No stopping this Harvard-bound Mariners Harbor success story

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. ---  “I think that it is time for us to break up. Our relationship has become toxic and you are spiteful and abusive.”

The harsh words are not from a gut-wrenching conversation between a couple on the verge of parting ways, but from a letter written by 18-year-old Imani Radney, a Harvard University-bound graduate of Petrides High School, for her college application essay.

NY Daily News photoImani Radney, 18, of Mariners Harbor, says having to deal with MS "has squashed any self-doubt of my ability to accomplish something."

The subject: Conquering multiple sclerosis.

Ms. Radney, of Mariners Harbor, was diagnosed with MS when she was 12 years old. Since then, she has braved the effects of the disease, which include loss of vision, loss of muscle usage, difficulty balancing, tremors, and fatigue.

But Ms. Radney does not allow the disease to rule her life. “I’m just way too competitive to quit,” she said.

And she isn’t exaggerating.

While attending Petrides High School, she danced, played soccer and ran cross-country. She was the treasurer of the Key Club, the president of the National Honors Society and interned at Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze.

Ms. Radney was the first Petrides student to receive the Michael J. Petrides Award for both mathematics and science.

The award, established by former Borough President Guy V. Molinari, honors the educator, who died in 1994. Petrides was a dean and professor of engineering at the College of Staten Island, former chairman of Community School Board 31, and a member of the city’s former Board of Education. He was dedicated to promoting excellence in math and science. The award is given annually to a graduating student who excels in these disciplines.

As for Ms. Radney, her hard work, grit and determination have paid off.

The next chapter in her inspirational story takes place this fall at Harvard, where she plans to study medicine and pursue her dream of becoming a surgeon.

“I cannot wait to go to Harvard, meet new people and be far away from parents!” she joked while looking at her proud father, Laras Radney.

Her perseverance and ability to conquer the obstacles imposed by her disease has made her into a resilient and determined young woman.

“I am not the little girl I was when we met and let me tell you something baby, this shrew will never be tamed,” she wrote in her letter to multiple sclerosis.

As Ms. Radney prepares to venture off to Harvard, she remains confident and excited about her future.

Said Ms. Radney: “Having to put up with this disease has squashed any self-doubt of my ability to accomplish something.”