AUGUST 2019: History
There have been many major and powerful events that occured in history that promoted inclusion of different groups of people. The first event I would like to share about is the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955-1956, which involved african americans and most notably Rosa Parks who led the civil rights protest and fought for integration of white and african americans to ride the bus together. Rosa Parks was arrested and fined for not following the rules and not giving up her seat to a white man. She was one of the most influential civil rights activists who united people of all colors and cultures together in unity. Another event that promoted different groups of people happened with the Americans Disabilities Act of 1990 which is a civil law that prohibits discrimination on disability. Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities are able to learn and work in the same classroom setting with their nondisabled peers without feeling separated, discriminated or judgement. Lastly, a movement which is known by billions of people which is the famous ‘’I have a dream’’ speech by Martin Luther King Jr. during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963. The public speech he demanded and called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States.
September 2019: Back to School
The University of Hawaii Maui College is the only college on the island of Maui. This is my first semester at this college and my experience so far has been amazing! I have control on what classes to take and which days, more freedom and I don't have to wake up as early as I did in high school. UH Maui doesn't have dorms for students. UH Maui has a bookstore which UH maui gear, school supplies, drinks/snacks. and textbooks. All the buildings on campus are in Hawaiian. For example, my English 100 class is in the Kalama Building, my ECED 131 class is in Hale 216, and my IS 190V class is in the 'Ike Le'a which is the New Science Building Auditorium. There is a Student Life Center where we can hang out and the student life office is where we go to for student government or student clubs/activities. Thankfully, this college offers my Early Childhood Major which is not a bachelor degree so maybe I'll be going to UH Manoa on Oahu to get my bachelors or masters after my four years here. The fun part of college is I know many Maui High Students that I graduated with this past May 2019 and all the new experiences I will get to have on my campus. UH Maui is creating a inclusive environment by I created a club which is Ho'ohui Club which means ''United'' in Hawaiian. As you see in the picture above, my club is being affiliated with Special Olympics, I had free swag items, and I made a tri fold poster to have representation of my club. I met with the Student LIfe Director on a Monday then I had from Monday to Thursday of the same week to complete all I had to do to be able to be part of All Club Day and I accomplished and succeeded. I got a page and a half of sign ups which made me very happy. My council is having a meeting this Friday September 20th 2019. Also, UHMC has a no discrimination policy and I see students with and without intellectual disabilities. A piece of advice I would say to people with disabilities is continue your post-secondary education, don't limit your possibilities and opportunities, you can do it, there are disability services at almost every college in the US and believe in yourself. If I can do college and get a degree, then you can too.
October 2019: Sports
My top two favorite sports is unified track and field and basketball. I have an extreme competitive streak, every competition I want to be near to perfect and grab the first place ribbon and/or medal. I was fortunate to compete in a unified relay division my junior and senior year of high school at the Hawaii State Track and Field Championships. My favorite relay had to be the team I was with my senior year, I was the only girl with three other boys. Individually, I do the long distance races like the 1500m and 800m, in the past I did 100m but I think longer races suits me best. I was a runner for my high school country all four years which is an advantage why I'm able to do long distance. In the beginning, I was slow but when I became an upperclassmen I was improving everyday and supporting my team. I may have been at the back of the pack at race days every saturday from August to October but I always finish every race without walking. Unified Basketball didn't become my favorite sport until I started playing for maui high school unified sports. Unified Sports is for both individuals with and without intellectual disabilities but in my opinion, the partners should step back a little bit and let the athletes take control of the game and shine on the court. When my teammates don't pass me the ball, I get frustrated but I continue to be positive and help out my team but the moment when I can shine and make a basket, its the best highlight of the game for me. Win or lose, its about having fun and creating memories. My favorite coach I would like to give a huge shoutout to is Mrs. Jessica Adkins because if it wasn't for this dedicated, fun, inspiring, and helpful teacher, I wouldn't be in this period of my life as a youth leader and ambassador. I wouldn't have had the experience to play unified sports if it wasn't without her. I may not see her as much as I did but she was one of the teachers who I truly enjoyed going to recreational leadership class and the only class that I think I'm actually going to use in my life. All these other subjects doesn't teach you about life and inclusion.
