As a freshman in high school, I experienced all of the emotions that came with being the underdog- being scared, nervous, and extremely anxious as I was going into some of the most important years of my life. The first couple days were tough; mean teachers, mean classmates, and mean amounts of homework. It was hell. But on the seventh day of freshman year, a young boy walked up to me while I was standing at my assigned locker and said, “Hi, I’m Josh, I have autism. Will you be my friend?” And from that day forward all of the mean things disappeared, and all of the nerves fled my mind.

I began getting more and more involved within the Special Needs classroom in our school, and not only that, but also with the multiple programs that our school, and the surrounding community had to offer. I helped out in the classroom during “bake day”, when each student got to choose whatever he or she wanted to bake. I would teach them how to read the ingredients, measure them out, and then enjoy it with them when it was complete. Watching their faces light up when they took a bite out of their creation was what made my days brighter and my heart stronger.

Along with aiding in the classroom, I also got involved in the Unified Sports program at our school. I played unified bocce ball, tennis, and track and field. “Unified” meaning an even number of special needs kids to us “big kids” that helped out. It felt wonderful when one of the kids would break one of their old running records, or win a tournament of bocce ball. I not only worked with the kids that were from my school, but also when we traveled to sports tournaments, I was able to work with and meet more amazing special needs kids from all around our area. It was always so nice to meet new kids and listen to them talk, learn their story, and participate in the things that they love.

Working with special needs kids certainly does not make me special, nor anyone else that works with them. It helps us grow as an individual. It makes your heart bigger, your brain smarter, and your disposition so much more positive. Learning patience, gratitude, and perseverance were only a few of the things I took away from those experiences. I am lucky enough to be able to continue my passion at WVU by being a coach for the Special Olympics team here in the state of West Virginia. Being a part of this has changed my outlook on life for the better. It has made me more optimistic, outgoing, and grateful for everything that life has to offer.

For anyone that is or has ever been nervous to get involved in something- don’t be. The only way we can succeed is if we keep moving forward and persevering. No one is stopping you from pursuing your dreams but yourself. Take advantage of this life, and make the most of every day. Because you never know what might walk around the corner and change your life forever. All it takes is a little bit of love!