Having a passion.

Over break I was ordered to go to my favorite nail place in Holland and to make an appointment with Jasmine, what awaited me was a gift certificate for a pedicure and a conversation with the woman I didn't know next to me. As I was catching up on celebrity gossip and soaking my feet the woman next to me commented on something on the news. I looked up agreed that it was horrible, and went back to reading my magazine.

The conversation continued and I listened, it went a little something like this:

L: Are you in school?
Me: Yes I am as Western Michigan University
L: What are you studying?
Me: Special Education
L: Oh one time... the conversation progressed into her going into subbing at the ISD to get more experience with that population of people/kids. Which I thought was a very insightful way to become more educated.... The conversation continued into how some of the children were very violent and could execute some of the same crimes that were committed by the 'Sandy Hook' dude could be done by some of the students at the ISD --- my wheels started to churn. She also spoke about the students she worked with that were on feeding tubes and other needs were individuals that just needed to be with God again. Blood boiling. She then got into the 'Sandy Hook' incident and gun control, and mental health. She then got talking about how the 'Downs' and 'Autistic' kids were this and that..... Talk about nails on a chalk board for me. She then proceed to get up and go to the other room.
Me: The only response I had to whole thing, or the only thing I could get in edge wise, is that the students that she feels that are threatening are more than likely frustrated and that regardless of their life circumstance every child has abilities that out due their disabilities. 


I like these conversations they make me think, they make me upset, but they make me realize that I need to voice the truth and educate others around me. It is also a reminder that I have a passion for a group of individuals that is undeniably apparent.

This conversation also sparked a conversation at dinner with my parent. My parents both had good points on how naive people can be when they are not surrounded by facts, and the truths behind what I am going into. More specifically we talked about the use of the 'r-word' and for those of you who are reading and becoming more aware of unaccpetable terminology in the field of special education and to those families and indivduals with disabilities the 'r-word' having the r + etard is not acceptable however many people use it to describe a bad day, etc. However to families it is hurtful and more importantly to individuals that are diagnosed with something it is offensive. The conversation escalated into how others around us don't always know the right way to address things and often times don't understand how others are affected. Unless there is a passion for this population. I have that passion.

Another topic my parents and I got on was person first language. This is rather new in the field and the terminology used but it is putting the person before the disability. They have an identity outside of their disability. Keep it in mind. For example she was diagnosed with Down Syndrome not they have 'downs.'

Yup I stepped up on my soap box but sometimes we all have to. I just strongly encourage people to be conscious of the language they are using in terms of people. For that matter terms they are using in public and with people they may not know, it is also important to watch out for those around you.

My dad had a good quote during our conversation, I wish I remembered it but regardless it was a good one and he should pretty much write down all his witty quotes, but it went back to me having a passion. I do, and I hope all of you do too.

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Life Update: Final Semester Begins

Side-note: As this year gets under way I am marking the final semester at Western and am wrapping up all my course work and all the work I have left to do with Honors College. With that being said I am taking 19 credit hours and so far am LOVING it despite the work that it will entail. As I was on Facebook the other day I like how my friend Adriene put my work load: "It's a different kind of busy though." That it is I get to start my day with 10 beautiful preschoolers. I would be lying if I said I didn't tear up when they all trucked into the hall my first day with their winter coats on and their little faces starred at me. It took me back to the last time I was in a preschool class and yes, yes it was when I was in Dakar. My heart fluttered and yet again I felt like I was right where I had to be. I LOVE it. I can get used to singing songs, practicing names and letters, opening snacks and milk, tying shoes, planning crafts for the month, having my hair 'cut' while playing house, and zooming cars through the car village. And I love to hear all the stories about my students and how far they have come with their development and milestones. Makes my heart sing!

I also have very exciting news to announce! One of my classes I have is an independent study with Sarah who was my professor while I was in Dakar. I will be presenting at a conference in March for the Council for Exception Children in Grand Rapids. There will be more information coming soon! Until then I continue to grow in my field and soak into my last semester of course work at Western!

As for life I am trying to make changes and to better myself and relationships. I am falling into a routine of school, working out and relaxing. Not to mention getting to bed early, real early!! I am happy, things are falling into place and I keep praying that God continues to provide in areas that need work.