Requires special accommodation. Transferred from online classes.

Studied at Woodcrest as a transfer in her last year. Currently in a gap year doing advising for the university itself, particularly coordinating disabled and international students, helping them with campus services, visas, accessibility, residency permits, etc.

Teodora Laurențiu was born in Romania in 1999 and moved with her family to the United States when she was 11, settling outside of Pittsburgh, PA. Drawn to alternative subcultures, Teo grew up scootering, gaming, and getting involved in debate team. She spent most of her time at the skatepark or online, playing games.

On the summer before college, Teo drunkenly fell on her neck while attempting a scooter trick. The accident paralyzed her from the neck down and left her dependent on a ventilator to breathe. The first year was a mess—hospitals, rehab, a bunch of people talking at her about “adjusting.” It wasn’t like she had much of a choice. Everything took forever, from getting dressed to responding to a text, and people either pitied her or acted like she was made of glass. Eventually, things settled into a routine, even if it wasn’t the one she would’ve picked.

She’s spent the last six years recovering and has finally decided it’s time to go to college, despite her being almost 26. It’s not ideal—she knows she’s going to stand out, and she’ll have to deal with a whole new set of logistical nightmares—but she’s put it off long enough. If she waits until she feels “ready,” she’ll be waiting forever.