Yuri Day lives an ordinary life despite extraordinary conditions

Klein High School freshman Yuri Day has established a way to conquer the trumpet despite his disabilities.

High school is rough on almost everyone, but it can be especially difficult for students with disabilities.

Jonathan "Yuri" Day is one of those students with disabilities, but he doesn't let it get him down. According to a press release, Day is a freshman at Klein High School, and he only has one limb.

He walks more than a mile each day, on his prosthetic leg, just by attending school. Klein High School is 687,000 square feet in size and is currently undergoing construction, which provides continual obstacles for Day, the press release stated.

Despite his physical impairments, Day has never been tardy for class. He also works hard academically and is enrolled in several pre-advanced placement courses.

In addition to his academic abilities, Day taught himself to play the trumpet using three toes, plays percussion for the Klein High marching band and competes on the Spring Creek Oaks swim team.

"He is an inspiration for all of us," David Gresens, KHS band and fine arts teacher, said in the press release. "His attitude is tremendous because he never complains and often does tasks without having to be asked. I wish I had 100 more students like Yuri."

According to the press release, Day worked with several music teachers over the years to learn how to play the trumpet. In sixth grade, Day's teachers worked together to get him to be involved in band and choir.

"The fact that he has come up with a way to play the trumpet and can compete on the same level as those who don't have disabilities is truly remarkable," Gresens said in the press release.

Day said that he knows he looks different but is a regular person and doesn't want any special attention.

"I don't ever want people to treat me differently because I'm just your normal, everyday person who just happens to look a little different," Day said in the press release. "Nobody looks the same quite honestly, and I've been taught it's not the difference on the outside that matters but rather who you are on the inside and what you do and stand for that determines your life and the person you will become."