Growing up with someone who has special needs can seem hard and a lot of work, but it made me who I am. My aunt, Angie, is someone I hold dear to my heart, and I could not imagine living without her. Angie has down syndrome and she has taught me so much.

Being around her has taught me:

1. Not to judge people by the way they look and act

Growing up I have seen many people look at my aunt and her friends like there is something wrong with them. They also treat them like they're kids, but just because their minds work different doesn't mean to treat them different.

2. Patience

Sometimes it takes time to explain to them what to do and what not to do, but just like any other person they argue back and have moods. Sometimes they will just talk and talk about their days and it can get tiring; all you have to do is just listen to them. They will constantly ask you to hang out when you don't have time; you just have to tell them later and they will wait.

3. They have different priorities

When they go places, they have certain things to worry about. They worry about where they are going and how they are getting there. They want certain things when they get there too. My aunt will come over to my house and she has to have her coloring book, so she can color and watch tv all day. Whenever we go to the movies, she has to know what movie we are seeing, and she has to have popcorn and a drink.

4. They can be supportive

When I was in high school, I was in band and my aunt would come to every football game and concert. She would dance around to our music and cheer us on. She would cheer on our football team, and learn how to cheer with the cheerleaders.

5. How to have fun

My aunt and her friends love to hang out and have fun. They go on field trips every Friday to someone new and exciting. They love to dance around to any type of music that is playing. My aunt even dances in the middle of Walmart to the music. They love to sing Karaoke, and they know all the words to every Disney song.

6. To be artistic

My aunt used to go to this place in Brandon, MS called the Mustard Seed where they paint beautiful pictures. They are provided pieces of pottery to paint and bring to life. I personally love their Christmas ornaments; our tree is covered in them.

7. To not give up

Their lives might be rough, but they never give up on who they are. They go to high school where they learn stuff like everyone else and many life skills. They can even go to college who have many programs to help them succeed. Some even get married and have kids.

Growing up around people with special needs has taught me so many things. My aunt may have down syndrome, but it made her the person that my friends and family love today. If you ever get a chance to volunteer with people with special needs; DO IT. It is amazing to see how they work and live their lives. It is truly inspiring, and they always love new friends.