Ms. Wheelchair Kansas celebrates 20 years, crowns University of Kansas student as 2025 role model
LAWRENCE — Autumn Bertels is an accomplished, wheelchair-mobile biology student at the University of Kansas who will graduate this May.
But after requesting accommodations for a chemistry lab due to lab tables being too tall, she was met with delays and excuses. She could only fully participate in one of 11 labs during the semester.
Now, Bertels is the 2025 Ms. Wheelchair Kansas titleholder, which will allow her to advocate for the wheelchair community and educate others throughout the state about accessibility in higher education.
'Everyone has the right to equal opportunity, quality and access of education, and there are so many ways that we can do this,' Bertels said. 'Everyone has a right to education, and you shouldn't have to be a disabled person to combat these challenges.'
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas has uplifted women like Bertels for 20 years with a contest to select the most well-rounded, confident and wheelchair-mobile contestant to serve as a statewide role model. The organization's mission is to provide the opportunity to compete in a pageant regardless of disability.
CEO and 2004 titleholder Carrie Greenwood says this was the ultimate goal in bringing the contest to Kansas.
'We got here one year and one title holder at a time,' Greenwood said. 'I had no idea that it would last this long and that it would really become my passion. Or that we would impact so many people in our state. It's worth it to empower all the ladies who are here.'
The contest has grown steadily each year. Thirty-eight women have competed for the adult title, with winners making more than 500 appearances in more than 65 cities across Kansas. They added the Little Miss title in 2015 and the Junior Miss title this year. Most recently, 2024 titleholder Tamara Blackwell became the first Kansan to win the national title.
'I have had the privilege to sit in rooms and be before people that I have never thought I would,' Blackwell said. 'I am so elated because that's been able to push Ms. Wheelchair Kansas in the spotlight, and I hope that it helps only shine a brighter light to show the beauty that lies within the community. That we are intelligent, that we are equipped, that we may be in chairs, we may be different, but there's nothing wrong with being different. And I just love that.'
Bertels said she wants to use her platform to cultivate better accessibility and education about disabilities at other college campuses in the state. She will also serve as a mentor for the two younger titleholders and compete at the national level in August.
'We live in a time where accommodations aren't readily available to those who need them,' she said. 'My Little Miss is also focusing on education as well, which is really great for both of us to work on.'
Isabel Einwich, Junior Miss 2025, was motivated to advocate for better awareness in education for those with disabilities. She says it took a broken elevator for her school administrators to realize they didn't have an emergency plan for students in wheelchairs.
'It shouldn't have to take a broken elevator to raise these questions. I hope to continue sharing my story and having opportunities to bring more attention to school issues surrounding disabilities through education,' Einwich said. 'I just hope we can get to a point where we hear much less of that phrase, 'Oh, we didn't think about that.' '
Everyone involved — whether contestants, parents or volunteers — agree that the community has driven the organization's growth and success. Greenwood believes these contestants are essential to the broader Kansas community.
'I ask everyone and anyone to get involved in this organization. It shows the value of diversity and working for a common purpose,' Greenwood said. 'When you put your heart into something it will always succeed. And our title holders, they are what's made this organization a success. They are the backbone of what we do, and they represent women and young girls who are wheelchair mobile so well.'
