Senior year for MSOE students is consumed by senior design projects, applying for jobs and preparing for graduation. For Sierra Andrews, she added another project to her senior year agenda: writing a children’s book.

 “Not Everyone Walks the Stage” is a children’s book co-authored by Andrews and Nick Seidler, coordinator of special on-campus events, and illustrated by Alisa Tverdokhleb ’24. It tells the story of Sofia, a kindergartener who is worried she won’t walk the graduation stage like everyone else at the end of the year. The reader watches Sophia learn how to make friends, overcome challenges and discover she is just like her peers. At the end of the story, it is revealed that Sophia has a mobility impairment that makes her think she may not succeed in school. Her literal misunderstanding of “being able to walk the stage” at graduation worries her. Sophia’s wheelchair is hidden in the book until the very end to emphasize her common experiences with other students.

The idea for the story came while Andrews and Seidler were in the midst of planning commencement details. Andrews has been a senior commencement assistant for all four years at MSOE, which is a student position that helps plan and lead the commencement ceremony. Andrews, a wheelchair user, reminisced on the moment the idea sparked. “I made a joke about me planning commencements when I couldn’t physically walk the stage myself. We thought it would make a good book idea for children, and we went from there.”

Andrews and Seidler then worked to storyboard the book together, and Andrews took the lead on writing out the ideas they brainstormed. One of her favorite plot points was the idea of the children “pushing Sophia around” in a bullying scene. “I loved that I was able to subtly put in a wheelchair reference/joke that people wouldn’t understand until they read the whole book,” said Andrews. “I am somebody who loves to make light-hearted jokes about my wheelchair, and I was happy I was able to let that part of myself be shown in the book.”

After Sophia’s story, there is a second half of the book that features an activity section for children, as well as a section for adults and children to learn more. This portion includes a Q&A about having a wheelchair, where Andrews shares her perspective and answers the questions people often have about life in a wheelchair. There is also a Q&A with Tverdokhleb where she answers questions about her artwork.

“My favorite part of the book is the interview section. I love being able to educate people on my life as a wheelchair user. I think it sheds light on the struggles, triumphs and daily life that others and I experience in a wheelchair,” said Andrews.

Through the story and Q&A section, Andrews hopes her book gives children insight into life as a wheelchair user and teaches them that being different is a good thing.

“Everyone is different and has different ability levels. It doesn’t mean that you can’t or shouldn’t do something. I also hope that people understand that people with disabilities experience and live a similar life to able-bodied people. Throughout most of the book the main character’s disability is hidden, and the point of this was to show that just like everyone else, she experiences highs, lows and other day-to-day experiences that an able-bodied individual experiences.”

Andrews released her book at CONCINNITY, MSOE’s Sci-Fi, Gaming and Anime Convention, on April 26, 2025. She had been keeping the book a secret from most people in her life and was excited to share it with her friends, family and community.

This May, Andrews will trade in her commencement assistant uniform for a cap and gown at commencement where she will cross the stage and receive her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science diploma.

“To actually be walking the stage in May is a bit strange to me because I’ve done so much work for past graduates, and now I am a graduate. However, it’s also sad and exciting. I am closing a chapter of my life but simultaneously opening a new one and I can’t wait to see what comes from it.”

To learn more or purchase “Not Everyone Walks the Stage,” visit zepopublishing.com/not-everyone-walks-the-stage.