Realizations.

Today I met 24 amazing first graders! We started out at the school and were there to greet our little babies as they walked into the cafeteria. I was able to meet a very smiley young boy right away. I sat with him throughout breakfast and was able to learn a little more about him. He was a very shy boy, but he answered my millions of questions without frustration. By the end of breakfast, he had really opened up to me and stole my heart. He was talking about moving to a new house that needed to be fixed because there was a hole in the floor. All the time, he had an adorable toothless smile. We started talking about his dad and I asked him what his dad did. He looked at me and said with pride "My dad helps people for money." I don't know what his dad actually does, but to this little 5 year-old heart-throbber, his dad is a hero who helps everyone. That is just one reason why the parents here are incredible.

After testing the students for reading, we sat through a diversity lecture. These are my favorite parts of institute. Something about culture and differences really excites me. Today, the topic was about blind spots and how they can really distort our views of other people and situations. We used a scenario about a parent of a child with an IEP. After having many emotions on this topic, I came to the realization that I have a heart for special education. More importantly, my heart stretches to the end of this world and back for these parents. If you want to meet someone who is a strong advocate for their child, find a parent to a child with an IEP. They will do what it takes in order for their child to learn and be successful. One day, all children will have access to equal education.

One day.

All my love from Phoenix,

Jacey xxo