#understanding our differences

Yesterday, I was asked to share my story with the third graders at two different schools through Understanding Our Differences. My favorite part of the afternoon was when one student raised his hand and said: "size doesn't matter." It really doesn't. People get so caught up on what to call me, whether it's a dwarf, little person, or any other term that may come up (hint: the "m" word). Feel free to continue to ask any questions you may have, but I really just want to be called by my name. Just call me Becky. I'm a person who wants to be treated just like everybody else. I want a chance, not a break. These students give me a chance to share my story. The younger the age group, the shorter my speeches tend to be. I like to allow plenty of time for questions. This also allows for the students to open up and share stories that may not even end with a question. This time also allows for us to connect. Some students tell everyone about family members with a difference.

After the speeches, I left my cards behind for the teachers. I want them to continue the conversation with their students. They now have the ability to send a class e-mail with more questions that may come up. I hope that they will then share my information with the parents. We can all learn from each other, if we keep an open mind like the student who said: "size doesn't matter."

Today was a busy day. I had two back-to-back speeches. I was invited to participate in Understanding Our Differences' Physical Disabilities Program. I started off speaking in front of fifth graders at Memorial Spaulding Elementary School and ended with a speech in front of 85 more fifth graders at Bowen Elementary School. Both schools are in Newton, Massachusetts. 

Understanding Our Differences did a phenomenal job preparing the students for this program. Understanding Our Differences is a model, interactive disability awareness curriculum that teaches children to “see the person and not the disability.” Throughout my entire day, there were no laughs at me (only with me when I would tell a joke), pointing, or even stares. The students had so many intelligent questions after both of my speeches. 

Both of my speeches were similar to those that I've given before. Before this post, I posted a video of my speech from Memorial Spaulding Elementary School. As always, my goal was to speak to the students and have them understand that even though I may look different, I'm no less capable than anyone else. I made sure that I talked about my surgeries, involvement in Little People of America and showed them my pedal extensions that I use for driving. In addition to educating the students about the correct terms to use, I stressed how no labels should be put on a person who may look different.  

I was blown away by the well thought out questions. I wish that I could have been able to stay and answer more questions at both schools all day. I love answering questions that will open people's eyes. Once I mentioned how I'm working on a book, the students at Memorial Spaulding Elementary School wanted to make sure that they would get a copy as soon as it was done. Other questions from the students were related to bullying, purchasing the right clothing, reaching things, driving, adaptations at home, high school and college activities, my work experiences in Hollywood, and my chances of having a little person child. Since I was speaking on the stage in front of the students, most students were also curious about how tall I really am. 

I hope that everyone is enjoying their week. I wanted to share about my experience while speaking in front of a few second grade classes today at Downey School in Westwood, Massachusetts. This speaking experience was booked through an organization called Understanding Our Differences (www.understandingourdifferences.org).

I was scheduled to speak at 1:15 PM, but I arrived at the school around 12:00 PM. From the moment that I stepped into the school, I felt an environment of inclusiveness. There were some students who were curious as to why I looked like an adult but was their height or shorter, but there was nothing degrading that was said beyond their curious thoughts. I spent an hour in the main office, before it was time to speak to the students in the library. I happened to be sitting in the office while two second grade students came inside while the rest of their classes were outside for recess. They spent time drawing their favorite characters and had quite the imagination for stories that went along with their drawings. I had so much fun asking them questions about their stories and what made them draw what they were drawing. The moment they stepped in the office, they treated me like I was one of their peers. It was so special. 

When it was time to head to the library for storytelling, I already knew the two students who were drawing in the office. I started off by asking the students if they've ever seen a little person before me. Surprisingly, more than half of the students raised their hands. I then started reading a book called "Thinking Big" (http://amzn.to/YYN4cL) that was read to all of the students in my elementary school classes. "Thinking Big" is the story and mindset of eight-year-old Jaime Osborn. Jaime is a dwarf, just like me. While I was reading the story to the students, I inserted some of my relatable life experiences at Jamie's age. When the the book mentioned Jaime's scars on her legs, I showed them mine. 

After I finished reading the book, I opened up the room to questions. The students were so sharp. Most of the students were curious about how I got my clothes and shoes. Then they asked how I drive. I explained the concept of pedal extensions and how I don't need anything like a booster seat to see over the windshield since my torso is the same height as an average height person my age. 

After I answered a few questions, I wanted to have a chance to get to know each and every one of the students in the room. I gave them each the opportunity to tell me their names and what they want to be when they grow up. I stressed the point that it's okay if you don't know and it's also okay if it changes over time, since school will teach them what they're good at. I know that when I was their age, I wanted to be a doctor. Then I realized how much time I would have to spend in school and I ended up changing my concentration towards marketing. The desired occupations included artists, authors, doctors, nurses, professional athletes, teachers, and members of the service. The point of this exercise was not only for me to learn about them, but for them to realize that if they work hard towards it, they can do anything. In addition, they shouldn't judge anyone who may look different with similar occupational desires. Anything is possible for anyone.

One of the last questions was if I could stand up without using my hands, like Jaime in the book, since we're both double-jointed. I hadn't practiced doing it in a long time, but luckily it was a success. 

I really enjoyed spending time with the students today and I hope to speak to more elementary school students in the future. It's a fun environment full of students with great imaginations and open minds.