As a part of my Introduction to Special Education course, we receive two special visitors during the semester. This visitors are meant to teach us something, and make us more aware of students with special needs when we begin teaching. These two visitors have taught me a lot of things, but I narrowed it down to 10.

1. A student learns for you.

Students with special needs learn for the teachers they respect. They just want you to know that they are trying, even though it may be hard for them to do.

2. The greatest teacher in the world is failure.

When you fail at something, you are pushed to do better. The key to success is failure and perseverance. Your students need to know that it's okay to fail.

3. Help from others will help you get through the struggles.

Even when you want to be alone, being with others and allowing them to help you is best. Even though it's okay to fail and struggle, it's also okay to ask for help.

4. If you have a disability, it does not limit you and your success.

YOU ARE MORE THAN YOUR DISABILITY. Your disability is a part of who you are, and it is not a weakness. Your disability is a strength that you were given because God knew you could handle it.

5. Teachers make a huge impression on their students.

You know that teacher that was always there for you? That teacher made an impression on you. Teachers have a wonderful gift, and we need to use it and appreciate it.

6. Choose your words wisely. You can change someone's life.

Bullying is so huge, and the words you use will impact someone's life. Would you rather hear "You are loved," or "You're worthless?"

7. Everyone is different.

Everyone is different and that's okay. We need to remember that we aren't all the same. We don't learn the same, we don't talk the same, we don't do anything the same way as another person. Your differences make you unique.

8. To build a connection with a child, you have to be willing to adapt.

When you adapt your teaching style for someone else, it shows you care. If you adapt your ways for a friend, it shows you understand. Be that person who adapts for someone else so they know that you understand and you care.

9. How you respond and react can change someone's entire life.

Use love to help your students or peers become who they want to be. Love is an all-powerful emotion and feeling that can impact anyone.

10. You can come up with a thousand excuses but in the end, you're going to do it.

Stop making excuses! No matter how many excuses you make, you'll end up doing what you've been making excuses for. Just go for it.

Whether you're a student or adult with special needs, a current special education or general education teacher, or someone that just knows someone with special needs, be the change we need in this world. You can learn so much from others, so give everyone a chance.