I have been impacted by the advocacy of my own mother. I can remember when I was in middle school and having a very difficult time in school. The teachers wanted to put me in special education. This was when special education was not inclusive, you were pulled out from your peers, and made to feel different from the rest. My mother stood up for me and said she may be struggling and having a hard time but we will fight this thing without the label of special education. She made me go to summer school, I recieved extra tutoring during the year and it was hard but I made it. I am thankful that she stood up for me. I may very well have needed special ed services at the time but I believe that my mother felt so many children before my time struggled as well and did not have special ed, nor meds and she felt that with a little more help at home and from other sources I would make it and I did.
This impact relates to my own exploration in advocacy because I see how hard she advocated for me which makes me want to advocte for others. I love children and I want to see the best for them. Through advocacy you can work on providing the best for all children.
Jamie,
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful that your mother is such an inspiration for you. I think it is such a wonderful teaching moment when children can witness their own parents standing up for them.
Jamie,
ReplyDeleteYour mother sounds like a very wise woman. I hope that I would have the stenghth and wisdom to do the same for my son if he is ever in that situation. It really goes to show you how important child advocates are and how many different ways they can make a difference.