live as a person with a disability, so what happens when you can't even afford the access?
I understand the need to make a buck, but charging people with disabilities an extra fee just because they use a wheelchair is just plain wrong.