When I tell people that I am going into special education, they usually say something like, "Wow that's amazing, I couldn't do that." When people tell me these kinds of things, I think to myself, it's not that big of deal. I'm not a hero. This doesn't make me some kind of Saint. I am just interested in something different than you. I shouldn't be praised for going into special education, it doesn't make me a better person than you.

The same thing happens when I tell people I babysit a little boy with Down Syndrome. They tell me, "Oh I'm sorry," or, "That must be tough." I come right out and ask them why are they sorry? And it's not hard at all, it's normal to me. I do get where people are coming from, but working with people who have special needs isn't something only special people can do.

I think the fact that I know someone with special needs is what makes me think this way. I see why people think you have to have a big heart for this job, but in all actuality, it doesn't take a special person to work with special needs people. I think going into special education will make my life more interesting and give me a reason to get up in the morning. Yeah, it's not for everyone, but it doesn't make you a selfless person.

My 10-year-old brother has even realized that special needs people are normal people. He loves to come to babysit with me. He even told me he wouldn't mind having a child with Down Syndrome when he is older. This makes me a very proud sister knowing that he will be so accepting of people who are different when he is older. I think more kids need to be introduced to special needs, that is why I am a huge advocate for inclusion in the classroom.

I just want people to be more educated on people with special needs and see that it's not always a bad thing. I am going into special education, not only to work with people who have special needs, but to also help other people learn more about people who have special needs.