Double car crash survivor Sophie Delezio opens up about her greatest passion: “I just love the freedom”
Sophie Delezio has opened up about up the passion which helped strengthen her confidence, following the horrific car crash 15 years ago that altered the course of her life.
The 17-year-old said that acting allows her to feel truly “free” while teaching her new things about herself, as she prepares to graduate school and sit her HSC exams.
In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald Sophie said: “Instantly, I am no longer Sophie. I am whatever character I am playing.”
“I think I was four [when I started]. I just love the freedom and the difference – each day you never do the same thing.”
In a few weeks, Sophie will perform a monologue from The Handmaid’s Tale for her drama practical examination.
“I'd never really found a script before that I loved so much, that I really was motivated to do," she said.
"As long as you know how to do it, how to portray it truthfully, [then] no matter what the storyline is, or who you are playing, you can always draw on life experience or an experience you've seen someone else go through and bring it to your character."
Sophie has showed great strength following the December 2003 car crash, when a 68-year-old driver suffered a seizure and crashed into the wall of Sophie’s childcare centre.
Seven toddlers were injured in the crash; however, Sophie suffered the greatest impact – receiving burns to 85 per cent of her body and losing both feet and one hand.
In 2006, Sophie was the victim of another incident when she was hit by a car while being pushed in a wheelchair over a pedestrian crossing by a nanny.
After the hit, Sophie was flung 18 metres through the air and suffered a heart attack, a broken jaw and a broken shoulder.
While Sophie is unsure what career path she will pursue after she finishes school, the hardworking student’s future is bright, already proving her resilience by getting a part-time job and receiving her driver’s license.
“I'm very excited," she said.
"I'm emotional because I don't want to leave high school but by the end of Year 12 you are ready for it to be over."