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Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Yahoo
15 Reasons You Feel Like You're In A 'Situationship' With Your Own Husband
In the realm of modern relationships, there's a peculiar place where romance and ambiguity intertwine, where the lines between love and convenience blur. Welcome to the "situationship"—typically the realm of dating apps and undefined connections. But what if you find yourself in one with your own husband? It's a sobering thought, and yet, more common than you'd expect. Here are fourteen signs that might have you pondering the state of your marital union. When was the last time you had a heart-to-heart conversation with your husband that wasn't about logistics or what's for dinner? If your discussions rarely stray beyond the mundane, you might be in a situationship. The spontaneity and depth that once characterized your conversations have given way to a perfunctory exchange of words. It's as if you're roommates rather than partners in life. According to Dr. Andrea Bonior, a clinical psychologist and author of "The Friendship Fix," the absence of meaningful communication can be a red flag. She explains that when couples cease to share their inner thoughts and feelings, they risk drifting apart emotionally. Without regular, open dialogue, even the strongest bonds can grow tenuous. It's essential to prioritize intentional communication to maintain a genuine connection. Remember those early days when any moment could be an opportunity for romance? If flowers or surprise date nights have become relics of the past, you might be in a situationship. It's not just about grand gestures; even the smallest acts of love have vanished into thin air. When romance becomes an afterthought, your relationship might be treading on thin ice. The absence of romance can signal a disconnect between partners, where complacency replaces genuine affection. 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Do you find yourself going through the motions without any real thought or intention? Living on autopilot can make your marriage feel more like a business arrangement than a loving partnership. When you're only half-present, your emotional connection becomes a casualty. This detachment can gradually erode the intimacy and understanding that once defined your relationship. According to relationship expert Dr. John Gottman, one of the predictors of relationship dissatisfaction is a lack of emotional presence. Being present means tuning into your partner's needs and emotions, not just being physically there. When you're in autopilot mode, you miss the subtle cues that are essential for maintaining a thriving relationship. To combat this, practice intentionality in your interactions, ensuring your actions align with your intentions. When was the last time you shared a moment of real intimacy? 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Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Yahoo
Why Your Overly Positive Personality Drives Your Friends Crazy
In today's world, where Instagram filters everyone into perfection and motivational quotes are slapped on everything from mugs to T-shirts, it might be shocking to realize that your relentless optimism isn't always welcome. Your toxic positivity might be the very thing that's driving your friends up the wall. We get it; the intention is good, a well-meaning attempt to uplift and inspire. But sometimes, just sometimes, your sunny-side-up perspective might be doing more harm than good. Here's the rundown of why everyone might not be jumping on your positivity parade. Your relentless positivity might set a standard that your friends feel they can't live up to. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, as they compare themselves to an unrealistic ideal. Instead of inspiring them, you might inadvertently be creating a divide. It's important to show your friends that it's okay to have off days and that nobody is perfect. 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Remember, real life is a mix of highs and lows, and ignoring the lows doesn't erase them. When you tell someone, 'It could be worse,' you're not making them feel better. Instead, you're telling them that their feelings aren't justified unless they're at the end of the suffering spectrum. This minimizes their experience and makes them feel like they need to compete with others to earn their right to feel bad. In reality, everyone's struggles are relative and should be respected as such. Assuming that your friends should feel grateful for not being in a worse situation can quickly shut down meaningful communication. It prevents them from fully expressing themselves because they're constantly comparing their problems to those of others. This comparison game can lead to feelings of inadequacy and shame that you're inadvertently amplifying. What you're left with is a friend who's more likely to bottle things up, avoiding your dismissive reactions. Telling someone to 'just think positive' sounds easy enough, but it's akin to telling someone to 'just fix it' without offering any tools. It disregards the complexity of emotions and the underlying issues that need addressing. According to psychologist Dr. Barbara Markway, strategies like mindfulness and acknowledging one's feelings are more effective in changing a negative mindset. Simply willing away negativity is not a sustainable strategy. By reducing someone's internal struggle to a simplistic directive, you're not giving them any real guidance. They need actionable steps, not just platitudes, to navigate through their challenges. When you throw 'just think positive' at them, it can feel like you're throwing them into the deep end without a life vest. Helping someone involves more than just a slogan; it's about offering concrete support. When