Anah Kryzanowski: Finding the beauty in being different
Anah Kryzanowski is a 17-year-old from Alberta, Canada. She has Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS), which affects the development of her cheekbones, jaw, and ears. It also affects her breathing, speech, and the way she eats. Anah is very passionate about disability rights and acceptance, and is currently an ambassador for Beautymark Community!
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your story. (name, disability, age, nationality)
Hi! My name is Anah Kryzanowski, I am 17 and have the difference called Treacher Collins Syndrome. TCS affects my outward appearance in my face where it involves the underdevelopment of my cheekbones, jaw, and ears! It also affects my breathing, speech as well as the way I eat. I am a Canadian citizen from Alberta and am in grade 12! Next September (2022), I plan on going into practical nursing for college! I currently work part-time as a substitute educational assistant!
What are some of your hobbies?
I really enjoy reading and writing, as well as longboarding (a bigger version of skateboarding). I also like to make bracelets and watch my favorite tv shows and movies (I am not sure that one is much of a hobby!). I absolutely love traveling with my family as well!
What got you into longboarding?
I would have to say some friends and various online videos! I also have wanted to skateboard for some time but wasn’t really interested in the tricks of it! I wanted to learn more just to ride!
Why are you interested in practical nursing? Do you plan on working in that field in the future?
I have wanted to work in the medical field for a long time now! I have had a passion for wanting to help people in life while also being able to show I can accomplish nursing while being hard of hearing. Many people in my family have become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) and that also inspired me to try and become one. I plan on going into a practical nurse program that I am set to start in September! I think this will be an incredible opportunity for me and a chance to allow me to help and make an impact on others' lives.
What are your favorite books? Movies?
I love so many books but my favorite books would have to be the “In The After” series as well as some books called “Stranded”, “The Outsiders”, and “Wonder”!
It’s hard to pick my favorite movies because I have seen so many but some of my favorites have to be “National Treasure” 1 & 2, the “Maze Runner” trilogy, “Guardians of the Galaxy” 1 & 2, as well as the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series! I love almost any movie with action and an intense mood!
What’s the biggest challenge that you’ve faced?
I am not sure what the biggest challenge I have faced is, but one challenge I have faced is gaining the confidence I have now! When I was younger it didn’t bother me how I looked very often because I was just a child and thought everyone was so beautiful! In my early t(w)een years it started to affect me more. I still liked how I looked but I was never very confident. It was hard because I got nervous sometimes in big crowds and would sometimes put my head down walking. Around 15, I started getting more online and in the community! My sister and I were featured on About Face Canada then were asked to be on Shake My Beauty! It was an absolutely amazing experience that helped me be confident and break beauty ideals! Being on the segment showed me how beautiful I am and my confidence went way up! I now walk with my head held high knowing how gorgeous I am.
How do you motivate yourself? What's your inspiration?
I motivate myself by embracing my disability and building up my confidence in how I look! I try to tell myself positive affirmations and encourage myself in what I do! My inspiration in life would definitely have to be my family and friends! They encourage me and build me up so much and support me always! I am so thankful for them and watching my friends and family accomplish so many things brings me inspiration to try and do my best! I also find my inspiration in God. As a Christian, I feel inspired by God to do what’s right and to do my best in everything I do. I also have found inspiration from online disability advocates and models with differences. They inspire me that I can achieve many things and also they help me build up my confidence!
How do you define beauty?
I define beauty as something that comes from the heart! Who you are as a person really impacts one’s inner and outer beauty! When it comes to physical appearance there is simply no definition of beauty. Everyone is beautiful no matter what they look like. There is no perfect way to look. It doesn't matter whether you have a disability or a birthmark or any sort of thing setting you apart from another, YOU ARE STUNNING! Though lots of society believes there is a right way to look there is NOT! Each and every person is perfect in their own way and everyone is beautiful!
What are your current goals (short-term and long-term)?
Short term goals:
1) Starting and finishing the 2-year program to become a practical nurse.
2) I want to become more of a disability advocate! As well as work toward spreading awareness and breaking beauty standards!
3) I want to start working as a nurse and helping people.
Long term goals:
1) Growing closer and closer in my relationship with God.
2) Traveling and visiting the world.
3) Starting and having a family to love and take care of.
4) Being able to bring confidence and joy to others throughout my life!
What is the disability community like in your local community?
The disability in my local community is wonderful! There are many opportunities to connect with others with disabilities and talk about confidence! I love being able to be a part of and feel acceptance in my disability community! I have been to camp at About face where I got to meet people with other differences and learned a lot and left with some friends! Tru faces is another organization in the disability community I know and love! Overall I get lots of opportunities to be a part of the disability community in my community and have lots of support and love from it!
What is the best way for people to educate themselves on the disability community?
I think people can really educate themselves by first off being accepting and respectful to all people in the disability community! They can also look to disability advocates and various people to help them understand many of the differences in the community and what is ok to do and say and what is not! Also learning to be kind and understanding is also key to helping understand others in the Disability community! One can also educate themselves by simply talking to a friend or someone that has a disability to learn about disabilities and differences and all the aspects that surround them!
To learn more about Anah, visit:
Anah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anahkryzanowski/
