I've been blessed with many opportunities to work with special needs kids. Most people say, "It takes an extra loving person to work with special needs kids," but I believe that special needs kids have the ability to inspire someone to be an extra loving person. (I read this quote online and I believe that it is so true and so powerful). I have always had a talent for working with kids, but it wasn't until I started high school that I had experiences with kids with special needs. When I first met each of these children, I was inspired to help them in any way that I could.

My first experience working with special needs children was when I volunteered at different events throughout the summer after my freshman year of high school. One of those events was a week-long camp for children with autism and down syndrome in which each volunteer was assigned a child to teach him or her how to ride a bike. I was with a little boy named Ben, and when I was working with him I had no idea that he would inspire me to help even more children just like him. Ben was eight years old and had down syndrome, but I didn't see him as a diagnosis. I simply saw him as a sweet, curious little boy who was filled with so much love. Every morning when I saw him and every afternoon when he went home, he gave me a huge hug and the most genuine smile that I had ever seen. By the end of that week, Ben and I formed a special bond that I will never forget.

After doing volunteer work for a few summers in a row, I decided to get a job where I could work with children. I couldn't find any opportunities to work with special needs kids, but I did find a job at my local YMCA to work at a summer camp with all types of kids. I applied and got the job, and I still work there every summer now. While working there that first year, I was given an amazing opportunity when I met the kids that were in my group of kindergarteners. I loved all of the children, but I connected most with the little girl who had ADHD and the boy who struggled with Aspergers and severe anxiety. As I worked with these children everyday, I was able to learn about why they acted the way they did, and I started to learn ways to help them. Although it wasn't easy to help them, I learned so much from them and I know that I was able to make their summer a little more enjoyable. I had so much fun with these kids, and I was so happy every time I saw a smile on their faces.

During my senior year of high school, I was inspired to help special needs children even more. I began volunteering every week at a hospital where children with severe special needs lived because they weren't well enough to live outside of the hospital. I volunteered with the recreational therapist every Sunday, working with five or six kids at once. These children were severely disabled, mentally but also physically, and none of them could talk or walk at all. Despite their disabilities, I saw that each of these children was capable of so many amazing things. They all had the most beautiful smiles and had so much love to give. Although they struggled in so many ways, they knew how to truly appreciate life, something that not many people know how to do. One of the kids that I worked with, Johnny, was so tiny because of his disability; he was three years old but looked like a baby. He had a feeding tube because he didn't have the muscular strength to eat normally, and he always looked like he wanted to say something but was not able to talk. But little Johnny had something so special-- he was always smiling. Not once had I seen him without a smile on his face. He never said a word, but every time someone said his name he would give the most beautiful little giggle that instantly lit up the room.

All of the children that I've worked with over the past few years have inspired me so much. I believe that we all have something to give to this world, and every child with special needs gives something beautiful. I have learned so much not only about disabilities, but also about life in general from these kids. They taught me to enjoy the simple things in life, to smile more, and most importantly, to spread as much love as possible to all of those around me. Special needs kids are so important to me, and they will always have a special place in my heart.