Feeling like an Outcast

Growing up I never felt like I fit in. I was always picked on. No one wanted to be around me, as if I was contagious. I never wanted to go to school because of it. Every day was the same. The kids would laugh and make fun of me or they would stare. I hated their stares the most. At school, I had to carry my medical supplies in my backpack and the other students would often find them. They would ask what it was and I would be too embarrassed to tell the truth.

My days in elementary school were miserable. I didn't get my first real friend until 4th grade. After that, I never kept many friends. I always had a small circle of close friends. What changed? To be honest, I have no clue. Even though I started to make friends, I still felt like no one understood me. No one would really know the struggles I go through each day, being in a wheelchair. I remember thinking things would be different if I had a friend with SB.

Now, as an adult, I am becoming more involved in the SB community. I see now I barely fit in, still. I think and act differently than most in this community. It's nice to meet others who have been through the same struggles I have, but sometimes that is all they want to talk about. The conversation can get very depressing that way. So, have things changed? No. I still don't fit in. Truth is, I never will and that's okay. As long as I am friendly with others, willing to take an interest in people, and not focus so much on myself things will be fine.

Editor: Esmé Nicolson-Singh (redsbreadslady)

Wisdom

For about 10 years now, I have had people come to me for advice. Some have told me it is because they see me as wise. Others have said I have a good head on my shoulders. I don't see either one of those in myself. I just like to help out when I can. I do notice that I have a natural skill at reading people and I appear to be approachable. Two qualities most people would love to have. 

At times it feels like a burden to have such qualities. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy helping people but at times it feels like it can be a bit much. Individuals have told me very personal things within 15 minutes of meeting me. Things that should not be said when you first meet someone. There are a group of people that I call my "clients". I would like to call them friends, but I know nothing about them other than their problems. When I have asked to hang out, they tell me they can't. But as soon as an issue comes up, I am the first person they call or text. Sure, I complain but I still help out the best way I can. Why? Because I would feel guilty otherwise. 

So if I would call myself something it would simply be a nice guy. What does this have to do with spina bifida? I honestly feel if it wasn't for my disability, I would not have the same outlook on life. I try to make the best of my situation. That is probably why people listen to what I say. They want the same outlook. The same happiness.

I usually tell people let things go. Do not hold grudges. Appreciate what you have and don't be so materialistic. Granted, my views are also based on my biblical beliefs but that is a topic for another time. My point to all of this? Those who know me don't think of me as this "wise beyond his years" person, I am simply a nice guy. And those of you who have SB, learn to appreciate your life. Make the best of your situation. You are disabled, not unable.

Editor: Esmé Nicolson-Singh (redsbreadslady)

High School

Most people talk about high school like it was the best time of their life. For me, it was a giant mess. 

It all started on the first day of school. I was on my way to school with my schedule in one hand and the map in the other. My transportation was what many of you would call the "short bus", so I was around mentally challenged students. Once we got to school, teachers were coming to get students for the special ed class. One of the teachers mistakenly thought I was going to the same class with the others. I'll be honest, I was a little offended by that. The teachers realized I wasn't supposed to go to the class and took me to one of the school counselors. 

The counselor was told to change my P.E. class to adaptive P.E. I informed her that was not needed and if she would please show me to my first class. The morning started off rough, but I got through it. Later that afternoon, I met my P.E. teacher and let her know I would be able to take her class. She saw no problem and let me go on my way. Soon after I was shown the locker room. One of the teachers there once again made an assumption and asked if I was in the right area. When I answered, he then asked, "when do you get out of the chair?". Once again feeling irritated, I explained I would be able to take regular P.E. with no problems. I was so glad once I got home. It was so annoying having to deal with that all day. 

After that, freshmen year was pretty simple. It was not the end of my problems for high school. Sophomore year started out fine. The teachers knew who I was and no assumptions were made. However, that year I had a big surgery scheduled. Each one of my teachers told me not to worry about school work, that I would be fine. Wrong. I was out of school for at least a month. Once I came back, I was falling behind. The rest of the school year, I was in home school. I caught up and passed with all B's. 

Junior year I was in for a surprise. I don't remember how it was brought up but I soon found out that I only had the credits from freshman year. Apparently, all the classes I took for home school were marked as special ed and not any specific subjects. That was the last straw. I was fed up. I was done trying. 

