When you see T.J. Smith, everyone notices that he is small in stature, and has a tract. He definitely has a story. But to him, he looks at himself as just a normal teenage boy.

“Although I have a disability, I have to look past my issues and continue on,” Smith says.

He was born with a rare defect that requires his spine to be reinforced with Titanium. Because of that, he also has a “trach” or stoma placed into his neck, which helps him to breathe. This defect also impacts many other functions in his body such as natural bone growth. Every six months, Smith undergoes surgery to have his spine stretched out in order to help him grow.

“My defect causes me to be a lot shorter than I’m supposed to be,” Smith says.

Smith, who is 18, was born with the expectation of only six months to live. Unlike some children, his life’s fight began as a newborn.

“During my mother’s pregnancy, there were a lot of complications.” Smith says

Despite those complications at the beginning of his life, Smith continues to fight, especially for his brother who died at birth.

Growing up, Smith’s life consisted of many questions, with the main question being why his real father wasn’t around. He never knew much of his father. He only knew what his mother would describe to him. From her descriptions, he understood exactly the type of man his father was and he set his to goals to becoming the exact opposite of him.

“The main reason I go on is to show my family I can be better than what my father was,” Smith said. “So I can show my mom. I owe it to her.”

Although his father has been out of the picture for well over half of his life, he never fell short of a support system, as both his brother, mother and stepfather took over the father figure role in his life.

“It was always my mother who pushed me to do things,” Smith said. “She always reminded me that I was just like other kids. If not, I was better.”

School for TJ has never been an easy task. He has had a personal nurse follow him around since pre-k, to ensure of his safety.

“The problems and issues I have with my disabilities set me back,” Smith says, “Nothing’s going to come easy to me. But my mother pushes me every day to fight for what I want.”

Now, that Smith understands more about his disability, he is able to talk and share more about it and hopes that his positivity might affect others.

“I want people to be happy, just as I am,” Smith says. “I thank God everyday for my life.”

It is remarkable to notice that throughout the interview process, Smith wanted to make sure that there was nothing different about him. He was just like other kids.

“I’m just an average black kid,” Smith said.