Image Description: A bright yellow sunflower with a brown center, photo by Michelle Steiner
My life with a disability has been like a sunflower. I have had to stand tall, grow, and be bold in fields of adversity. I have to stand tall academically, socially, and in planning my life goals.
A Sunflower stands tall, and it is hard to miss them. I also have had to stand tall when going through school and being bullied for having one. Even though you could not see my disability, the small school made it impossible to hide. All of my classmates knew I went to learning support for classes and to have tests read aloud and have extra time on them. When I was in regular education classes, it was also clear that I struggled. I wanted to shrink when my peers would hurl insults at me in the hallway or in the classroom when the teacher was occupied.
Oftentimes, they can withstand periods of not having water. I also had to grow in the dry periods, in academics. Learning new concepts was difficult for me. I would put forth the effort and still manage to perform poorly on a test or in a class. I was able to learn and grow, but not always as quickly as I hoped.
Another unmistakable characteristic of a sunflower is its bright yellow or orange shade, which brings attention to it.. I had to be bold in asking for help. I was once afraid of asking for the help that I needed. I thought that others would not understand or reject me for having a disability. I did not want others to know I had one and felt ashamed. Not being bold and speaking up does not help accommodate someone with a disability. People cannot see that I have one and may perceive my mistakes as careless or lazy. Asking for support helps me to learn, live, and thrive in life. Accommodations do not create an unfair advantage that others without them do not have. I am still going to the same place. I need a different way to get there.
Sunflowers also contain seeds. People often roast them and enjoy them as a snack. I am using my seeds to help others. I work as a Para Educator in a school and find it rewarding to help students with disabilites. I also create seeds by sharing my story and connecting with others with disabilities.
Sunflowers may have their growing season, but disability will last forever. How I view it has changed. I now stand strong and tall with Accommodations. I will not try to shrink. Nor do I fear the heat of what I cannot do or have difficulty with. Just as the sunflowers can handle dry spells, I know I can as well. I also have the chance I will also stand boldly and not fade when asking for help that I need. Sunflowers have seeds that nourish people. I am helping others with my seeds in the classroom and by sharing my story. Unlike the sunflower, my disability does not stand out. Speaking up for myself is key to being successful. Turning towards the light, I carry my sunflower of a disabiltiy with confidence and hope.
