Teri Garr Autobiography

We're all human. we all feel things, differently at times but we all feel. Some may hide their pain in drugs or alcohol while others isolate themselves. Little do we realize how blessed we are to truly understand things the way we do. Some could say those with disabilities are blessed, and maybe that perspective is true. But I want to take the long road ahead of me and figure out what these people with disabilities feel. "When you hear the word 'disabled,' people immediately think about people who can't walk or talk or do everything that people take for granted. Now, I take nothing for granted. But I find the real disability is people who can't find joy in life and are bitter"- Teri Garr. If someone was acting unusual or peculiar, I would have

no shame in observing their behavior. Some could say that was ill-mannered, but I knew what I was doing. I was observing those children who acted distinctively adverse than I. For instance, In my kindergarten class there was a student with down syndrome. As a youthful child, I had no indication as to why he acted the way he did. I went home to my mother and asked her why some people "look and act different." She told me this one sentence that started my journey to understanding. She said "because not everyone is as lucky as you are." As I grew up involved in dance, I was part of a studio that had a dance class for those with down syndrome and learning disabilities. Watching the happiness erupt on the children's faces, was something that made me equally as happy. I knew from when I was younger, what I wanted to do with my life, and it was to help those less fortunate than I, experience the happiness and joy I do while dancing.
My perspective changed from feeling entitled and not appreciating what I have, to one where I understand the luck I am gifted with. Heartbreak, and divorce are things that change you through life most definitely, but the ability to be gifted with a full aboe and healthy body is a blessing. This thought evolved once I started to work with these children who are not as lucky as me. I was a child who had no physical barriers. I was able to dance, and until I noticed how fortunate I was that I had the ability to do so I did not appreciate my body. The ability to move and feel everything through movement and music is a gift, and those with disabilities desire the same opportunities as I. I decided to give them my gift, because once I learned to appreciate what I have, I realized that giving others the happiness I receive from dance is truly a memorable thing. As I was younger watching these children with disabilities(most prominently with down syndrome)I had so many questions.
When I was 12, my parents got a divorce leading me to be depressed and confused. Not
having 2 parents love each other the way I love them.

I started to behave differently than before. As I had dance in my life since I was 2, I knew to use it as an outlet. The way the body can release emotions in a healthy way is a beautiful thing. I found myself dancing at least 40 hours a week, and loving every second of it. on top of using dance as a release, I also had therapy. this introduced me to the beauty of the human mind. The realization that everyone is so different, yet experiences things so similar. This started my interest in psychology. I wanted to know why people felt the way they did and how certain situations can affect the human mind so intricately. Along with this, I wanted to start my research of those children with disabilities. As a human with no disabilities showing myself, I wondered how those with such disabilities as Down syndrome, and Autism felt when confronted with situations alike to my own. Once I started teaching children the beautiful outlet of dance, I learned about the mind inside. The movements they choose to do, and the energy put into it shows more than they understand

themselves
I have begun to assist and teach children with down syndrome and learning disabilities every Friday from 4-5:15.

I show them the beauty of the outlet of movement through dance. One of my students Avi came to the class for the first time very angry and frustrated. He is a young 12 year old with autism, and no idea how to release the anger he has. 3 weeks later and he is a group leader, and has not only grown himself into a role model but has helped others grow to reach the level he has become on. Avi has been an inspiration to me. He has shown that no body is helpless once you give them an outlet and a way to believe. As a young child with disabilities may not always know the correct way to express themselves, they are often found having overly exaggerated mood swings. Having dance as an outlet, this gives them an anger, sadness, and happiness release. As I have done an abundance of research about the motor skills of down syndrome children I have come to learn that they are late to reach the early motor milestones. As a child with this disability reaches a progressive level, they are able to dance. And having the opportunity to teach them something so beautiful is inspiring. It inspires me to appreciate everything, and to become a more profound

person.
So the question to answer is when was a time your perspective changed. And mine happened to be the moment my mother told me to appreciate what I had, but the perspective grew to be more than just a thought. I took action when I decided to volunteer with those children who aren't as fortunate as I. From helping with those who were underprivileged and could not afford to pay for a dance class, to teaching those with down syndrome and learning disabilities how to dance. I learned that there is always something to be appreciative of, and there is always a lesson to learn. My perspective of life, and all the people in it have altered to a more positive side. I have learned that you can ascertain life lessons from anyone you meet, and that everybody is a value of time. That everyone no matter the disability, or social standard deserves the same opportunities as anyone else. My life has changed for the better, just from a simple sentence, I have changed my life to revolve around the idea of appreciating everything immensely.