On episode 10, our guest  Ndifreke Andrew-Essien (Freky), has over twelve years of experience in civic leadership, volunteering and working in communities in different program related areas in the not-for-profit sector. She also founded Freky Andrew-Essien Care Foundation well known as FAECARE Foundation a Non-Profit Organization with focus of work with vulnerable groups in communities.

Freky was a 4th year Medical Student at the Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Calabar, Nigeria on the day her life took an unexpected turn. At age 22, she was involved in an accident which resulted in a spinal cord injury leading to her no longer being able to walk. 

On today's show, Freky takes us on a journey of her life. From the immediate aftermath as a young adult whose life changed forever very suddenly, to the adjustments she’s had to make over time to be living with a disability as an adult. She shares the many challenges and victories that have occured in between, including the daily battles she faces in a society that is not the most inclusive for people living like herself and the doggedness it has taken for her to become a success who is living as the highest expression of herself. 

Freky has gone on to achieve multiple degrees, including BSc and Masters in Human Physiology and Public Health as well as various other trainings and certifications.

Freky has volunteered and worked with international and local organisations and participated in President Barack Obama’s Flagship and Inaugural Young African Leaders Initiative. Freky is a Mandela Washington Fellow, a certified management consultant, a disability advocate, a John Maxwell Team member, as well as a speaker amongst many other things.

Key highlights of this episode are:

• The immediate aftermath of the accident (13:17)
• Learning to face the world again (20:28)
• Challenges with finding spinal rehabilitation centers in Nigeria (23:54)
• Learning to manage varied responses to her disability (25:57) 
• The discrimination she experienced in a University system that was unable to accomodate her disability, forcing her to de-reigster from medicine and venture on a different career path (29:00)
• Choosing to have a different perspective on life and the accident (41:49)
• Being very passionate and not willing to take ‘no’ for an answer (43:29)
• The extra effort it took to attain her university degree. Attending lectures through the window of lecture theatres in instances without wheelchair access (46:50)
• Finding her purpose in helping others within the not-for-profit sector (53:03)
• The life changing experience which lead to her becoming a Mandela Washington Fellow, and meeting former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle  (57:43)
• The ‘good’ thing about disability and how it has helped her find out more about herself and her strengths (1:03:14)
• Advice on engaging with people with disabilities. A perspective from both sides of the divide (1.04:55)
• The nuances in terminology between referring to someone as ‘a disabled person’ (derogatory term) and ‘a person with disability’ (puts the person first before the disability) (1.06.48)

I enjoyed my conversation with Freky for many reasons, but most of all because her life speaks to what it means to be Unscathed. She lives everyday breaking boundaries and advancing, despite adversity.  

Connect with Freky on:

Facebook and Instagram: @faecare

Twitter:   @faecate_org

Websites: www.faecarefoundation.org

 Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram @tonbra.nwosuagwu, Facebook The Unscathed Life Podcast. Use the hashtag #iamunscated