She’s a nursing student by day and a cheerleader by night with some extra activities in between. On the surface, Tinsley Andrews is the epitome of a traditional college student, but she is anything but typical.
In fact, Tinsley Andrews is one in a million.
The Rainsville native was born with a rare form of dwarfism called kniest dysplasia, a condition that affects only one in one million people. The condition is the result of a genetic mutation that caused Tinsley to be born without the 13th chromosome, which produces collagen needed for growth.
She turns 21 this year, but she’s already experienced more in her lifetime than many adults. Standing at 4 feet and 5 3/4 inches, she’s only grown a foot since kindergarten. Her bones are brittle, and her cartilage looks like Swiss cheese, putting her at risk for broken bones and other injuries. She’s had surgery to repair a cleft pallet when she was very young. She lost vision in her right eye at age 11 when her retina detached, and she’s had seven to eight eye surgeries since 2016. She’s legally blind without corrective lenses, and she wears hearing aids.
Tinsley doesn’t let her condition slow her down and shows strength in facing down the obstacles. “I know I’ll have challenges the rest of my life, but everyone deals with problems of some kind. Mine just happen to be because of my dwarfism. People underestimate me, and it’s fun to surprise them.”
A self-proclaimed jokester, Tinsley has a way to put people at ease and show them she doesn’t need pity from them.
“I think the biggest question I get from people is how old am I. They don’t believe me when I tell them because I’m little. Sometimes I even tell them that I’m older than I am because I like to see the shocked look on their faces. If I can put them at ease by joking around, then I’m good with that,” she said.
Tinsley openly talks about her condition to anyone with a genuine curiosity to know more. By educating her community about the reality of her Achondroplasia, she can settle any misconceptions and put herself on the same playing field as others.
“I’m just like everybody else, just with some extra challenges. My facial features are different. I’m smaller. I didn’t realize how little I was as a kid, and sometimes I still don’t. I can’t let it keep me down. I like to have fun. I like to face challenges head-on. You never want to tell me I can’t do something because I’m going to show you that I can,” she said.
Tinsley’s college life is just one example of what she can do when she’s determined. A sophomore at Snead State Community College, she is in her second year of the Registered Nursing program. She tackles the tough curriculum while working in the Campus Engagement office and cheering for the Parsons.
“I love it. I’ve cheered since I was in kindergarten. I like the energy,” she said.
Energy is also what she brings to her pursuit of an Associate degree in Nursing. Her career choice was influenced by the amazing nurses who have cared for her over the years at Children’s Hospital.
“I can never thank them enough, but I can give back. I want to work with children in some capacity. I want to care for them in the same way I was cared for, and I hope my experience can be an inspiration to them,” Tinsley said.
“I am thankful for my time at Snead State. Every single instructor I have had has been more than accommodating. They have always gone out of their way and have gone above and beyond to help me with any visual or hearing accommodation (I may need). It really makes me feel welcomed, heard, seen, and more prepared for success.”
What does the future hold for Tinsley Andrews? The question brings a smile to her face, and she shrugs her shoulders.
“I don’t know where I’ll be in ten years. I really don’t think that far ahead. I’m more focused on the opportunities I have now. I could complain about everything I’ve had to deal with, but what’s complaining going to get me? I would rather laugh and have fun. It’s cool to be unique. How many people get to say they’re one in a million?”