Why do you serve?

As an individual working in a school I am surrounded by many amazing teachers who I hold in high regard. I have been reflecting on all the dedicated teachers that have played a vital part in my life inside and outside of the classroom. These teachers exemplify many traits- patience, charisma, intelligence, and humor. The list goes on. My admiration for teachers has exponentially increased this year.

 As I look around me at school I am so incredibly inspired by many people. I have also been thinking more about others in my life that I have considered to be great teachers. Some of these people are students, strangers, fellow employees, peers, and workers from the cafeteria at my college. The one teacher that can't be matched is my brother Christopher. He continues to challenge me, make me think, and teach me. He lives his life to the fullest everyday.

What does happiness look like? 

What does love look like?

My brother Christopher is twenty-one. He has a developmental condition called Cerebellar hypoplasia. His cerebellum never completely developed and as a result he has never walked. He also experiences delays in his cognitive, emotional, physical, intellectual, and motor development. He is SO happy on pretty much everyday! He is easily content. Give him his comfy chair, a slice of pizza, and a Backstreet Boys CD and he is going to have the best day you have ever seen. 

Growing up with a brother who has special needs changes your whole life. It changes how long it will take to get in the car, the number of doctor appointments and specialist visits you will go to, how you will spend your weekends, and for me all of my interests. I truthfully think Christopher is the first person who inspired me to make service a central part of my life. He is the reason I first started my volunteer work with children who have special needs. Because of him my high school and college service was mostly oriented around working with children who have disabilities. My brother has helped solidify my interests in disabilities, education, and school psychology. 

 During my year of service at Saint Martins I have gravitated towards the students with learning disabilities. I have been able to connect with students who aren't able to get the extra help they are yearning for in the chaos of the traditional classroom.  My time working with these students has been very gratifying. Soon I will be moving onto graduate school and working towards my masters in school psychology. I feel very grateful to all of my teachers, my brother, and the Humility of Mary program for giving me the opportunity to work in a school setting. All of these people and experiences have worked together to bring me to where I am right now. 

<3, Tina