Beyond the Inabilities by Imoni

Beyond the Inabilities by Imoni - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

Throughout one’s life exposure to various people and cultures impact the components of one’s character. During my participation with Special Olympics my personality had been greatly influenced. For over a decade my mother has been a special education teacher, working alongside children with a variety of disabilities. Due to her active involvement in the special needs community I have known and interacted with many of her students during her career. The urgency to help others has been embedded in me since the age of three.
When the opportunity to embrace my desires was presented to me in my high school years, I immediately signed up. With no actual idea of what would be required of me I was eager to participate. I hadn’t been involved with my mother’s students on a physical level and had no idea of what to expect. It was once said, “Fore it is the unexpected that changes our lives”. I agree completely. I arrived at the event in total awe and admiration. I was given a volunteer shirt, a name tag and an assignment. Let the games begin.
As I accompanied other volunteers at a table an overwhelming heap of beautifully colored medals arrived. The microphone came shortly after. We were to rank athletes 1st to 3rd place and announce their names, rankings and events. An infectious sense of positivity filled the arena. The sounds of loud cheers, high-fives, and applause contributed to a breath-taking experience that had begun to sharpen my individuality. As I watched the athletes compete, I found myself victim to the inescapable spirit, screaming to the top of my lungs for people I had never met. I began to realize how similar these individuals were to me; they shared the drive to win, the will to have fun and the desire to compete.
It amazed me how extraordinary they were despite the obstacles they endured daily. As I partook in conversations with the athletes I learned why this annual event had been named Special Olympics. It had little to do with inabilities or physical hindrance. Being primarily involved in the event I have gained an understanding of how “special” every athlete is. Each athlete is more than what they appear to be. Robert M Hensel, born with Spina Bifida, says “There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more.”
During my experience I have learned to look beyond face value, assist above the requirements and embrace the differences in every and any individual I encounter. I have met a large group of stunning people who unknowingly shaped the person I am and the person I have yet to unleash. I have learned the true importance of confidence, social inclusion and sportsmanship in our society. This event is deemed most significant to me because it has improved my perception of humanity.