A couple of months ago, my sweet friend Beth asked if Alexis and I might be interested in talking to some 3rd grade classes about Down syndrome for the Everybody Counts program in the Noblesville schools.
I am not a public speaker.
The last time I spoke in public I was a sophomore in college. I gave a demonstration speech for a communications class on how to make Rice Krispie treats. I'm sure the speech was riveting. The Rice Krispie treats however, sucked.
But even though I am not a speaker, I'm always up for showing off any of my kids to an interested audience. Or an audience of 3rd graders who are forced to sit there and listen to me ramble for 45 minutes.
I also think I get comfort talking to kids because I always hope that it might make them a bit more understanding and accepting of kids with special needs. I want it for Alexis. I want her to have friends. After today and her perfect behavior and her charm and exteme cuteness, I think Alexis has about 125 new friends.
I was a bit concerned about holding the kids' attention for a full 40-45 minutes, but the kids were great! I think I love 3rd graders. They asked good questions, seemed genuinely interested, and seemed to really be quite captivated by Alexis. I was a proud mom.
One elementary school down, 3 more to go. And maybe another school in Kokomo. And then a whole new type of speaking engagement in October, but more on that later.
Yay for you and Alexis! If anyone can win over new friends, it is her. On a side note, while in 1st grade, my oldest daughter (who is now in 5th grade) was VERY good friends with Grace, a Downs child. They remained close until 3rd grade when Grace moved away. Morgan still remembers her quite fondly.
ReplyDeleteThat's you. Changing minds and opening hearts one person at a time. :)
That is awesome. I grew up with two girls in my grade that have Down Syndrome. It was amazing how much THEY would teach US! One of the girls was on my bus route and we sat together every day. We are still in touch. Anyways.... I am happy that you are speaking to kids about Down Syndrome because I think I am a better person after growing up, learning, changing with those two girls and I am not sure I would want to meet the person I would be if I hadn't met them.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your 'New Gig'!