I have always known the phrase "don’t judge a book by its cover." I am sure we have all encountered it at some point in our lives, whether we read it somewhere or heard it said by a family member.
One thing is for sure, it is definitely easier said than done.
Especially with all the pre-set stigmas society unconsciously feeds to our brains. I can honestly say I have met my fair share of people from different cultures and backgrounds, each with their own story.
However, none have been more inspiring than when I met Chandler.
Chandler is not your average six-year-old boy. In fact, he is everything but ordinary. I met Chandler when I was a counselor at Camp CABAT, Center for Applied Behavior Analysis and Therapy.
The counselors were to help each child reach their full potential and be the source of encouragement they needed to succeed. We helped them with various arts and craft activities, such as making bracelets and "all about me" collages. We encouraged them in gymnastics, went swimming, and had fun playing board games with them.
Each counselor was assigned a child to take care of throughout the four weeks of camp. I was assigned to Chandler. Chandler stood out from his peers for many reasons. He was the youngest and quietest of the group. He was also diagnosed with autism at three years old, and has been fighting against it ever since. As a result of autism, Chandler has difficulty in socially interacting with other children, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors.
However, Chandler was willing to climb over any mountain. Chandler was not afraid to take the initiative of trying new things, even though new environmental settings can be frightening for autistic children.
Every morning, despite all the medications he had to take, the visits to his doctor, and his mother constantly worrying about him, he had a huge smile on his face, ready to go. Chandler's determination was very admirable for anyone.
Before volunteering at Camp CABAT, I considered a disability a burden. However, as the four weeks passed by, Chandler taught me that a disability can be a gift. As a result of his disability, Chandler and his family had a different outlook on life. They appreciated every day even more. At the end of camp, my challenges did not seem so grand anymore. Any obstacle, whether small or large, can be conquered with a little will power.
There was so much more to Chandler than met the eye. Disabilities are set by one. The only person holding you back from your goals is yourself. Each person that crosses your path during your lifetime serves a purpose.
This year, instead of setting them aside and not giving them the time of day, keep an open mind. I would have never thought that my greatest teacher would be a six-year-old boy.
Next time you are faced with an obstacle in your life, ask yourself, "What would Chandler do?"
