14-Year-Old Shooting Victim Gets Standing Ovation Following Inspirational Speech At Middle School Graduation

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork)-- A young teen who was shot and paralyzed three years ago initially didn't want to be around people and had thoughts of giving up.

Today, she graduated middle school and shared some inspirational words with the audience, CBS2's Alice Gainer reported.

An 11-year-old Tayloni Mayzyck spent her elementary school graduation in the hospital, but today in her cap and gown the 14-year-old led the processional at her middle school graduation.

"Extremely proud... Tayloni came a long way from the hospital," her mother Priscilla Samuel said.

Three years ago, Mayzyck was shot in the face and neck while outside her Brooklyn home in gang-related crossfire. She was paralyzed from the neck down.

"She was so down she didn't want to be bothered by anybody. Loud noises scared her, she was afraid to be around people," Samuel said.

Today, she has a different attitude.

"She started opening more up to everybody and the teachers," her mother said.

While speaking outside to reporters, she was a bit shy saying she felt "kind of nervous."

But inside, the brave teenager received a standing ovation as she read a three-page speech to the crowd.

"Today I am a winner-- my mishap does not define me. It does not limit me. It just helps the fighter in me stay alive," she said.

Home-schooled for months after the shooting, she credits attending New Design Middle School with helping her find her voice.

The student won't be slowing down any time soon now that summer is here. Her mother told CBS2 she's got a summer youth job lined up.

"No one is going to stop me but myself. The sky is the limit," Mayzyck said.