As a woman with a disability, Mercado has a unique perspective: "People are always trying to 'save' us, but really they should be trying to save themselves. People think we need to be saved, because we're different. But people who throw that negativity out, it's really because they are looking at their own reflection."
To Mercado, that attitude has parallels to bullying. "That's why bullies exist, because they are insecure with their own selves, and it's easier to make fun of someone else," she said. "It's not as easy to look at yourself in the mirror and ask 'what am I doing to make this world a better place?' If bullying is all you got, stay in front of that mirror a little longer and figure it out. Therapy is a great place to start."