I always knew

I always knew

I always knew I wanted to help others. Throughout elementary school I saw my brother struggle with dyslexia. He was an outcast; he did not fit in because he was different. Teachers did not like him because he acted out due to not being able to understand what was going on in the classroom. Instead of helping him out some teachers would let him struggle to the point of frustration and acting out.

I always knew I was going to work with people who have special needs. In sixth grade, I would walk to the elementary school after I got out of school and assist in the SXI (Severely mentally impaired) classroom. I knew by the time I was in sixth grade that I wanted to grow up and be a special education teacher.

I always knew that the Special Olympics would play an important role in my life. When I was a freshman in high school I started helping out with the local Special Olympic Track and Field day. I looked forward to that day each and every year through high school. When I was in college I went back to coach several kids from the local middle school prepare for the Special Olympics.

I always knew I was going to be a special education teacher. From the time I was in sixth grade I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. While in high school, I would go to the special education math classroom when I was done with my work in my classes to help other students. When I was in college I got a job assisting a student in a TMI (Trainable Mentally Impaired) classroom.

I always knew I would make it. My junior year of high school I crashed while skiing and ended up with a Traumatic Brain Injury. I am not the same person I was before the accident; I will never be that person again. It took me a long time to accept that fact. This experience taught me several things. It gave me an inside look at what special education is. It taught me to be a stronger person. Things happen for a reason. I may not know the reason today but tomorrow it may make sense. I just have to take things one day at a time.

I always knew individuals with Down syndrome had a special place in my heart. From the first young girl I met with Down syndrome to today I have always enjoyed individuals with Down syndrome. While in college I became a part of a program called Best Buddies and it opened my eyes to Michigan’s educating its students with special needs until they are 25 years old. Best Buddies paired up college students with students in the post high school program. We took our buddy out on outings at least once a month though the school year. What an amazing experience!

I always knew I would love Gabriel no matter what. My son has designer genes. They will help to mold him into the little man he is but they do not restrict him from becoming an amazing young man and adult. Everything in my life up to this point has helped shape me into the person I am today and help prepare me for an amazing little boy!

I always knew everything happens for a reason!