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Early Perceptions
Nervous
Anxious
Happy
New Smyrna, FloridaApril 10, 2010
Orlando, FloridaMarch 20, 2010
Picture from: http://www.openstream.ch/blog/wpcontent/uploads/2010/02/facebook_logo_withpage.gif
Introduction
to the setting
Picture chart from: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/img/multiple-sclerosis.gif
Picture from: http://index005.intellis.net/nfld/epilepsy/images/livingwithepilepsy3.jpg
My name is Marissa Holiber. I just
transferred to the University of Central
Florida and I couldn’t be happier. I have always
had a passion for helping and working
with children. I cannot wait to have my own classroom and start
making differences in other children’s lives. After teaching I would also like to become a
guidance counselor at a high school.
A LITTLE ABOUT ME
Our group “Making Strides” was put together by Emilee and Sarah. I found the group under one of the discussions
listed. A facebook group was then created. It provided all the information for the walks, pictures, and discussions
where we could communicate to one another. Even though I wasn’t in the Orlando area, I didn’t mind doing a
combine total (roundtrip) of eight hours of driving. I thought this would be a good project to participate in. The
purpose of Making Strides was to walk for two disabilities that are at large in the United States: Multiple Sclerosis
and Epilepsy. It was an opportunity to help the community, form friendships,
and raise money for great causes.
Engagement Activities
Too often, the voices of people with disabilities are simply not heard
For a long time I’d never actually had personal experiences with a person living with disabilities. So when my group and I decided to participate in the MS walk I was considerably
nervous. At first I didn’t know exactly how I would react; I didn’t want to seem like I was starring, but at the same time I didn’t want to give the impression that I was purposefully
avoiding eye contact. Once I arrived I realized that all my previous worries had been nothing but ignorance. The people who suffered from MS and epileptic seizures were completely
normal and seemingly happy. They weren’t physically dissimilar to myself in any way; they walked with friends and family members, the entire time displaying their immense courage and strength through every smile and laugh they uttered. I’ve come to the conclusion that
the word “disabled” has a negative connotation, these people were, in my opinion, very capable and even though life has set some difficult obstacles along the way for them, they don’t seem to let it interfere in their pursuits for happiness. I’m very happy that I had the opportunity to take a course like this. It has truly opened my eyes to the world around me
and as a result, has pushed me to take active steps in an attempt to better it.
