When Fernando Sanchez was in the seventh grade, he contracted a disease known as Transverse Myelitis (TM), a condition of the spinal cord.  As a result, he has limited use of his legs and relies on a walker.  His greatest challenge was learning to deal with his new “physical self,” but he overcame this challenge through the support of a diverse group of students from all over the world who studied with him at the United Nations International School in New York City.    

For the past two years, Fernando was production editor for UNISVerse, his high school newspaper.  In this role, he was responsible for the entire layout of the paper as well as verification of all articles and photographs.   He also wrote several articles for the paper.  In addition to his background in journalism, he served two years on his school’s student council, worked as a teaching assistant in his school’s ESL program, worked with his school’s media lab, and raised money for Project Restore, a research program of Johns Hopkins University to study spinal cord injuries.  During this time he maintained a 4.4 GPA.   

Of Mexican descent, Fernando will attend Princeton University in the fall, where he wants to study mathematics and journalism.  He continues to be very interested in the production side of both print and broadcast media.     

Fernando’s greatest role model is Thierry Henry, who plays soccer for the national team of France, as well as the soccer club Arsenal.  Fernando admires this African athlete because he has been a leading spokesperson against racial discrimination.  Fernando firmly believes that discrimination of any sort is the single greatest challenge to a country’s progress and hopes that his life will be an example to others that people who are physically challenged can become recognized leaders and excel in anything they put their minds to.