Being a Special Assistant
Essay by Karen M. Belk
My senior year has been amazing with the special needs class. These
students are truly amazing and have unique personalities. I have enjoyed
getting to know each special needs student.
Last semester I went into this class wanting to know if I wanted to go
into Special Education or not. I was privileged to be able to take this
class not one but two semesters. I finally made my decision at the end of
my second semester that I really did want to go into Special Education.
I had the opportunity to have a unique conversation with Mr. Richard
Gardner. He told me how he was in business for a number of years and then
he wanted a job that actually meant something to him. Therefore, he went
into Special Education and is a teacher's assistant. He told me how he
enjoys every day of work and how it means something to him everyday.
With him, saying this, made me think. At first, I wanted to be a
history teacher because I enjoyed reading and learning about history. I
really thought that is what I wanted to do. However, after talking to Mr.
Gardner I realized that I did want to do something with my life that was
going to mean something to me everyday when I came home from work. I did
not want to regret what I did with my life fifty or sixty years from now
wishing, I had done something different.
I feel that I will get satisfaction from working with special needs
children and being able to teach them things that will help them in the
future in whatever they do.
Therefore, in conclusion I have truly enjoyed being part of the Special
Olympics class at Airport High School. I have made memories that will last
me a lifetime. I want to thank Mr. Gardner for helping me make my final
decision about what I wanted to do with my career.
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Karen graduated from Airport High School in 2006 and is currently enrolled at Columbia College for the upcoming Fall semester.