PEOPLE: MY PERSONAL PASSION

​

           It can simply be stated that I am passionate about people.  I believe that every person’s abilities are limitless, and every person deserves the upmost respect from another. There is not a single stranger who is unworthy of my respect.   If I were to meet a stranger and encounter them again at another point in time, I will be overly enthusiastic to speak to them.  In the midst of discovering my internal extroverted self, it was evident why my personal passion for people existed.  Delving deeper, I discovered that my passion for people specifically lies in working with special needs students.  Children with physical, mental, and neurological handicaps such as Down syndrome, Autism, Apraxia, or Cerebral Palsy are the driving force behind 

          After spending a couple years working with my high school’s special education department, I committed to mentor for The Penguin Project,a central Illinois regional program designed to provide special needs students an opportunity to sing, dance, and act in four performances of a musical theater production for sold-out audiences.  As a Penguin mentor, I was not only responsible to teach the songs and dances, but I also was a caretaker, a support system, and a best friend.  Every weeknight for five months every fall and winter, I was captivated watching handicapped children reach goals that many assumed impossible.  I heard a boy who was constricted to a wheelchair sing for the first time in six years.  I helped a severely autistic girl who was brutally shy step out of her shell and perform as Ariel in The Little Mermaid.  One of my closest friends, Kristin, lives with Down syndrome in addition to a rare life-threatening lung disease, and despite her challenging physical restraints, she was able to enjoy herself singing and dancing on stage with just a little help.  I was, and continue to be, amazed by the steps taken by these children.  Children who have been constrained their whole life are shocking their parents, doctors, teachers, and the world, and I am overwhelmed knowing that I was the person holding their hand while they took that major step.   Although they might live life a little differently, some of my best friends live with severe handicaps, and I am motivated by their determination, love, and abilities.  Because of my work with special needs children, I concluded that every person’s abilities are indeed limitless.

          When I transitioned to college, I promised myself that I must always continue deepening my love for people with special needs.  I knew it would be easy for me to always connect with people in general; however, I believe that my passion for people was just a stepping-stone leading me to my work with special needs children.  I will always be connected with The Penguin Project and the students from my home community, and maybe I can continue caring for handicapped children throughout college.  Moreover, as a fashion design major, I am excited to possibly integrate my passion with fashion.  When caring for my friends with handicaps, I often witnessed their difficulties with clothing.  One goal of mine as a designer is to create an affordable line of trendy, yet comfortable and wearable clothing for children with special needs.  This goal may require lots of research and hard work, but if I could make just one of my handicapped friend’s life a bit easier, I would be satisfied knowing that I have achieved a new level of my passion.