A Teacher in Her Own Way. . .

It's amazing sometimes how one individual alone can affect your life in such a drastic way. There is one individual in my life who has affected me as a person, allowing me to look at life through a different lens and realize that life isn't always as tough as people make it out to be.

Ever since I was in elementary school, involved in a program which worked with younger children, hindered by an array of disabilities, I have known what I wanted to do with my life. These kids, mired by such disabilities, seemed carefree and outgoing despite the wheelchairs and disorders that held them down. I worked with these children, teaching them to take care of themselves and communicate with the rest of the world. It gave me a constant fulfillment to see the smiles that blazed across their faces when they would get commended for a job well done.

It wasn't until middle school that I actually realized that I wasn't just teaching kids to help themselves, but was able to develop a special relationship that I felt only I shared with them. One individual in particular has left an everlasting footprint in my life.

Jenn was an energized girl with Down Syndrome; a child with a disability yet with the biggest heart in the world. Aside from being a friend, mentor and classmate, I was given the responsibility of coaching Jenn on the field hockey field, pleading for her cooperation and teamwork. For some she was a challenge refused or turned away; the challenge of reaching a hand out to those less fortunate than others. It was evident that her development on the field as well as her interaction with the coach and other players was based upon my instruction and direction. It amazed me how I could make such a difference in one person's life and that the ability to interact with this child who some had such difficulty approaching, came as such a breeze to me.

The friendship grew beyond that of teammates on the field, to a friendship that lasted throughout high school and continues on now. Jenn's energy and spirit was contagious to anyone who interacted with her. Her constant smiles and giggles echoed throughout the halls of the school. Jenn has been the influential person in my life, opening my eyes to a professional field that many would hesitate in choosing. She has opened my eyes to a new attitude on life, teaching me that no matter how tough things are, things could be worse but to deal with them and shrug off those problems with a smile. Jenn is a teacher in her way.

Sara Bouchard