Arthur Lazo Jr. has spent his life proving people wrong.

For much of his life, Lazo has been told what he can’t do because of his cerebral palsy, but he has made it his mission to prove that he can achieve those things.

Today, Lazo adds another accomplishment to his list, as he becomes a graduate of Texas Women’s University.

He also becomes the 13th member of his family to graduate from TWU, but it’s an accomplishment that many people told him that he would never achieve.

 “It’s vindicating,” Lazo said of proving his doubters wrong. “Some teachers didn’t realize my potential. I feel that I have grown from the person that came here to the person that I am today.”

DRC/Barron Ludlum

Arthur Lazo Jr. smiles at his mother, Juanita Dueñez-Lazo, while Jo Ann Nunnelly helps adjust his gown during graduation rehearsal Friday. Lazo has cerebral palsy and will graduate from Texas Woman’s University today. He is the 13th member of his family to graduate from the university.

It’s been a long path for the 25-year-old Keller man who began college after graduating from Fossil Ridge High School in Keller. Juanita Dueñez-Lazo, his mother, says his six-year journey had many ups and downs, both physically and educationally.

Like most college freshmen, Lazo had to transition from high school to the rigors of college, and at first, it took some adjustment. But Lazo adapted quickly, and was soon thriving in the university environment.

“It takes him so much energy to do what he does,” his mother said. “But despite all his challenges, he still does everything.”

Lazo hasn’t taken any shortcuts on the way to getting his degree.

Just like any other student, he attends classes, writes papers and reads at least half a dozen books every semester. However, he does need help to do some of those tasks.

Because of his cerebral palsy, Lazo has trouble writing and needs the assistance of someone else to take notes during classes. His parents often read aloud to him, and they or someone else must type his papers.

Lazo can type if he has to, his mother said. He has also begun to listen to books on tape to be more independent, he said.

However, that’s where the help stops.

He crafts his own papers and attends his classes.  

In the classroom, Lazo is no different from any other college student.

When he has something to say, he says it, and he isn’t shy about giving his opinion, said Suzanne Bowles, a voice professor.

“He is just himself,” she said. “He isn’t self-conscious about how he looks or how he sounds. He’s just himself.”

Since coming to TWU, Lazo has learned that he must make opportunities for himself because, he says, people have a history of doubting his abilities.

While in elementary school, the school superintendent attempted to put him in special classes because school officials didn’t feel that he had the same abilities as other students, Dueñez-Lazo said.

And, because they didn’t know any better, Dueñez-Lazo said, the family went along with the plan until Arthur returned home complaining of being bored.

“It was a self-contained baby chair,” he said. “I told my parents that I was bored, and I was. I knew my potential, and I knew what I could do. Others just didn’t see it.”

With his college diploma in hand, Lazo, who is graduating magna cum laude, will now begin to put his English degree to work as he finishes a book about his life that he hopes will be a inspiration to others with disabilities.

He’s already nailed down a title.

“I’m Not That Special,” he said with a smile.

“I don’t feel that I am special. I am just like everyone else.”

DAN X. McGRAW can be reached at 940-566-6875. His e-mail address is mcgraw@dentonrc.com.