Catching up with Sophia Maltus from the 2020 Y25 cohort

When Sophia Maltus was part of the first Y25 cohort in 2020, she described herself as an ‘accidental influencer’ as she occasionally shared aspects of her life living with a spinal cord injury on Instagram. Now a qualified lawyer, celebrant and community advocate, she’s also become an unexpected YouTube star

Sophia uses her story and sense of humour to break down stereotypes of living a life with a body that is 87% paralysed. Last year, she teamed up with her cousin Indy, who is also Sophia’s carer, to create their RNZ show, This Is Wheel Life. Described best by Sophia. "As far, we’re concerned, my disability doesn’t get in the way of a fulfilling life - it just keeps things interesting. However, it is undeniable that there are many challenges for a disabled person living in a world made for the non-disabled. Accessibility is incredibly limiting not only in public spaces, but even in my home. Navigating sex and relationships is a whole new ball gam too."

When she’s not making engaging content, Sophia’s working full-time with MB as a qualified lawyer and tenancy mediator. Looking back over the past five years, Sophia is surprised at what she's achieved. "I thought I would have to do my law degree part-time over eight years, and was sad that I wouldn’t graduate at the same time as my cohort, but I managed to do it in four. I'm very stubborn and I decided not to use any assistive technology – I did the whole thing with my knuckles.  I didn't want to become reliant on assisted tech as everything would have to be adapted, especially once I started working; I didn’t want that limitation."

Sophia was able to graduate with her cohort. It wasn’t just her law degree that she had certain expectations for. Five years ago, Sophia thought she would never travel or own her own home.  

"I expected to be living in a cabin on my parents’ lawn, with my kitchen two metres from my bedroom and one metre from my bathroom."

But last year, Sophia bought her own home in Tāmaki Makaurau. She and Indy also travelled to Mexico, showing others how to navigate planes, trains, and cobbled streets in a wheelchair. "Many people lying in hospital beds with spinal cord injuries think they will never get on a plane again." The pair are hoping to do a travel show in the future.

The 28-year-old home-owner, traveller and lawyer, says she loves working with vulnerable communities in her role as a mediator, "and balancing the power in a situation that is highly imbalanced; giving mana to someone’s ideas, when that person’s idea would usually be disregarded in a situation with such a power imbalance. It’s such a gift to be in that position."

Sophia may have become an accidental influencer, but she's a determined and passionate advocate for her community. She talks of the privilege of an education and knowing your rights, especially if you have been thrown into the disability community overnight, which is common with people with a spinal cord injury. "The majority of people are vulnerable; they are labourers and work physical jobs and don't have access to information about their entitlements. I’m constantly watching people not get what they are entitled to and would never ask for more. I find that really hard. There’s not much hope in my spinal cord injury community. One day, I hope to do education work in the spinal unit."

After studying and graduating in family law, Sophia worried she would be dealing with divorces constantly, so she became a marriage celebrant recently, too. So far, she has officiated at three friends’ weddings with more coming in her future.

Sophia uses her influence to continue to break the stigma of living in a wheelchair and help people understand what life with a spinal cord injury looks like.

"It’s important for people to know that we go through hard things, but the hard things don’t rule our lives. We still have awesome lives."

More Whakaaro 

What’s your take on the word perfect?

"I think young women can often become focused on their outward appearance and strive for '.perfection', which I have been guilty of before my injury, but now my biggest imperfection is the first thing people notice about me and it has actually made me more confident… there’s nothing I can hide! YOLO "

What is one word to sum up how you feel about the future?

"Curious"

Who are your (s)heroes?

"I don’t really have a hero; I find inspiration within myself. I inspire myself to work on my independence, to have a career even when society would be fine for me not to have one. Inspiration sparks my motivation, and being your own source of motivation is a treasure that will serve you for the rest of your life."

How have your passions or view of the world changed in the last five years?

"Nothing comes to mind… five years isn't a very long time, though I have quite a few grey hairs now compared to five years ago. Actually, that is something that has changed! I’m finding real beauty in my own ageing, I love the wrinkles I’m developing around my eyes when I smile and the greys that are taking over, and I really hope more women share the same experience. So my worldview that has changed is that ageing gracefully is true external beauty."

What would 28-year-old Sophia say to 20-year-old Sophia?

"Well, 20-year-old Sophia had been living in a rehab facility for a year after breaking her neck at 19, and she was convinced she wasn’t lovable as a result of her paralysis. I would want to tell her that the injury isn't the problem at all. Instead, it’s her fussiness that is the reason she is single at 28." 😂

What does confidence mean to you?

"Well, confidence is embracing who you are and feeling worthy in what you are. You can put up a facade for as long as possible, but that is exhausting, and you’ll get caught out sooner or later. Be yourself - that’s the best foundation, especially when you are in your early twenties and you’re establishing your adult life, career, friendships, hobbies, etc."

How would you spend an extra $50?

"Go to the doctor. I refuse to go to the doctor for anything related to my spinal cord injury as it was an accident, and ACC should be paying for it, but they don’t."