The SpecialMoms Parenting Magazine 4th Issue | Page 19

There’s something that I was not prepared for…
being denied opportunities because of my disability. I was raised in a family where I was no different
than my siblings. My mother has always been my
greatest ally and advocate but she also believed in
being honest with me. “You have to work harder
and do better because people will judge you” she’d
tell me. Followed quickly by, “but you can do anything if you work hard enough.” While the first
half of her statement always annoyed me, I always
believed she was right, that I could do anything.
I also went to amazing schools and had great teachers who also made sure I was never treated differently, so I grew up assuming that all of my dreams
would come true as long as I did my best and

Whether

to hit another brick wall. Boy, was I shocked when
two days after the interview I was offered the job!
You see, I have finally come full
circle working at Whitestone
School for Child Development. I am finally in a place
where people don’t stare at
me or refer to me as “the
girl with the crutches,”
I don’t have to explain
myself.
I walk into a classroom
and all the children
shout, “Hi, Laura! Come

you think you can or can ’ t , you ’ re right .

worked to make my dreams reality. Reality isn’t
that simple; people are not always nice. I’ve been
on more than one interview where people made
it quite obvious that my crutches made them uncomfortable.
I quickly learned that my mother was right. It
seemed to me that my dream of making a difference would never come true. Every time I thought
I’d found the perfect job for me, I’d hit a brick wall.
My crutches always seemed to get in the way, be
the “elephant in the room.” I had always believed
that I could do whatever I wanted and that if I
worked hard enough, I could achieve my dreams.
Out of my own naiveté I had never really seen my
crutches as an issue. I am as independent as I can
be and I have never let crutches stop me.
I was beginning to question if I was ever going to
be able to make a difference. I was ready to give up
on my dream when I got the phone call to come in
for an interview. Can I admit I was nervous? I was
excited but hesitant. I was convinced I was going
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play!” The children know my name! I may never
know how much of a difference I am making in
their lives but I certainly hope that they all come
to understand that they are amazing and so very
capable of achieving their dreams. I hope that in
my own way, I am giving back to all of those who
gave to me, who helped me get to where I am today. I am truly more grateful than words can ever
^