Teen quadriplegic walks again during college graduation

A South Florida college student who was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a spinal injury was able to walk during his graduation ceremony.

Venezuela native Aldo Amenta broke his neck when he dove into the shallow end of a swimming pool in 2015 and doctors declared him a quadriplegic after the accident. “Now, I depend on many people to help me with my daily activities,” he said. “It has become a huge challenge in my everyday life.”

The challenges were so difficult that Amenta considered dropping out of school but, with the help of her loved ones and a scholarship from a Miami-based university, Amenta was able to focus on her studies. Amenta, who has already regained some movement in her limbs, with the help of an exoskeleton in her legs and torso, was able to walk again to collect her diploma.

Cheers from the audience rang out as Amenta took her first steps across the stage, shaking hands with school administrators along the way. Amenta described the moment as "amazing", saying the walk symbolized her ability to continue fulfilling her dreams despite the accident that changed the course of her life.

The graduate emphasized how perseverance has allowed him to stay on track to achieve his goals. “It doesn't matter how hard you think things are going to be. Perhaps you feel that it is impossible to do this, but you will find people who are willing to help you, and that motivated me. It gave me the strength to continue to push myself and stay positive.”