Cameron Clapp
Psychology Major
Recipient of Zelle Diefenderfer Scholarship

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“Impossible is an
opinion, not a fact”

According to Cameron Clapp, a remarkable young man and the student speaker at Cuesta’s annual scholarship reception this year, “Impossible is an opinion, not a fact.”  As Cameron spoke, he emphasized his belief that with positive thinking, hard work, and a good education, one can do anything despite the challenges—including physical handicaps. 

Cameron is the recipient of the Zelle Diefenderfer Scholarship. He’s just like many other Central Coast students--free-spirited, surfer-blonde--except with a big difference. Cameron lost 3 limbs--one arm and both legs-- in a train accident just four days after the nation suffered the attack on the World Trade Center in September 2001. Cameron admits to drinking heavily that night and has since become outspoken about the dangers of alcohol abuse.

Cameron says he has uncovered an innate determination to succeed in life by applying himself in sports, and by pursuing an education at Cuesta College. With the help of state-of-the art prosthetics, Cameron not only re-learned how to walk, but also became an active competitor in sports for the physically challenged including running, swimming and golf. Cameron has won numerous gold medals in the Endeavor Games, a sports competition for amputees, and continues to develop new skills at an astounding pace.

Changing lives through education is what Cuesta’s scholarship donors believe in. Every year their support helps students achieve their academic dreams. This year 237 Cuesta students received a total of 260 scholarships, valued at more than $130,000. Another $224,600 was awarded to students from local groups and hometowns. All funds were waiting for the students when they enrolled at Cuesta.