An Exceptional Opportunity
Photo from Eduardo Cano Photo Co. via Pexels.
This past semester I was fortunate enough to work with Mr. Seely and two awesome students in a brand new opportunity through National Honor Society (NHS). I have been working with two students in our Exceptional Education program and serving as a “buddy” for them during their freshman gym class. It has been a wonderful experience that more juniors in NHS should consider adding to their schedule next year.
Every day during third block, I am enrolled in an “Independent Study” with Mr. Seely (this is how it shows up on Infinite Campus). I work with the two students helping them based on what we are doing that day in class. I mainly focus on keeping them on task, behavior management/regulation, and modifying exercises so that they can be included. Some days are better than others, but the opportunity as a whole has been enlightening and made me a better person.
The biggest struggle I have had is keeping my own frustration at bay when working with one of these students. Sometimes when they are upset, there is a miscommunication between us which leads to me being upset as well. It is so easy to get frustrated and walk away, but I have gotten so much better at coming at conversations with a different viewpoint to ensure we are all on the same page. There have been many times where me staying calm and showing them how to take deep breaths has helped both of us.
The best part of this experience, aside from getting to work with such an amazing teacher (shoutout, Mr. Seely), has been watching these students grow and begin to trust me. This process was not easy, but as the semester progressed we started to trust one another and that has been such a delight to help foster. One of my proudest moments from this semester is when one of my students said to me, “I’m feeling very hyperactive right now.” This was a huge breakthrough for this student to be able to communicate how they are feeling with me without any prompting. It honestly took me a second to respond because I was just so happy that they were able to communicate this with me. Another one of my favorite memories is when one student asked why I wasn’t in class the previous day and I explained that I went to tour a college since I am a senior and that is where I will be next year. This student then got very quiet, which is highly unusual for this student, so I asked him if he was all right. His response honestly broke me when he said, “I’m feeling very sad that you are going to college. Who will help me?”
I asked Mr. Seely some questions about this opportunity to get his insight on how this past semester has gone from his point of view.
What was your initial reaction when this opportunity was presented to you?
“I asked for this opportunity for our kids. Having someone like Emma is fantastic for everyone. Most importantly, it helps our students with special needs have the best experience in a fitness education environment. It also allows the coaches to really provide the best experience for ALL students. To answer the question, I was pumped when I got word we were going to be allowed to do it.”
What were you hoping for this semester to look like?
“I was hoping that Emma would be there to be a buddy system for our two students with special needs: Help them with tasks that are difficult, guide them with 1 on 1 time going through skills, give them breaks if needed, and generally help them live their best life in the traditional PE setting. Emma has been my right hand person and I know I couldn't provide the same experience to any of our students without her there!”
How has it been working with Emma?
“Troubling :) kidding!! She has been amazing. She has a way with our students that is rarely seen amongst people her age. Heck, she has skills that I envy at times. She helps me be the best version of myself. She is patient, caring, and all of those other attributes that one might give to a totally awesome person. I told her she isn't allowed to graduate and she is just going to be in my class for the rest of her days. Sorry, that is just the way it is.”
Would you be open to doing this opportunity in the future?
“YES!!!! We, as a fitness ed staff, are hoping to expand this program in the future and get more students involved!!”
Any other comments you would like me to include?
“While I have appreciated the work that Emma has done, I think the people who appreciate her the most are my students! She makes every day better for all involved. I urge anyone that is interested in participating in her role in the future to reach out to Coach Seely or Emma Suneja. We need good people that care about their classmates having the best possible experience that they can. It may seem like a small role but you can truly change a life by taking part in our program.”
I also reached out to Mrs. Orvold (Mrs. O), a paraprofessional who stops by every class day to help me if needed. She has been such an amazing resource for any questions and a wonderful person to talk to.
What was your initial impression of this opportunity?
“I am always happy to see a student step in and have interest in helping another student with disabilities.”
Do you think this past semester was an overall good experience for both the kids and the adults involved?
“Yes, it always is a good thing. Much of the student body has become used to the combination of adults and students all working together.”
Do you think the experience would be beneficial for more students to get involved with?
“If students have an interest in teaching or other areas of education, it can always be a benefit. We have a great group of kids who are involved in Best Buddies and spend time in and out of school with their buddy.”
How has it been working with Emma and Coach Seely?
“It has been a pleasure working with Emma. I'm so glad I got to know her this year! She has so much to offer in all that she does. I know this experience will help her in her future schooling and career choice. Coach Seely is a wonderful mentor during his PE class. I’ve known Coach Seely for a long time and he is the best!”
If you or anyone you know is interested in this opportunity please reach out to Coach Seely, Mrs. Gorski, or me! Knowing that I have made a difference in these students' lives is what I will remember about my senior year, more than any senior tradition.
