My classmate, Brooke Ellison, is running for the State Senate of New York, and I encourage any Americans out there who would be voting in that election to learn more about such an amazing and wonderful individual. She is paralysed from the neck down and requires a ventilator to breathe, but still graduated with honours from Harvard, has a Masters from the JFK School of Government, and is currently working on her PhD. Her constant cheerfulness, hope and optimism was an inspiration to all of us.

She spoke at Class Day in 2000 and her story of overcoming disabilities to graduate with honors was personally moving. Furthermore her message of gratitude to her community -- that she couldn't have achieved so much without her mother, her friends, her peers -- is a lesson in humility, collaboration and opportunity.

We were also in the same section for one of the Biology Core classes, and I can personally attest that she is really sharp and hard working. She is a truly impressive person.

Please take a look at her website. I know you'll be very moved and impressed by what you see.