Missy Jenkins Smith is sharing her story of forgiveness. Survivor of the 1997 Heath High School Shooting in West Paducah , Ky. , Missy was a 15-year-old sophomore when classmate Michael Carneal opened fire on a before-school prayer group. Left paralyzed from the chest down, she has dedicated her life to helping troubled adolescents like Michael.

Co-author of the new book, “I Choose to be Happy: A School Shooting Survivor’s Triumph Over Tragedy,” Missy explains how forgiving Carneal has given her the strength to lead a fulfilling life.

“I chose to write my book because I know there are people out there that may be going through the same things I am; whether it be paralysis, or trying to forgive someone,” says Smith. “I felt like I have learned a lot in the past 10 years and that I could help someone who may be facing the same issues.”

Earning a bachelor’s degree from MSU in social work in 2004, she didn’t let physical challenges stop her from enjoying the college experience. As a student, she served as president and vice president of the Student Association of Social Workers, vice president of American Humanics, and senator in the Student Government Association. A member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, she was named one of Ladies Home Journal’s Most Fascinating Women of 1998, Kentuckian of the Year in 2000 and Miss Wheelchair Kentucky in 2003.

Missy has traveled across the country speaking to school groups and raising awareness to prevent school violence, including the Democratic National Convention in 2000. At schools she has spoken at in recent years, two teenage students have approached her admitting they had contemplated suicide and decided not to after hearing her story.

In July 2007, Missy confronted Carneal at the Kentucky State Reformatory. She reveals details of that significant meeting in her book.

“I’ve always said that there will never be closure for me. But I think that visit was the closest I’ll ever come,” says Missy.

Sarah Brady, whose husband Jim was wounded in the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, has written the forward to Missy’s book. Diane Sawyer, television anchor for ABC’s Good Morning America comments says, “Missy breaks your heart, puts it back together again, and makes you a believer…”

Carneal, who is serving life sentence, has recently appealed his guilty plea. The appeal is scheduled to be reviewed by the Kentucky Supreme Court in 2009.

Now a counselor at the Calloway County Day Treatment Center in Murray, Missy brings a wealth of life experience to her job. “I chose this career because I felt that being a social worker I would get the opportunity to work with people like the boy who shot me,” says Missy. “I am doing that now as a counselor.”

Missy and her husband Josh, a 2004 MSU graduate, celebrated the birth of their son Logan in 2007. A crusader for hope, she remains thankful for the many blessings in her life.

Missy’s book was released in October 2008.