Senior Kayden Cotton is the kind of student everyone can trust.
But what a lot of his classmates probably don’t realize is just how much quiet determination it takes for him to do it all.
Because Kayden uses a wheelchair, his days look a little different. Between classes, homework, and usual high school things, he’s also juggling physical therapy and several other challenges most children his age never would have to think about. It takes serious time and energy, but he keeps showing up.
“I think something a lot of people don’t know about me is how hard I actually have to work. Having a disability means I have to dedicate a good chunk of my time to physical therapy and dealing with stuff that most people don’t face. Still, I’ve managed to stay at the top of my class.” Cotton said,
Instead of letting those obstacles hold him back, Cotten never gives up, no matter how hard it gets. Burke has shaped Cotton these past four years to be an amazing human, and his advice to the younger generation shows.
“Don’t let your challenges stop you. Oftentimes, we get so caught up in playing the victim that we forget we have extraordinary capabilities. All we have to do is apply ourselves. Don’t let your challenges stop you from your dreams. You’re always going to have roadblocks in life, and you need to be prepared.” Cotton said,
His after-graduation plans show what his personality is like; he wants to take what he’s been through and use it to help others. He plans to study psychology and one day become a psychologist.
“I’ve dealt with my own depression and anxiety, so if I can help people who are going through the same things I have, that would mean everything to me. It would bring me so much joy,” Cotton said.
Looking back on Burke, Kayden says the people and a certain teacher have meant the most to him.
“I’ve met two of my best friends here, and they’ve honestly shaped me into a better person. When I was a freshman, and they were juniors, they showed me the ropes. And Mr. B has helped me so much with staying responsible. He’s irreplaceable.” Cotton said.
One of his favorite memories came when he pushed himself way outside his comfort zone. He joined a drama production and performed a poem he wrote in front of a big crowd, which he usually doesn’t do.
“I was so nervous, but I did it anyway. And I crushed it. I was really, really proud of myself for that,” Cotton said
For the last couple weeks, you can find Kayden staying active around school. He serves as a niche editor for the school newspaper, and maybe you can find him in an upcoming play. But regardless, Kayden will forever remember his time at Burke and how he challenged himself.