All I wanted was to go to school and get my work done. Nope, I had to face opposition every step of the way. Looking back, it was a dumb decision to give up, but I was too frustrated to think things through. Never did see my senior year. I dropped out. Do I regret it? Yes. I should have stuck it out. It is what it is. I can't change that now. My advice to you young ones, SB or not, is to stay focused. No matter what, do your homework. Do what you can to graduate. It will be worth it in the end.

Editor: Esmé Nicolson-Singh (redsbreadslady)

Disabled or not.

Once I became an adult, I have noticed that at times I am seen as disabled and other times not. When it comes to certain programs to help with transportation, getting my license, or housing, I may not qualify. Although when it comes to anything medically related, I am considered disabled. This has become very frustrating. 

You may think, "it counts where it matters, right?" Wrong.  I need help with transportation, housing, and getting my license. Sometimes when it comes to meeting people, I can't find that balance. One person may see me as completely helpless and ask things like how I get dressed, how I shower, and how I get through the day. Another will see me as a regular person which seems fine at first, until they expect me to do something I just can't do. 

This problem of seeing my situation as I need help 24/7 or I don't need help at all is a daily struggle. I don't know what to do to change it other than be myself, show what I can and can not do. I cannot change what other people think, only how I think.

Editor: Esmé Nicolson-Singh (redsbreadslady)

My Biggest Fears

Two major fears I have are disappointing others and losing my intelligence. I worry so much about disappointing those close to me. 

Growing up, I was viewed as the smart one, the good kid. I did well in school, A's and B's maybe a few C's. Once I got into high school, things changed. I'm not sure why, but I all of a sudden didn't do so well. That's when the fear started. I was no longer living up to my reputation. I was slowly letting my family down with each report card. The school staff didn't help much, either. I needed a few surgeries at a certain point, so I missed school, never really getting the opportunity for make up work. That was my own fault. 

At that point I was tired of trying. Thinking back, that was a foolish decision. As I began to get careless in my school work, I believe that is when my other fear set in. My intelligence was what I was known for. If I lost that, what did that make me? Just another "special" kid in a wheelchair? I tried to do better, but by then it was too late. I dropped out of school by 11th grade. Since then, I have tried to keep my mind sharp. I did not want to be seen as just some slow kid in a wheelchair.

It's been years and those two fears still bug me. I'm an adult now and yet I still worry about letting my parents down. Disappointing my closest friends. Am I the person they see me as? Am I still the smart kid I was back in elementary and middle school? I don't know. All I know is I am striving to be a good example. I want to show that, despite being in a wheelchair I can still accomplish great things. What about you?

Editor: Esmé Nicolson-Singh (redsbreadslady)

Exercise

Losing weight, the one thing so many of us strive to do. Once again, another situation that is a bit more challenging for me. 

While some exercise different parts of their body each day, I have to do what I can. The toughest place to burn fat would be my belly. The majority of the exercises to burn belly fat I cannot do. So I have to improvise--I use the Just Dance games on the Wii. Before you say anything, yes, it is sort of ridiculous, but I have found it does work for me. There is a video I came across that demonstrated ab exercises from a chair. After watching, I realized it was no different from the Just Dance games. So I thought why not play the games and have a little fun while losing weight. I am not claiming this is the best exercise, however, I've found it to be an effective way to exercise. It is something simple that can get anyone on their way to doing better exercises later on. I have recently begun working out again and hope to really stick to it this time. Do I plan to be completely fit? No, I just want to be healthy. Don't we all?

Editor: Esmé Nicolson-Singh (redsbreadslady)

Making Friends

As I mentioned in another post I didn't have many friends when I was younger. I was picked on and made fun of for being in a wheelchair. Kids would avoid me as if I was contagious. How did I overcome this? To be honest, I have no clue. As far as I can tell, I have always been the same. 

I am a geek and a bit of an idiot at times. I have always been a talker and try to make small talk with those I come across. One day it worked and I made some friends.  The friends I made were not the popular or cool kids. But that was okay. They were cool with me and that's all I cared about. I didn't care about fitting in. Let's face it, no matter how hard I try, I won't exactly fit in. I will always stick out like a sore thumb. 

If you are having a hard time making friends remember be to be genuine and honest. Don't be afraid to say that you like or do not like something. Don't say you like a movie/show you know nothing about. Take a genuine interest in others; it's not always about you. For those who have SB like me, if someone comes up and asks why you are in a chair, just answer them. It could be their way of starting a conversation with you. That could be your new best friend.

Editor: Esmé Nicolson-Singh (redsbreadslady)