Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Means.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hello, my name is Derrick Means, and I am living with disability called “Cerebral palsy. Growing up as a little boy, I was bullied because of the way that I walked and talked. I was told that I would not be able to make it in this world because of my disability. Family and friends encourage me not listen to negative talk from others. I have had multiple of surgeries along way.
I graduated from Union County High School in 2008. I graduated with my associate degree in 2009 from USC-Union and my bachelor’s degree in 2013. While attending USC-Union, I was the president of SGA, played on a band, served on the Palmetto College search committee, and worked in the school’s library. I was an equip leader with AbleSC snd served on the South Carolina Disability Council.
I am now going into my eleventh year at Spartanburg High School. I am one of the media assistant at Spartanburg High School. I am coming off my third season of playing Special Olympic Basketball with Carolina Courage. I am starting my own Special Olympic basketball team in Union, South Carolina.
I am the oldest of eight siblings. I am married to my beautiful wife Tia Means. I play the congus and bongos at Majority Baptist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina. I am a usher, trustee and social media tech person at Majority baptist Church. In my spare time, I like to watch sports, spend time with my wife, hang out with friends, and living life to the fullest. My motto is if I can overcome barriers then what is your excuse.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have had obstacles/challenges along the way. I can recalled a time where an agency wanted me to come to stay in their care because they said that I would not make it in this world. When I was in school, I struggle to get proper accommodations to help me succeed in the classroom. I struggle with making good grade on a consistent basis.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I I have a full-time job at Spartanburg High School and a part time job at Ingles. My job duties at Spartanburg High School are as follows: check books out to students, checking books in, shelving books, watching students while in the library, and doing whatever my supervisor needs for me to do. My job duties at ingles are as follows: bringing in buggies from the parking lot, bagging, helping customers with their groceries, cleaning up spills, ice, bags, trash, and doing whatever my supervisor needs for me to do.
I am proud of that I am able to work despite my disability. I am proud of the fact that I can put a smile a people’s faces because I never know what a person maybe going through. What sets me apart from others is my work ethic that display each and every single day.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I had to quickly find myself. I had to adjust to living with a disability. I had to adjust to the way that others looked at me. I am taught to have a positive attitude in life despite what is going on. Interest wise, I am a huge sports fan. My favorite sports are football, basketball, and baseball. My favorite teams are: South Carolina Gamecocks, Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and Atlanta Braves. I love all types of music.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derrick.means.39
- Other: meansderrick1@gmail.com