a friend shares their struggles, responding with 'At least you have…' might feel like you're helping them gain perspective, but it often does the opposite. This type of response can feel invalidating, as it shifts the focus from their feelings to a comparison that may not be relevant. According to a study published by the Journal of Clinical Psychology, emotional validation is crucial for effective communication and relational satisfaction. By playing the 'at least' game, you sideline their current experience, leaving them feeling misunderstood and unsupported. It's important to realize that highlighting silver linings doesn't make the clouds disappear. Your friends need space to express their feelings without being told that they should feel differently. By constantly pointing out what they should be thankful for, you might be unintentionally telling them they don't have the right to feel upset. Allowing them the freedom to express their emotions without caveats can be far more supportive. Life isn't just a series of good or bad events; it's a spectrum of experiences that can elicit a wide range of emotions. But your tendency to paint everything in black and white might be doing a disservice to your friends. This binary view of emotions can prevent them from fully exploring and understanding their feelings. When you insist on positive thinking, you might be closing the door on meaningful introspection. Emotions are complex and often layered, with multiple feelings occurring simultaneously. This richness can't be distilled down to just 'happy' or 'sad.' By pushing a simplistic, positive narrative, you're encouraging them to bypass this complexity. Authentic support involves recognizing and validating all emotions, not just the ones wrapped in sunshine. Your insistence on seeing the bright side might add more stress to your friends' lives. A study from the University of California, Berkeley, found that forcing happiness can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety. When you pressure your friends to be perpetually upbeat, you're ignoring the natural ebb and flow of emotions. This expectation to constantly maintain a positive outlook can be exhausting and feel like an additional burden. Instead of alleviating stress, your relentless optimism might be piling it on. It creates an environment where your friends feel they must suppress their true emotions in favor of the ones they think you'll accept. This suppression can lead to deeper emotional issues that surface later on. Encouraging your friends to be real and honest, even when it's not pretty, can offer genuine relief instead of added pressure. When someone opens up about a problem, resist the urge to jump straight into solution mode. Your brain might be wired to fix things, but not every issue has a straightforward resolution. Some problems require time, patience, and a willingness to sit with discomfort. By insisting on a quick fix, you might be dismissing the complexity of what they're going through. Your friends need your support, not your superhero cape. Solving their problems might make you feel useful, but it can come across as dismissive of their capacity to handle their own lives. Being there to listen and understand that some issues are ongoing can be more supportive than offering a list of solutions. Sometimes, the best way to help is by being present rather than presumptuous. Perpetual sunshine might seem appealing, but it can create shadows where none should exist. In your quest for unwavering positivity, you might cast judgment on those who don't share your sunny disposition. This can result in alienating those who are processing their emotions in their own time and way. Your friends might start to feel like they must wear a mask around you, obscuring their true selves. Not every day calls for a smile, and pretending it does can be exhausting. By expecting everyone to mirror your constant cheerfulness, you could be negating their genuine feelings. This expectation might prevent them from feeling safe enough to express their true emotions. Recognizing the full spectrum of emotions in your friends can foster more genuine connections. Your need to maintain a positive façade for others might suggest an avoidance of dealing with your own emotions. Constantly focusing on others' happiness can be a way to deflect from your struggles. This deflection might seem like generosity, but it can be a sign that you're neglecting your emotional well-being. Your positivity can be a mask, a way to hide what's going on underneath. By relentlessly promoting positivity, you might be denying yourself the opportunity to grow and learn from life's challenges. It's essential to look inward and acknowledge your feelings. Only then can you genuinely support others in their emotional journey. Remember, self-reflection doesn't diminish your positivity; it enhances your authenticity. Your drive to be a beacon of positivity often means that you feel the need to always be 'on.' This can lead to an unsustainable cycle of emotional exhaustion and burnout. While your intentions are noble, it's crucial to remember that nobody can maintain a constant state of high energy and happiness. Perfection is an illusion, and striving for it can be draining. Your friends might feel like they're walking on eggshells, trying to match your enthusiasm. This pressure to conform to your upbeat outlook can be taxing on relationships. Allowing for moments of vulnerability and authenticity can create a more balanced dynamic. Letting go of the need to always be 'on' can make room for more genuine interactions. It's easy to fall into the trap of offering unsolicited advice when someone shares their struggles with you. You might think you're helping by providing solutions, but sometimes, your friends aren't looking for advice—they just need an empathetic ear. Offering advice can unintentionally convey that their feelings or actions aren't valid. Listening without interjecting can be far more powerful than any advice you can offer. When you rush to fix things, you might miss out on understanding the depth of what they're experiencing. Your friends might start to feel like their emotions are problems to be solved rather than experiences to be shared. By holding back on the advice, you allow them to explore their feelings without judgment. This creates a space where they can process and heal on their terms.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Yahoo