November 2019: Technology
Technology can be a helpful tool and resource for connecting with others and make the daily life more easier and simpler. Do you ever wonder if we had limited technology? Technology has definitely evolved over the years. Well, I'm going to explain a few accessible and inclusive new technologies that doesn't require tons of technology. First, creating and designing eye glasses. I have glasses but it doesn't mean I'm visually impaired, a lot of people in the world wear glasses to see better. Normally, people have limited options on the type of glasses but to show that we are different, we should be able to create and design glasses that matches our personality or have a special meaning to that individual. Secondly, eco-friendly vehicles like cars or vans which has smaller engines and you will be able to save on fuel while getting from one place to another. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities may not be able to be in front of the wheel and have to take other forms of transportation, but designing a safe car that can drive itself will be helpful and the worrying of the parents would decrease while the person confidence and independence level increases. Finally, everyone communicates differently weather it be through American Sign Language or a foreign language, there should be placards visible for the individuals to read and understand when they are on a airplane, grocery store, a museum and basically anywhere that is open to the public.
December 2019: Advice for Class 2
1) Stay true to who you are
From these past few months, meeting each of the class 2 youth ambassadors, I could see each of their different personalities but don't change who you are and be the best version of yourselves and don't let anyone tell you who you should be, you all got in this position for being advocates for inclusion but had different ways of getting to this point. Some of you are in unified clubs, some of you started young or older in special olympics, some of you had inspirational people in your life who opened up your mind and showed unconditional love and taking part in other special olympics events or livestreams.
2) Take every opportunity and perform it to the best of your ability
The first year for me definitely had tons of opportunities and I was always willing and appreciative to take on this challenge. For example, besides the leadership conferences, I and my youth ambassador, Savannah Rock was part of a OpEd study on Social Emotional Learning report and this was given to us within the first couple of months of being youth ambassadors. Really cool! Class 2, I promise you all these exciting and once in a lifetime opportunities Hannah, Sarah or any of the UCS staff is worth taking because these individuals believe you can ''come to bat'' and be amazing STARS! I was balancing my senior year of high school but if I can do it, all of you guys can do it! Believe in yourself!
3) Don't by shy, embrace who you are
If you guys have seen me before Special Olympics and sometimes now, I was extremely shy and somewhat isloated but being among special individuals from Special Olympics has broken my shell and I was able to gain so much friends in a short time period. Class 2, you have inspired class 1 in so many ways and we are beyond grateful to be mentors for your first year and continue to get to know each other and build our meaningful friendship. When Class 3 is announced, Class 2 you all are going to be the ''veterans'' and be the best welcoming crew and make similar friendships you did with Class 1.
4) Networking
During my first year, at all of the conferences there was always a time or throughout the conference where we had to meet the adults or people who are sponsors of Special Olympics, you may have nerves but I suggest staying with at least three people while mingling or staying in your unified pair. Remember, eye contact, it may be crowded so raise your voice and do your elevator pitch! Practice makes perfect!
5) Business Casual
Dress Attire! I had some experience about business casual especially in high school so I had some knowledge but as conferences presents themselves, you will definitely have a fast course of the correct and wrong's of business attire. Class 2, if you need any business casual pointers, I will be more than glad to help you guys out!
6) Public Speaking
Public Speaking can be a touch challenge to overcome. Class 2, as you seen at our DC conference most of the roles you guys are going to do in your two year term is speaking. For those in Class 2 who had speaking roles in DC, I was very happy to hear what all of you said and you all had emotion and it came from the heart and it was inspiring. Before I received this role, I had experience speaking in front of a huge audience. I was nervous before going on stage but all the nerves completely left me when I started speaking. Stay Calm and do what you do and be great!
