Throughout my journey from the tender age of eight when my younger sister and I extended a hand of friendship to a fellow playground-goer with a physical disability, to my current pursuits in advocating for better accessibility in our community, one thing has remained clear to me: that kindness knows no bounds. As a tenth-grade student, I am constantly inspired by the power of compassion, and I believe that by coming together as young people, we possess the ability to create a truly kinder world for all.
The moment that set my advocacy journey in motion occurred when my sister and I visited a local park back in the third grade. It was a sunny afternoon, the kind that makes you itch to run around and explore every nook and cranny of the playground. As we raced towards the swings, my sister caught sight of a girl sitting alone with a forlorn expression on her face. Unlike the other children whose laughter filled the air, this girl was perched on a bench, eyes wistfully scanning the colorful jungle gym. It didn’t take long for us to notice that she had a physical disability, one that restricted her from partaking in traditional playground activities like climbing, swinging, or sliding.
Without a second thought, my sister and I exchanged glances and decided to approach her. We introduced ourselves and extended an invitation to play together. The initial hesitation in her eyes melted away, and was replaced by a hesitant smile that soon grew into pure joy as we began building intricate sand castles and sharing stories under the warm sun. Our new friend, Emily, was grateful for our company, and her radiant spirit filled the park with a sense of camaraderie that transcended our physical differences.
The encounter with Emily lingered in my heart long after we bid her farewell that day. Seeing the world through her eyes opened my own to the countless barriers and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in their everyday lives. It ignited a determination to make a difference and ensure that everyone, without exception, could enjoy the simple pleasure of playing freely. Fast forward to the present, and that spark has evolved into a mission to advocate for the rights and inclusion of individuals with physical disabilities in my community.
One of the most tangible ways I am working towards this goal is by championing the installation of a wheelchair swing at the very park where Emily and I first crossed paths. By spearheading this initiative, I hope to not only provide a practical solution for those facing mobility challenges but also to send a powerful message to our community: that inclusivity is not just a buzzword but a fundamental principle that should guide our actions.In addition, over the course of more than a year, I dedicated myself to researching, planning, and developing a detailed proposal to improve my city’s recreational facilities. After advocating to my municipality, I was able to successfully launch a wheelchair basketball program, and create a space where individuals with disabilities could enjoy the sport, build friendships, and have fun.
My journey has not been without its challenges. From navigating bureaucratic processes to difficulty in fundraising efforts, there have been moments of doubt. However, it was in those moments that I reminded myself of Emily and of the sheer happiness that radiated from her when she was finally able to join in the playground fun. That memory inspires me to press on, to keep pushing for a more inclusive world where every individual, regardless of their physical abilities, is embraced.
In writing this story, I want to encourage other young people who also want to make a difference, by sharing my belief that positive change is possible. We are the architects of tomorrow, and the trailblazers of a future that we have the power to shape. We need to be the generation that paves the way for a world where differences are celebrated, and where every individual feels seen.
