Teen paralyzed by stray bullet as toddler set to graduate from high school

BOSTON — Kai Leigh Harriott was just three years old when she was paralyzed from the chest down by a stray bullet while playing outside her Dorchester home.

Two years later, at the age of five, Harriott publicly testified at her shooter's trial and forgave him.

Now, at the age of 17, the incredibly wise and strong teen is set to graduate from high school.

MORE: Innocent victim of gun violence wants to help 9-year-old shot in Roxbury

"I mean I definitely remember it vividly, but I don't think about it everyday," said Harriott.

Today, Harriott refuses to be defined by her injury or the memory of it. With plenty of goals and dreams to accomplish, Harriott's graduation from Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart on Thursday is a major step into her bright future.

As a student, Harriott led countless protests over gun violence after school shootings around the country.

"Coming from communities like this, gun violence is not something most people are affected by, but where I come from and for people who look like me, it is a reality that we face," said Harriott. "To be able to speak in front of my school community and let them know it's a lot closer to home than they think was really important."

RELATED: Community, police come together for annual basketball tournament

For Tonya David, her mother, it's day she's looked forward to for many years.

"Kai is not defined by this chair, Kai is defined by Kai," said David. "I know that I have raised a history maker and a world changer."

Kai is set to start at the University of Arizona in the fall.

As she begins her journey into her college years, she says she's excited for what lies ahead.

"This generation is a generation of activists to be honest, maybe I'll get to a few protests and shake things up in Washington," said Kai.

Kai's graduation will take place on Thursday at 10 a.m.

Cox Media Group