Title: I Made It!
Author: Juana M. Ortiz
ISBN: 9781504901642
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Pages: 196
Genre: Inspirational / Memoir

Reviewed by: John Murray

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In “I Made It!” author Juana M. Ortiz chronicles her life from a childhood in the Dominican Republic to a multiple-degree holding author in the U.S. As with any memoir, Ortiz highlights the difficulties and obstacles she faced on her way to achieving her primary goal of becoming educated and self-sufficient. In addition to being an immigrant, Ortiz copes with cerebral palsy and the impact that has on her life. Despite the issues caused by the CP and language barriers, Ortiz steadfastly pursues education and self-reliancy without resorting to pity or blaming others. The education system in particular was not yet set up to handle the difficulties Ortiz had. She recognizes her own difficulties and finds ways to surpass them by putting aside more time to work, seeking out amenable professors, and just continuing to work hard. Spoiler alert, this inspirational tale ends with Ortiz educated, self-reliant, and eager to help others as much as she can.

“I Made It!” is more of an inspirational story than a memoir. Ortiz uses her experiences with CP and as an immigrant to highlight the underlying drive that everyone shares.  A desire to improve themselves, make something out of their lives, and hopefully help others achieve those same goals. Ortiz shines through her writing and her dogged determination an upbeat personality pours out of every word. The story is engaging and tempered with both humor and sadness. Obstacles rise up to meet her, and sometimes they knock her back a few paces, but she refuses to let anything stop her. Her loving family, trusted professors, and colleagues all seem to pop up just when Ortiz needs a little push not to give up, but the ultimate drive belongs to her and her alone.

This is a story that anyone can sympathize and connect with. Ortiz wants readers to see her, and others with disabilities, as human beings with just as much will to thrive as anyone else. With the help of mentors, disability advocacy groups, and her own powerful self-drive, Ortiz steps up and works hard for what she wants. At the end of the day, that is something most readers will resonate with emotionally. “I Made It!” is well- written, simply told, and full of heart and pearls of wisdom. It not only holds CP up to the light, but the life of an immigrant, a student, a daughter, and a woman seeking more out of life despite the barriers thrown up against her.