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UA student using life circumstances to inspire others

Posted at 6:30 PM, Nov 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-03 21:30:22-04
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - A University of Arizona student is using his life circumstances to inspire others to not judge a book by its cover. 
 
Meet the 24-year-old man born without arms and legs.  When you talk to him, you wouldn't even believe all the things he can do.
 
Shifting gears.
 
Driving.
 
Sami Madden is a U of A student just trying to graduate.
 
He swims, builds computers, and drives a car with no problem.
 
You could say he is just like everyone...almost. 
 
"Now I can say mah look no hands while driving."
 
No hands? That is only half the story.
 
Sami was born without arms and legs. He grew up in an orphanage in India with no hope, no help, and no future.
 
"Most of the time people with disabilities spend the rest of their life begging on the streets, they don't get an education and they don't have access to health care and things like that."
 
When he was five, he moved to the U.S. and his life changed.
 
He got his first set of legs. 
 
"The first time I walked on prosthetic legs it was like I grew 5 feet in one day."
 
From 8 to 18, he was in and out of hospitals.
 
"I would like to say I was a frequent flyer in hospitals. I didn't get any points, but I guess that just the way it is."
 
Sami went through school getting bullied for his disability. 
 
He says it was a challenge to keep with school being gone for weeks at a time, but you can see, nothing holds him back.
 
"My disability really doesn't stop me from doing what i want to do."
 
Sami now gives talks to students about not judging, having courage, and following your dreams.
 
He teaches U of A students that nothing in life can hold you back from doing what you want to do.
 
"This really gives them the drive to say okay no pitty card time, there is no excuse, you guys can do these things."
 
And now the students can say...look mah no hands.