Gov. Tim Walz calls for less ‘rigid' Democratic nominating calendar in future election cycles
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz answers questions during a June 5, 2025, interview with States Newsroom staff in Minneapolis. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Thursday Democrats need to take a broader approach to the states they are targeting during elections — which could mean further changes to the presidential nominating calendar. Speaking with Minnesota Reformer editor Patrick Coolican at a States Newsroom conference in Minneapolis, the 2024 vice presidential candidate tackled multiple topics related to President Donald Trump's time in office. He also discussed ways for the Democratic Party to bounce back after significant Republican wins in 2024, including Trump's win over his and Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. One of the major questions leading up to the 2028 presidential election season — especially for Iowa — is the Democratic presidential nominating calendar. Following issues in the 2020 Democratic caucuses and Democratic National Committee concerns about the accessibility of the caucus system, Iowa was booted from it's longtime first-in-the-nation position in the Democratic nominating calendar in 2022, replaced by South Carolina. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX When asked by Iowa Capital Dispatch Editor-in-Chief Kathie Obradovich which state should go first, Walz immediately quipped, 'Minnesota.' But in a longer response, the Democratic governor said he believes Democrats should rotate which states kick off the nominating process each presidential election cycle — a process he said may not be popular in states that may not traditionally have held early contests, but could improve Democrats' odds in elections. He reflected on how in his 2024 run with Harris, winning the presidency came down to winning a handful of contested states. 'On the calendar, I think you can't be too rigid,' Walz said. 'And it was … I don't know if the word is depressing, but going to the seven states over and over and over again, and recognizing that you could win a presidential election or lose one doing that — I think we've got to be broader.' Iowa Democrats made changes to the caucus system, moving from in-person events to a mail-in presidential preference contest in 2024, but there is not any indication the DNC plans to reinstate Iowa as an early state in the next nominating cycle. However, Iowa and other states that were not a part of the early state lineup in 2024 will have a chance to take a top position in 2028. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart and other Iowa officials have said the DNC plans to revisit the calendar leading up to the next presidential election. Though Iowa is still in the running, a potential blow was dealt to the state with Iowa Democrat Scott Brennan losing his longtime seat on the DNC Rules and Bylaws committee, the body overseeing the nominating calendar, the Des Moines Register reported. Walz said he is not running as a Democratic presidential candidate, he has made visits to many of the traditional early states, including a May Democratic Party event in South Carolina and March event in Des Moines. He is not the only speculated 2028 Democratic presidential candidate to visit Iowa in recent months — former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who won the 2020 Iowa Democratic caucuses, held an event in Cedar Rapids in May. Walz is also not the only person who thinks changes Democratic presidential nominating calendar would serve the party well in future elections. Chris Cillizza, a political commentator who formerly worked for CNN, said during a Potluck Podcast episode Monday with members of the Iowa Writers' Collaborative that it was 'very clear' former President Joe Biden moved South Carolina to the front of the calendar in 2024 'because South Carolina and Jim Clyburn got him elected president' in 2020. However, Biden ultimately was not the Democratic presidential candidate in 2024, Cillizza said, and recent Democratic losses for the presidency with Harris and Hillary Clinton in 2024 show states like Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania are crucial to winning the general election. He said he believes Iowa should go first because 'if you're if you're a Democrat trying to solve your broader problems, I think Iowa going first would help, not hurt' in the fight to win Midwestern states. He said he believes this strategy has been reflected with the potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates visiting traditional early states like Iowa. When I look at travel schedules now, they're acting as though we're back to the pre-Joe Biden nominating calendar — Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina,' Cillizza said. 'And I wouldn't be surprised if it went back to that. I mean, look, I actually think there's a case to be made.' However, he said he is not sure about the DNC chair Ken Martin's strategy heading into 2028. Martin, elected in February, is from Minnesota, which Cillizza said 'probably helps a little bit in the case for the Midwest.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
