High school was a really fun four years! It was filled with amazing friends, awkward times, and some of the best people I knew… who just happened to be my fellow classmates in special education. I was a peer tutor in this class, who had such a blessing to have an amazing teacher, and there is no doubt in my mind that signing up to peer tutor was one of the best decisions I made. I learned that people with disabilities are no different than you and I. They taught me more about myself than I taught them. Shocker. They might learn differently or look a little different than the rest of us, but they are human. They have emotions, feelings, and are capable of so much if they are given the opportunity. They yearn for people to look past their disability and be their friend. Not out of pity, but because they, like us, need a community of believers surrounding them, pushing them towards Christ, and loving them.
Because of the time I was able to spend with them in high school, I learned that advocating for people with disabilities is a passion of mine. “Spread the Word to End the Word” is a campaign to end the “R-word” (retard). Today, I want to remind people that those with disabilities are not identified by their limitations. They are not “retards,” and using that word is hurtful to them, their families, and so many others. They have overcome odds that many of us have never even had to face in our lifetimes and because of this, they are so strong.
I legally can’t name the individuals who impacted me the most in that class, but I want to thank them. Although I don’t see you anymore, thank you for showing me what a treasure it is to have been your friend. Thank you for impacting the way I view those who have a disability. Thank you for teaching me that love truly does have no limits. And lastly, thank you for giving me the confidence to become a special education teacher. It truly is an amazing job that I get to walk into school every day and advocate for those who can’t.
I can only hope that this next year, I get the chance to advocate for those with disabilities while on the race. In particular, an orphanage in India, called “Sarah’s Covenant Homes.” This orphanage was the reason for why I chose the route I chose. India was a requirement on my route, so that maybe I would get the chance to visit this orphanage. I first heard about SCHalmost three years ago and have yearned to go to since. And who knows? Maybe one day I will get to use my passion for those with disabilities to advocate for them in another country long term. But, only God’s timing will tell…
So until then: SPREAD THE WORD TO END THE WORD! 🙂