7) Formation of Friendships
Friends Forever! Class 1 and Class 2 literally went from strangers into friends and into a family within hours of meeting! We all come from different backgrounds but we are fighting for the same thing which is to bring inclusion, unified sports, and youth leadership to schools nationally and globally and share our story and end discrimination. The part which stood out for me is when my amazing partner came up with the best idea ever to leave everybody with a ''yearbook'' and have everyone sign each of our papers with a positive comment. This symbolize the difference between our own personal friends and the special friendship we have in this unique group of 23. The yearbook paper is like a friendship bracelet in a sense where we can keep it as a memory.
8) Prioritize this special role with school and family
Class 2, most of you are still in high school and can still manage this role and your other obligations as a student, child, and friend but it can be tough at sometimes. For example, spark pages. Its due on the 15th of every month but if for some reason you can't do it, don't worry, just send a message to Caroline A and she'll be more than willing to give you an extension. No problem! Hannah Sara and Caroline A. are well informed that we all have crazy and busy schedules. Don't get stressed or overwhelmed! We are all here to support you Class 2!
9) There is no ''I'' in team
This is a cheesy saying but I want to share this with Class 2, sometimes working alone is good but you lack that pure social interaction. In this role, you may have different responsibilities but it all integrates together where you are all helping each other out which is a sign for teamwork and collaboration. Group work in this role is crucial. For example, if you have a opinion, you will be able to get another perspective from your partner.
10) Youth Activation
As soon as the DC conference concluded, I've heard and seen so much activation happening with class 2 and class 1 youth ambassadors which shows the dedication of the inclusion revolution showing the adults of today, the youth who are the future of the next generation and should be involved in their action plans of what inclusion should be like in elementary, middle, and high school. For example, I did a youth innovation grant and put on a student led youth sports days a two elementary schools in my area.
11) Voicing out your ideas
In this role, feedback and input is always important. It helps Hannah and the UCS staff on what they need to improve on for next time and I"m thankful all of our input is being valued and we are very lucky to have these staff guide us through and in return we can accomplish what they set us for to do. Also, our mentors are also a crucial part of this equation and I learned that when typing speeches or figuring out ideas, agreeing to everything being said is not always a good thing and instead changing or fixing something that you are comfortable on saying is the better option. The mentors can help you polish your presentation and there to support you for a reason.
12) HAVE FUN!
Work Hard, Play Hard! Have fun, remember that this role may be a lot of hard work and a little stressful but remember the reason you are here, its all worth it in the end! Class 2, all the late night gatherings, group dinners, seeing the state we are all in, the conversations, group discussions are the times to connect with each other, we did that pretty well in DC. I can't for July 2020 Charlotte North Carolina!
January 2020: Inclusion Heroes Round 2
My first inclusion hero is Brooklyn and Bailey, twins from Texas and Social Media Influencers and popular vloggers on Youtube. I've been watching their channel for two years. The difference between these two individuals and other youtube vloggers is that their personality is genuine and extremely grateful, strong audience views with appropriate family friendly content, and have a very successful business, selling scrunchies, mascara (Lash Next Door), hair clips and more. The primary reason I chose Brooklyn and Bailey is for their annual polar plunge where their family and friends are included while being in themed costumes. In 2016, the theme was Mermaid, In 2017, the theme was Favorite superhero, In 2018, the theme was polar bear onesies, In 2019, it was favorite Avengers superhero, and in 2020, was the Star Wars Edition. Polar Plunges are a fun event/fundraiser where groups of people unite together and jump in below freezing levels of water. Honestly, I haven't been involved in a polar plunge in Hawaii where I live but I know polar plunges happen on the neighbor island of Oahu in Waikiki.
My second inclusion hero is Lauren Potter because she is an advocate for Best Buddies and Special Olympics. An interesting fact about Lauren is she played Becky on the television show Glee. I had the opportunity and experience to attend the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games Youth Leadership Experience and at the Young Athletes Festival where I was volunteering and job shadowing, Lauren Potter spoke at the beginning when all the parents and children were there and I was able to take a picture of her and its still saved in my camera roll. The primary reason I chose Lauren Potter as a inclusion hero because I could relate to her personally and all the accomplishments and success she had to experience and I hope to be close to amazing as her. She shared a story in San Diego at our Youth Ambassador Conference about her bullying experience in an grocery store when her mother was next to her and an individual used a discriminatory word ''retarded'' and Lauren stood up for herself in a brave and courageous way. Lauren is a strong and wonderful person who is highly spirited and determined to spread awareness to the young children of America and around the world.
