But don't tell that to Caitlin Bartley. She's beaten the odds many times in her life, but she doesn't think of it that way. For Caitlin, it's not just one day at a time.

"It's just my life. Whatever. I just keep it positive because there's no reason to be negative," said Caitlin.

She just lives it, lives more fully and with more purpose than her mere 18 years of life would suggest.

"She has hung onto life," said Catlin's teacher, Carrie Busalacki. "She grasps life so well, but she does it with probably more flare than the average person because she is unwilling to let the little things in life get her down."

Autmumn Sharp is Caitlin's paraprofessional. Sharp has seen Caitlin's positive attitude.

"She doesn't let her disability hold her back. She's realistic about some things... what she can do and what she can't. But, she is very adventurous and wants to do as much as she possibly can," said Sharp.

Caitlin's involved in everything.

"I'm in National Honors Society. I will probably be in French club. I think I'm going to join the football team," Caitlin joked.

Maybe not the football team, but definitely student council. Caitlin's classmates elected her vice president.

"I'm really excited about being vice president. Like I said, I never thought I was going to get it," said Caitlin.

Even during the first day of her senior year, Caitlin's already looking forward to college.

"I'm ready for college. I just want my senior year to be over with so I can go onto college and be on my own," said Caitlin.

Caitlin's stepmom, Marilyn Bartley, is ready to let Caitlin move on.

"I'm going to support her through her senior year. I can't wait. I can't wait for her to graduate. I can't wait for her to start college - I can't wait for her to graduate college," said Bartley.

Caitlin's goal is to become a social worker.

"Whenever I'm in the hospital, social workers have helped me and my mom out a lot. So, I want to be able to help people too," said Caitlin.

What she doesn't realize is that she already does.

"She's a ray of sunshine... she is," said Sharp. "She always makes everybody smile; she makes you laugh; she's got a wonderful sense of humor; very creative; she just brings out the best in everyone."

"I paid everybody to talk good about me," joked Caitlin.

No payment necessary, because you can't find a person who doesn't love Caitlin.

"I've never seen her in a bad mood...ever," said Busalacki.

She is an over-achiever, especially in her attitude.

"I don't want to be an over-achiever. That's too much work" said Caitlin.

This comes from the girl who has repeatedly beaten the odds, and repeatedly inspired everyone around.

"She's very inspiring. She's a go-getter. She sees something she wants to achieve and she does it," said Sharp.

"I want for her everything that she wants in life, and I think that she can attain any goal," said Marilyn.

Caitlin's future is as bright and as big as her smile.

"It's all good," Caitlin said.

Join us Sunday night, August 31st, for the Jerry Lewis MDA telethon on KOMU 8 after the KOMU 8 Sports Show.