Joseph "BJ" Sewells. Photo courtesy of the Tuscaloosa News.

Joseph “BJ” Sewell was paralyzed from the neck down  at age 13 when a gun a friend was playing with went off, according to this article in Alabama’s Tuscaloosa News.

Instead of feeling sorry for himself Sewell became more determined. He regained feeling in his body and was able to walk with assistance after six months.

He also realized  he needed a new career path since professional football and basketball were now out of the question. So he decided to go into social work to try to help others overcome unfavorable odds.

The once D student earned two bachelor’s degrees in social work and human development and family studies. He will now pursue a master’s degree in social work at the University of Alabama.

“In social work, one of the main things you’re supposed to do is advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves,” he said. “Being an adolescent when I was shot, I got to see a lot of kids doing a lot of things that are going to lead them down destructive paths.”

Cheers to the Tuscaloosa News for bringing us Joseph’s story.

Social workers seek equal treatment for all. To learn more visit the National Association of Social Workers’ Diversity and Equity website by clicking here. Social workers also help people living with disabilities. To learn more visit NASW’s “Help Starts Here” Disabilities website by clicking here.