My third inclusion hero is Eunice Kennedy Shriver because this woman was the founder of Special Olympics which is a worldwide sports organization for billions of children and adults with and without intellectual disabilities to be able to be who they truly are without feeling shy or embarrassed and not having to worry about others giving weird stares or snickering behind your back and saying rude and immature comments. Also, Special Olympics provided youth programming, leadership opportunities and events annually. I started Special Olympics the end of my sophomore year of high school and during my junior and senior year was the best years of many opportunities that I got to be part of with Beyond Amazing mentors and the hard working UCS staff and I would cherish all the moments for the rest of my life and look back on what I accomplished to make my community and the United States of America more united. I chose Eunice Kennedy Shriver as an Inclusion Hero because she founded Camp Shriver which was the foundation into what we know as today, Special Olympics. I'm thankful that the Shriver Family continued her dream and the Athletes Oath was founded and it's always a constant reminder at every state competition across the world and the true meaning of Special Olympics which balances that everyone is a winner and friendly competition with others who you may form lifelong friendships with. If it wasn't for Special Olympics, I wouldn't know where I will be. Special Olympics will always be part of my life and I will always fight for inclusion and help elementary schools and middle schools become an Unified Champion School and also the rest of the high schools.
February 2020: Art
I haven't been to a museum or know of any artists who make art pieces that represented the meaning of inclusion. I have seen many people who visited this real life sculpture in New York City which was created in 1970 by Robert Indiana. It is called the LOVE. The L and O is over the V and E and the O is slanted. I chose this because it represents inclusion by showing as humans we are supposed to love each other from our hearts and spread a kind spirit where our world isn't a divided population and it also represents diversity since it is located in New York but it has reach other people who visited from the west coast to east coast and from far and near. Children make art all the time, these humans can be called as artists too, they draw pictures to show friendship, sense of community and kindness all the time and I believe real examples of art instead of painted pictures can speak more to the individual since it will become a famous landmark. Art can be in many different forms, it can be through dance or music and I know a few who promote inclusion and diversity that includes singers Alessia Cara, Rachel Platten, and Jason Mraz and dancers/choreographer Matt Steffanina, Mackenzie Ziegler, and Zendaya.
March 2020: Courage
There are three experiences where I felt Courageous and proud to promote inclusion which is all Youth Leadership from Special Olympics. The first experience is the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games Youth Leadership Experience because I got to meet youth leaders from across the country, interview supporters and fans at the USA Games and hear their feelings on bullying and inclusion, volunteer at an Young Athletes Festival, be part of a Clickon Film production which has million of views and impacted everyone from across the world, but most importantly represent Hawaii. The second experience is speaking at my high school, Maui High School my senior year at our National Banner Presentation. It was super memorable and every time I step foot in the gymnasium, I remember the day where we made history which wouldn't have been possible without our awesome unified athletes, unified partners, our Sabers United Club, and especially our educational assistants plus Mrs. Adkins and Mrs. Kacy. I graduated in May 2020 and I miss this experience but I'm going to make my college unified club reach the same level just like it was in high school. Maui High School is a close knit family, we are one team or ohana which means family in Hawaiian, and it was a great feeling standing in front of our peers and classmates when I spoke my speech alongside a unified partner who been part of the unified program since his Freshman year. Finally, the last experience was speaking at the Maui Council for Best Buddies and using my talking points that I created for a Friendship Jam I went to for Best Buddies. I chose this one because its a community based opportunity where I'm in an area with adults who are looking up to the younger generation to make changes in our society. I don't remember a particular moment where I stood up for myself in a scenario but I always do the right thing when I get bullied or need help from telling a counselor to helping someone to feel better.
April 2020: Fitness
The activities I like to do outside is playing basketball, soccer, walking/running, swimming in the pool, and playing frisbee with my family or friends. The indoor activities I like to do is go to my trampoline park and jump and do easy tricks, dancing with my sibling or playing Just Dance which is a rhythm game series where you can either play alone or with a group to songs that are very popular and there are new releases every year, and jump on my bed.
