Every educator is impacted by their students, they brighten our lives teaching us as we teach them. And often we have a special student that stays with us even after teacher and student have moved on.
For me I often think of her as sunshine, smiling while she looks straight at you, telling you everything she wants you to know. A meeting of the minds, you just have to know to understand her, she is communicating and sharing, you just have to look beyond traditional conventions of communication. Not only can she brighten one’s day with her infectious smile she has even captured the heart of some of the toughest kids. While it pains me that not everyone gets her, those that do reap the benefits of the light she brings despite the incredible challenges placed upon her.
While lecturing throughout Finland at times it’s been challenging to share about my research. However, I am driven to share my passion so that people understand the importance of inclusive education for students with moderate and severe disabilities. I assume that people aren’t interested because they aren’t able to connect or relate. Maybe it’s because they never met someone like her before.
When I spoke recently at a University I was incredibly nervous as I knew that my audience wouldn’t “hear” me unless they felt the passion behind my work with such amazing children. Before I stood in front of so many I took a moment to visualize the sunshine she has brought to my life. This moment of reflection ensured that no matter what I said, I knew I wore my heart on my sleeve, and hoped that the participants would better understand how to best support our students.
I am advocating for my kiddos because it’s what I love to do. I wish others wanted this too but I like to think that with her sunshine I am strong enough.