The summer before coming to college, I had an experience that changed my perspective of everything I wanted to do in my life. I went from being a biomed major to a collaborative elementary education major. During this experience, I saw a fire light inside me to help these students with disabilities reach their full potential.

Sadly, many people still view children with disabilities as people who don't belong in society. They don't accept them as they accept "normal" people.

Well, I'm here to tell you that if that's how you view them, you are 100% wrong.

All of these children will do something with their life. Something GREAT. They might inspire others, contribute to society, work jobs that others refuse, whatever they do, they will far above and beyond to do the best they can.

I want to be a special education teacher because these students deserve to have a voice just like any other person in the world.

They deserve to get every chance for help in order for them to succeed. Yes, it might take a while for things to process or instill in their brain, but I strongly believe they are worth every second I will spend teaching them.

There has been so much fighting for students with disabilities rights so they can have an equal opportunity, and I feel like I should keep fighting for them. Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has been around for over 40 years and keeps being edited and updated to bring these students the help and supports that they need.

So, please, when I tell you I want to be a special education teacher, don't make sad faces or feel bad for me. Don't look down on me or judge me.

This is my passion. These students deserve just as much of a chance as anyone else.

Just pray for me to be the guiding light I know I can be for these students. Pray that I can make an impact on their learning and in their lives. This is what I want to do with my life and I think I can make a real difference in these children's lives because they deserve it.