May 2020: Community
The different communities I'm part of are University of Hawaii Maui College as present, Maui High School as past but always present in my life, Special Olympics Maui/Hawaii, Native Hawaiian/Filipino community, Best Buddies Hawaii, and friends. The various of communities I'm involved in promote inclusiveness by service projects/volunteer opportunities that I'm able to get involved in and teach younger children about unified sports, my school community promotes inclusion by equal opportunity education and free to create our own clubs that is a safe and fun place for people with and without disabilities to foster relationships, at my high school I felt included at prom, dances, assemblies, sports games, and the teachers I had during my four years impacted my life, made me become a better human and student, and treated me and the rest of the class with respect and understanding of our personal background and needs and wants. As an native Hawaiian and Filipino, I feel included when I'm around people who have the same ethnic background at school and in my first year program at my college where I found two friends who I can trust. Best Buddies promote inclusivity by having an organization for people with and without disabilities and participating in the charity walks and parade for the Maui County Fair. Friends are part of my community especially my fellow 22 other youth ambassadors because we have people that is going to to be there for us, understand what is happening in UCS/Special Olympics, and this is a sacred group which I consider family always. To my close friends outside of UCS, we promote inclusion by accepting others and helping others when we see they need help but offering first and make conversation,
June 2020: Summer Fun II
What are one or two things you want to try this summer that you have never done before? The first thing I want to try this summer is to learn how to cook a meal or a dessert with multi steps without any help to be able to to learn a life skill and be independent. The second things I want to try this summer is practice a new language and/or learn about a religion or culture. What skills have you learned from Special Olympics that help you try new things? The skills I've learned from Special Olympics that helped me try these new things are communication and accepting those from different ethnic backgrounds and see the person for themselves, no matter their skin color or physical appearance that we are one diversified community. Also, try new skills and talents outside your comfort zone and be a leader in every aspect of your life and do a act of service for your friends and family.
July 2020: Music
I chose this song from the unified generation playlist that was made by Elyse and Sydney as an activity in Washington DC at our conference in October. Climb by Miley Cyrus represents my entire journey into becoming an US Youth Ambassador, since at the end of the summer in August will be my last day of holding this amazing role for the two years. This song talks about moving mountains and not worrying what is on the other side and how at times may be troubling and your faith might be lost in a way. Personally, I've seen my obstacles as me moving mountains because I have an disability I've been bullied and discriminated but I've been surprised about how my life turned out to become, especially over the last few years. Within my youth ambassador role, I've graduated from high school and transitioned to college and leaving my childhood and adolescence behind and focusing on myself and what makes me happy. It's a song that I can listen to at any point during the day and the song makes me smile and remember all the fun memories I experienced outside the youth ambassador position and the special olympics experiences I was able to encounter. Artists can choose to include by writing meaningful songs or include individuals with disabilities in their music videos or go into the special education classrooms and teach the students instruments or songs. Artists can also don't use discriminatory lyrics that may apply to a child with a disability.
August 2020: Justice
One way people with intellectual disabilities fought for their rights in the U.S or around the world is by creating the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 which is also known by ADA which is a civil right law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. I believe this is important because these individuals with a intellectual or developmental disability needs to have protection and safety an use the law in a ethical way to advocate for themselves when they feel like they are being discriminated or disrespected in a certain situation. Another way people with intellectual disabilities fought for their rights in the US or around the world is through community protests or awareness events to show people that are supporting people with disabilities that we stand united and together and we don't ever tolerate people who make fun of Special Olympics or don't understand the purpose or bully our athletes online or in face but this will be the time to correct their behavior or change their perspective and our goal is to make society a better place for all and promote kindness. Lastly, one way people with intellectual disabilities fought for their rights in the US or around the world is actively taking a leadership role in their community or starting their own business to prove to everyone but mostly themselves that they are highly capable to have a prosperous life like a average american and building and fostering inclusion in the process and inviting people with disabilities and other communities that are similar to join the family.