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As Jennifer Kuhns sat outside in her wheelchair, waiting for the start of class — a curious boy turned to her and asked, "Were you born in that chair?"
The simple query became symbolic of the CSU Stanislaus alumna's challenging childhood, and it stuck with her as she grew and progressed through school. And it eventually became the inspiration for — and the title of — her first children's book, which was published in 2010.
"I was bullied," said Kuhns, who went on to earn bachelor's and master's degrees at CSU Stanislaus. "I was treated as deaf, dumb and blind — or just plain stupid. My mom says early on, I developed an odd sense of humor and an acceptance of other peoples' actions toward me."
Born 10 weeks premature in Hollister, Kuhns first began writing while a student at Gavilan Junior College in Gilroy. At CSU Stanislaus, she dove into the study of literature while pursuing a bachelor's degree in English, which she earned while graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2005. Three years later, she completed her master's degree in interdisciplinary studies with an English concentration.
While at CSU Stanislaus, Kuhns was published several times in Penumbra, the campus' annual art and literary journal, and she also worked on the journal's editorial staff. She said that experience was critical in preparing her for life after college, especially the world of publishing.
"It was in the Penumbra class where I learned what I needed to know to deal with editors, publishers, formatting people, and what goes in an advertising package," Kuhns said. "While at CSU Stanislaus, I learned about the benefits of networking and how to network, although networking takes me a bit longer than some."
Kuhns describes herself as "a writer who doesn't physically write." She dictates to her mother, Mitzi, who then types the words on a netbook Jennifer carries everywhere she goes.
In "Were You Born in That Chair?" a girl in a wheelchair helps teach her classmates about disabilities, with one of the key lessons being that all of them had some sort of disability, but most just weren't as visible as hers. The book — which recently won the Mom's Choice Award for family-friendly media, products and services — includes activities and cutouts that Kuhns said have been popular among teachers, and she has visited several local classrooms in addition to other gatherings and book signings to help promote the book and spread its message.
Kuhns hopes to publish her second children's book, "A Box Full of Letters," in the fall, and she's working on a third book that will be more tailored to younger children. She said she hopes the books will teach children to ask questions, be compassionate, and look beyond the surface to get to know people before making judgments.
"I guess what I learned most about growing up as a disabled person is to try everything you can, and don't give up," said Kuhns, who was a 4-H member as a child and showed sheep for nine years. "People can be mean, but that's usually because they don't understand or are afraid. And most of all, laugh."