It all started when I found out that one of my childhood best friends had Aspergers Syndrome. His name is Ignacio Branger, and when I discovered that he had this syndrome it struck me hard. As a nine year old, I always felt like there was something "wrong" with him. Sometimes we would have trouble communicating or playing in the playground. I didn't understand how stuff so simple were so difficult for him. It took many lectures from both of our parents to explain to me what was actually different or "wrong" about him. Now, with clarity, I understand what is wrong. It is I that is wrong or anybody else that truly believes that people with different types of austisms, syndromes or disorders are different.
Just because Ignacio has a few …show more content…
I never knew this was going to be such a big part of who I consider myself to be. I love spending time, conversing, and coaching them. A Special Olympics athlete who has a special place in my heart is Chris Montoya. We have great times and conversations during practices. Topics ranging from how did the Miami Heat play last night, to this new game he got on his phone. He has taught me valuable life lessons such as how to beat Mark Labbett (nicknamed "The Beast) on the App Store game The Chase. With all jokes aside, I feel like he has taught or "coached" me more than I have taught him. Every athlete that I coach is an inspiration in their own unique way. For example, Lucas Estrada, a brain cancer survivor with severe autism, is a great inspiration. He pushes harder every time we have to run the traditional three laps around the field before practice. It is much easier to simply quit for him than to go on. I mean, if he does no one will complain because through the eyes of most people he is portrayed as being "different" or not as suitable as we are at playing sports. The exceptional thing is that he doesn't. He doesn't quit and he doesn't let his obstacles get in the way of his goals. Every time I run a lap with him he shows me that he is just as suitable as everybody else is and shouldn't be portrayed as
Just because Ignacio has a few …show more content…
I never knew this was going to be such a big part of who I consider myself to be. I love spending time, conversing, and coaching them. A Special Olympics athlete who has a special place in my heart is Chris Montoya. We have great times and conversations during practices. Topics ranging from how did the Miami Heat play last night, to this new game he got on his phone. He has taught me valuable life lessons such as how to beat Mark Labbett (nicknamed "The Beast) on the App Store game The Chase. With all jokes aside, I feel like he has taught or "coached" me more than I have taught him. Every athlete that I coach is an inspiration in their own unique way. For example, Lucas Estrada, a brain cancer survivor with severe autism, is a great inspiration. He pushes harder every time we have to run the traditional three laps around the field before practice. It is much easier to simply quit for him than to go on. I mean, if he does no one will complain because through the eyes of most people he is portrayed as being "different" or not as suitable as we are at playing sports. The exceptional thing is that he doesn't. He doesn't quit and he doesn't let his obstacles get in the way of his goals. Every time I run a lap with him he shows me that he is just as suitable as everybody else is and shouldn't be portrayed as