Biggest influences in Life

Who are the biggest influences in your life?

The first biggest influence in my life would have to be my mom, she was my best friend till her death when I was 7 years old. She taught me in those short years I had with her how to be a decent human, to see no differences in the people around me. She gave me my love and passion to work with special needs people. She also gave me the want to work in healthcare for many years before the pandemic started and working in a nursing home became too much. Nowadays I find myself working with all grades in my local school district. For instance, I remember the love and care she took with the people that were different in our church. She showed me that though some of the children in my church looked different or something about them, like a girl that had no eyes, looked scary, she was no different than anyone else. The girl just needed someone to show her kindness and help her get around unfamiliar places. She introduced me to children of different abilities and backgrounds, teaching me the importance of empathy and inclusivity at a young age. This experience not only shaped my career path in healthcare but also inspired me to become an advocate for inclusive education within my school district. However, it is important to note that not all individuals with disabilities or different abilities receive the same level of support and inclusivity. In some school districts, there may still be a lack of resources and accommodations for students with special needs, hindering their educational opportunities. This can lead to exclusion and limited access to quality education, contradicting the idea of inclusive education.

I also have fond memories of taking care of my grandma’s employer’s service dog. Though I do not remember being taught how to interact with other service animals, I somehow always knew that if a dog had a vest on you, let them alone. It was not until later that I learned about the importance of service animals and the role they play in assisting individuals with disabilities. Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks that help their owners navigate their daily lives. They are not pets but rather highly trained companions that provide vital support and independence. It is crucial for society to understand and respect the presence of service animals, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can fully participate and be included in all aspects of life.