Special Needs Children Overcome Obstacles

902 Words2 Pages

Some people may look at a person with special needs and see disabilities. Some may feel nothing but sympathy, while others, through the lack of knowledge, overlook these amazing individuals completely. I am one of the lucky ones that not only has experienced having a person of special needs in their life, but to also have the insight to realize the impact of the life lessons that my friend Jeff Geis has taught me. Jeff, born with Down’s syndrome, has overcome obstacles in his life that most of us cannot even imagine. Doctors told his parents to put him in an institution when he was a baby, stating that they would never be able to teach him to walk, feed himself or even live past adolescence – he would be too much of a burden. Today at the age of 21, Jeff is a High School graduate, he is taking courses at State University, working a part-time job at Valley YMCA and a part-time job at his father’s firm. Not only has Jeffy accomplished the things that the “professionals” said that he would never be able to do – he has achieved these things, and more. Persons with intellectual disabilities have qualities that I can only aspire to: among them are their strong mind, strength and determination, optimistic and positive attitude and above all, their kindness and acceptance. A strong mind, strength and determination are qualities that I always believed that I had until I met Jeff. I am not saying that I discovered that I did not have them; I just do not have the amazing drive that Jeff has. Everything that Jeff does, he goes at it full force with the belief that he will accomplish his goals. Take education for example, Jeff could easily have used his disability as an excuse but he was determined to graduate high school on hi... ... middle of paper ... ...ong the way. He has shown me that having a strong mind, strength and determination is all it takes to accomplish and overcome the obstacles in life that keep me from my true goals. He has shown me what optimism and a positive attitude can accomplish, if not just making the journey that much easier. I strive for the optimism and the positive attitude that he makes look so easy. Through him, I have come to realize that you are not a result of what happens to you, that "what happens to you" is a result of what you create. Above all, that living life with kindness and acceptance, I too can inspire others. If I can attain only a few of the wonderful qualities that Jeff possesses, I will be a better person for it. These are just a few examples of how my friend Jeff, a special person of special needs, has taught me to meet my own needs while meeting others needs as well.

Open Document