When Michael Cafferty is awarded a law degree from the DePaul University College of Law on June 11 it will be a vivid example of just how far determination has taken him since he became paralyzed from the neck down at the age of 18. For the 30-year-old future jurist, earning a law degree is just one more reminder that he is very fortunate despite the obstacles he has had to overcome to achieve his dreams.

     The ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m. on June 11th at Navy Pier Festival Hall A, 600 E. Grand Ave.

     "At commencement when I'm given my degree I will know for sure that if you work hard you will reap the benefits," said Cafferty. "I'll know that I was right to put my faith in God to help me with my disability and my life."

     Hard work for Cafferty included things that the average law school student would never fathom. As Cafferty began his voyage into the world of torts and contracts, he also was learning to direct his health care needs while living independently, having just moved to an apartment on Chicago's North Side.

      "In the beginning it was difficult because I had to remember to do some stretches and drink plenty of fluids in addition to studying for the next day of class," said Cafferty. "At school I had to figure out how to manage some of the basics such as the best way to take notes. The first day of class I waited in the back of the classroom and watched to see who was taking diligent notes and being the most attentive to the professor. When class was over I asked if I could have copies of her notes. I had to do this for three or four classes at a time."

     By using a special voice-activated computer program that the law school provided, Cafferty was able to compose papers and conduct research, clearing yet another hurdle. Taking exams posed another challenge because he took them all verbally by dictating answers to a stenographer. "This allowed me to concentrate and avoid any potential 'lock-ups' by the computer," Cafferty said.

     He was not deterred by any impediment he faced and completed the requirements for graduation in four years. His will to earn a law degree and work as a legal advocate for people with physical or mental disabilities distinguished him as a true role model in the law school.

     "Michael is a wonderful man who has persevered and performed admirably in law school against odds that would have overwhelmed many people," remarked Diana White, dean of students. "Only a small percentage of people even make it to law school, much less complete it."

     Injured in a car accident just after he graduated from high school, Michael first wanted to be a psychologist to help people deal with the mental and physical strains of being permanently disabled. He attended the University of Illinois where he majored in psychology. While an undergrad, he met others who also were living with severe disabilities but excelling. They inspired him to broaden his scope and strive to become a lawyer.

     "After the initial shock of learning that you are permanently disabled you begin to become the person you were before the injury," said Cafferty, who currently works as a law clerk for the Illinois Public Guardian. "I wanted to make a difference in this world and that has never changed. You have to learn to go over and around the barriers life presents, and if that doesn't work you just have to knock them down."