If you were to ask any of my close friends or immediate family whether or not I keep my promises, I'd like to hope that the answer would be a resounding yes. Many years ago, when I was just starting to learn how to lie and get away with it, I resolved to never break a promise. Tough task, I know. However, I set my mind to it and I've done the best I can since that day to keep promises as sacred as possible.

One day in high school, I walked out of the lunchroom to find a table set up, covered by a large poster filled with my classmates' signatures. The woman at the table asked if I would like to sign, explaining that it was part of the Best Buddies program's "Spread the Word to End the Word" movement. She told me that by signing I am pledging to not use the "R" Word (retard or retarded, if you don't already know) in a derogatory way and to do my best to stop others from using it.

I signed, and because of my promise I became very dedicated to this cause. I immediately did my best to remove it from my vocabulary, and I encouraged my friends to do the same. At the time, they did not understand very well why it bothered me. Even now, I have to explain to people that it does not offend me, and I do not have any close relatives that it would offend, but that I made a promise to change the way that word is used. Eventually, it caught on with my friends, and to this day they still apologize to me every time they let it slip around me.

While I may not be having a massive impact on the world, and often times I do not even speak up when someone with more authority than me uses the word, I still feel as though I am keeping my promise by at least changing myself and those around me in the smallest way possible. Really insignificant, I know, but sometimes it feels good to do the little things.

So please, if you are around me, and especially if you are around someone with special needs, do not use the "R" word. It just isn't necessary. Stupid, dumb, idiotic. All words that can replace the word "retarded" and maybe let some kids with special needs live better lives and feel better about themselves. You don't have to make a promise like I did, but the least you can do is try. I appreciate it, and I'm sure someone else out there will too someday.

This pledge acts as a reminder of my dedication to promises, and it reminds me that one person can change the world around them with anything they choose to do, whether it be keeping a promise or trying to be a better person. YOU have an impact on everyone around you. Use it!