Portrait of perseverance

After nearly leaving Wright State in her first semester, elementary education major Mylie Green found her voice as a campus leader and advocate for students with disabilities. (Photo by Erin Pence)

To those who don’t know her, it might seem as if the odds were stacked against Mylie Green.

Born in Ethiopia, Green was adopted as a toddler by a family in Marysville, Ohio. But she was not the only child welcomed into the Green family home. After having two biological children, her parents adopted 31 more from eight countries. Five of the siblings have disabilities, including Green.

Green has schizencephaly, a rare birth defect resulting in a speech impediment and limited movement on the left side of her body, making everyday tasks like driving or styling her hair more challenging.

“I always have to work harder to get the same results as everyone else,” Green said.

Growing up, Green never felt defined by her diagnosis. “My disability has taught me so much,” she said. “It has taught me how to work harder and not give up — to be determined and disciplined in everything that I do.”

When it was time to consider college, Green gravitated toward Wright State University.

One of her sisters had attended Wright State, and Green knew its outstanding reputation for supporting students with disabilities. Wright State is nationally recognized as a leader in that area, offering an accessible campus and providing comprehensive accommodations and programs that promote independence and student success.

Still, the transition wasn’t easy.

“I felt alone,” she said, “because it was difficult to adapt to my new normal.”

When Green arrived in fall 2023, she struggled to step outside her comfort zone, preferring to stay in her own space and keep to herself. That semester, she decided to serve as the student representative on the Disability Digital Accessibility Committee — an experience that helped her come out of her shell, though she remained uncertain about returning for her second semester.

“My gut was telling me to stay here,” she said.

She did, taking a completely different approach during Spring Semester. She attended more events, spent time with friends and met new people. An elementary education major, she also joined the Dean’s Student Advisory Board in the College of Health, Education and Human Services.

“This was a great opportunity to get outside of my comfort zone,” she said.

By her sophomore year, Green made a complete turnaround. She joined the Student Government Association as her college’s senator and became the Black Student Union’s designee in the SGA House of Representatives.

Through her campus advocacy, Green is proud to represent women, people of color and individuals with disabilities.

“You don’t see a lot of people like me in leadership roles,” she said.

The young woman who almost left Wright State after her first semester has since accomplished more than she ever imagined. Every experience has helped her persevere and move forward, undaunted, toward her future career.

“I just want to teach and help kids,” said Green, who expects to graduate in spring 2027. “I want to help people who can’t advocate for themselves.”