Steven Millward is a UW student completing his Juris Doctorate degree and a man living with quadriplegia. He shared his journey to law and lessons learned from his spinal injury that redefined his life path.
Steven, a fifth generation Jacksonite, was born to a family with deep roots in agriculture. His journey to Law, however, was influenced by his brother’s untimely death in a Jackson jail.
“His passing and the subsequent trial were really impactful on me being here in the Law Program.” Steven said.
Though he has not yet decided on a specific type of law practice, Steven sees many avenues for himself informed by his personal experiences.
“I’ve experienced [the legal system] through personal injury. It’s kind of a dirty word–personal injury, but that’s something I definitely wouldn’t close my eyes to. My family has also been involved in agriculture for forever, so going into that wouldn’t break my heart.”
“Something I’ve learned over life is that it’s easiest not to put all your eggs in one basket. To be open to opportunities and be able to recognize those when they come.”
Steven Millward’s accepting and open attitude is no doubt reinforced by the experience of his unexpected injury in 1994 that would forever alter his life.
“I got hurt at a rodeo in Baker, Montana, when I was 18 years old. I got bucked off, landed on my head.”
“I’ve been in a wheelchair longer than I was walking. It doesn’t seem possible– if you’d have told me that when I first got hurt, I’d have said no way on God’s green earth. But it surely has happened.”
Steven now uses a motorized wheelchair with “off-road” capabilities, allowing him to navigate campus. However, he believes that there is still much to be desired in the way of accessibility.
“There’s some work that needs to be done, but I think [the University] is well aware of that. The Law School is addressing it too with the new addition. I mean, the buildings are old…with upgrades come greater accessibility. They are aware they have deficiencies.”
Steven also mentioned resources available to all students, with and without disabilities. Things like free counseling, and the importance of leaning on teachers and friends to get through hard times.
“Many people have disabilities, mine is just a lot more visible. We all go through struggles.” Said Millward.
“Throughout my life, I’ve had support, which is the reason I’ve been able to do a lot of the things I’ve done. From my mom, to my family and my friends here and in Jackson– they have allowed me to rebuild myself and find a way through this life that I now have. It’s not always of our choosing, but it is what you make of it.”
Outside of his studies, Steven enjoys attending the occasional football game, and having dinner with friends. He is set to graduate in May and looks forward to building a life in his beloved home state of Wyoming.
