A Cerebral Palsy Teen Was Accepted Into Harvard; His Reaction Video Will Melt Your Heart
The siblings lose it when confetti appears on the screen and begin yelling and hugging. As for Matthew, he's off to Harvard.
When Woodstock Academy (Connecticut) senior Matthew Myslenski checked the progress of his Harvard University application in mid-December, he had no idea that millions of people across the world would witness the moment.
Yet that is precisely what transpired when Matthew and his twin Magda recorded their reactions to the shocking news of his acceptance.
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More than 3 million people have seen the video on Instagram and TikTok since it captures a candid moment of pure joy unfolding in real-time.
Born with cerebral palsy, Matthew Myslenski decided at seven that he wanted to go to Harvard.
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Matthew's wish came true last month, and his reaction to the news has moved strangers online to tears.
A video showing 17-year-old twins Matthew and Magdalena sitting in front of a computer, checking on his application, has gone viral.
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The siblings lose it when confetti appears on the screen and begin yelling and hugging. As for Matthew, he's off to Harvard.
"NO WAY!" Magdalena screams while hugging her brother, who is still in shock and amusement, "NO WAY!" "I was completely in shock," Matthew told NBC Connecticut. "I think it was just one of the best moments in my life."
According to the Harvard Daily, the acceptance percentage for the Class of 2027 was 7.56 percent for early applications.
Woodstock Academy (Connecticut)
This was the second lowest rate since the university opened its doors in 1636.
"I get so excited every time I get to talk about it because Matthew worked so hard for this," Magdalena said while speaking with NBC Connecticut.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a collection of conditions that make it difficult for a person to walk or balance themselves, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The disorder stems from a brain-development disruption or damage to the developing brain.
"Not only did I have to challenge myself academically, but I also had to physically work to get to a point where I can do what I want to do," Matthew explained.
Sara Dziedzic, one of Matthew's teachers at Woodstock Academy in Connecticut, praised the high school senior for being tough and determined.
"I think that says so much about his character. It says so much about his family's character," Dziedzic told NBC Connecticut.
"He was taught from a young age that if you want to succeed, you have to overcome, and you can not give up. That's the biggest message here."
According to his Woodstock Academy online profile, Matthew wants to study biology in college and become a doctor.
Magdalena intends to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
"I don't limit myself with anything," Matthew said, "and I want to inspire others not to limit themselves either."
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