I love to play sports, particularly basketball and tennis. Occasionally I would bring kids to the basketball and tennis courts to play as a form of therapy to help them cope with situations they face at home but don’t share because of a lack of trust. Creating that safe space where they can be themselves without any judgement is important to help them, especially their mental well-being.
When I was 12 years old, a classmate of mine inspired me to become involved in mental health awareness. She had down syndrome, and kids at school would often tease her. I felt the treatment was unfair and often found myself defending her, becoming good friends to better understand her. I started to work as a volunteer teacher at a local school during my time in university, and I’ve met many kids with different academic capabilities. They are often ostracized and called “weird.” But kids with disabilities are not weird. I especially want them to understand that.
After graduating from university with a degree in Psychology, I took on a child with autism and another with autism and ADHD as their educational advisor to help them improve socially, academically, and physically. As a Special Olympics committee member, I also coached basketball, setting and achieving the goal of accepting each other’s differences, with or without disabilities. I utilized various approaches, including play therapy and coaching, but the one message I shared with everyone was to have fun and discover their own, and each other’s, unique strengths. I was able to help them see that their disability is not their weakness, but their superpower! A change of perspective can give their lives a whole new meaning.
I dream about a world where youth (of all backgrounds) are more included than secluded within the classroom—a safe space for young people of different backgrounds to express themselves and realize their potential.
Now, I work at various camps and organizations acting as a counselor, volunteer, and activities coordinator. Through the ministry of Young Life and Boost Academy, I speak with kids from a one-on-one perspective about life, religion, relationships, education, and many other things. Just seeing the smile on their faces brings joy into my life because it shows me that I’m helping to change the world, one person at a time.