Lincoln University is more accessible for people with disabilities, thanks to December 2015 graduate Caitlin Bartley.
Living on the hilltop campus, Bartley said navigating the steep sidewalks on rainy and wintry days in her motorized wheelchair could be a challenge.
"It was not fun to go downhill," she said.
While participating in the 2010 Women's Leadership Academy, she decided to fulfill her community service requirement by talking to then-President Carolyn Mahoney about wheelchair-access improvements.
Mahoney followed through in 2013 on Bartley's suggestions - a bridge from the Martin Luther King Jr. building leading to a ramp to the backdoor of Founders Hall.
"I can't believe they really did all of that," Bartley said was her reaction when she first saw the completed work. "That was a big deal."
"I really appreciated her and the Lincoln buildings and grounds team; they really stayed up on it."
Before the improvements, Bartley, who has merosin deficient congenital muscular dystrophy, said she had to use an unreliable chair lift at the front of Founders Hall.
"I got stuck several times," she said. "I always tried to leave a littler early because of that."
Overall, Bartley said her experience at Lincoln was "awesome" in the six years she lived in the dorm.
And she grew to become an advocate.
"I don't want the next students to come through to face the same challenges I did," Bartley said. "I thought it was not just about me."
Just as she approached Mahoney about the building improvements, Bartley had the opportunity in January to speak to the entire university faculty about the importance of giving people with disabilities opportunities.
"Some people just look at the wheelchair," Bartley said.
She faced a few instances, where faculty had put up a roadblock.
After sharing her reflections on her experience at Lincoln with current President Kevin Rome, he invited her to speak at the faculty institute.
"I'm all about educating," Bartley said. "I love to do public speaking and raise awareness."
What she told faculty is "don't tell a students what they can't do" but it is "okay to say "how can I help you?'"
Gretchen Woods, coordinator for the university's access and ability services, said Bartley is a "phenomenal" young woman, who masters personal goals and demonstrates accessing the ability in disability.
"One of her finest moments was her "Thank you' speech during the 2016 spring faculty in-service," Woods said. "Her smile is infectious. Her joy and spirit are contagious.
"I am the better for having had the opportunity to meet and work with her."
The South Callaway High School alumna wants to continue helping people.
"I want to do what I can so that others with disabilities don't face the challenges I faced, especially the unnecessary challenges," Bartley said.
Her goal after earning her master's degree at University of Missouri is to be an advocate for disabilities.
"People don't realize we all have challenges and limitations; it's just mine are easier to see," Bartley said.
She finds the older generation has a more difficult time distinguishing that not all of those who have physical disabilities also have diminished mental abilities.
"It's very frustrating when someone looks at you and makes assumptions," she said. "It's all about keeping an open mind."
Bartley found such open-minded people in the Psychology Department at Lincoln.
"When others were telling me "no,' they were telling me "yes,'" she said. "They made my experience at Lincoln awesome."
Psychology Professor Mara Aruguete said Bartley is "thoughtful, intelligent and determined."
"She concentrates on her ability rather than disability," Aruguete said. "Her affable personality and excellent organizational skills help her in most every endeavor.
"She reminded us to be aware of and constantly question our own biases and stereotypes toward disabled people."
The psychology department helped coordinate two internships for her, at the Special Learning Center and at the Boys and Girls Club of the Capital City.
As a former student at the center, Bartley said she loved going back. At the club, she got a taste for not-for-profit work.
She excels at using databases and other computer-based projects.
"Anything I can do on the computer, I'm independent and can do on my own," Bartley said.
Technology has also helped her keep up with school work, such as digital textbooks.
Bartley also has been helped by the Vocational Rehabilitation center, her nurses and her family.
A St. Louis Cardinals fan, Bartley is looking forward to her graduation present - a summer vacation to Nashville, Tennessee.
Next week, she will be honored with the Governor's Council on Disability's third annual Youth Leadership Award.
"I'm getting an award for something I love to do ... and I haven't done much yet," Bartley said. "There's more to come, I hope. That's my plan."