She’s Got Heart

Written by Kimm Johnson, Staff Writer

 Whether walking on the field with her fellow Sapphires, lifting weights for the girls powerlifting team, conveying her emotions through dance, running track, or having school spirit pulsate through  her veins, Domonique Clark takes complete advantage of her second chance at life. When she was just a week old, she had a full blown, open heart surgery. She was born with a Congenital  Cardiovascular Defect which effects only about 1 percent of all newborns. Even though she has only had to endure one surgery, she may have to have up to ten surgeries before she graduates college.  Despite how dreary that sounds, she doesn’t let it get her down.

 “None of the doctors or nurses, no one, thought I would make it. I am so much healthier than anyone ever expected. In sports, I push myself but I just have to be careful. I don’t let my condition hold  me back,” sophomore Domonique Clark said

Blessed, is one word that truly describes how Domonique feels about her life. The majority of people with a condition with hers would not be able to play sports. Thankfully, she has had the privilege of being not only on the drill team, but also as a social officer.

 “Dance has given me an outlet to express myself. Some of the best memories I have are from my JV year on drill team. Just being with the girls and getting to do what I love is amazing,”      Domonique said.

 In fact, some of the girls who are on drill team with her have been friends with Domonique since they were all in elementary school. She has had the opportunity to bond even more with Alex Tribble,  Breonna Burnett, and other Sapphires. They even share a pre-tryout ritual.

 “Before tryouts for the team, we all got together and spent the night at Domonique’s house practicing the dances and just having fun. Our togetherness was probably part of the reason we all made the team. She is a very good dancer and she really helped me,” sophomore Breonna Burnett said.

Drill team is not the only accomplishment that Domonique finds important. Putting other people before herself is also something she enjoys. She hopes to make a career of helping people one day.

“In the future, I want to attend Spellman or Prairieview and major in Pre-Law or Psychology. Hopefully, I will be an entertainment or crime lawyer because I like providing assistance to people in need,” Domonique said.

Her friends agree, and love her all the more.

“Domonique is so cool to talk to. She understands me and looks to help me with my problems no matter what. Her strength through everything is what amazes me,” sophomore Alex Tribble said.

Not all of her days are sunshine, but even then, she doesn’t use her disability as a crutch. She takes it all in strive. Whenever life seems to get her down, she just remembers that God has her here for a reason and to be grateful for everyday.

“God has greater plans than what I can even imagine. My eyes have really been opened because of my condition,” Domonique said. “I beat the odds, and I know I can do anything.”

Start Slide Show with PicLens Lite