The DOE public health nurses Speech: The power in sharing our stories which may lead to a resurgence in motivating others.
On a sun filled Friday morning, my day began just as any other day would. I ready myself for work and made my way into the city. The only difference of that day would be I was giving a speech to 100 NYC public health nurses despite my ensuing back ache (which happens to people with Scoliosis from time to time). My speech was to reflect my life through the public education system and the public health system. Growing up I spent some time out of school due to recuperation from surgeries and broken bones. As a result of my recuperation times I often had to be home schooled until I was able to return to school. Upon returning to school I would have to prove academically that I was on the same level as my peers through testing and such. I often had to make new friends and try to revamp old friendships.
Before I entered the room I asked my self was I nervous and was I prepared, as I held my speech printout tightly in my hands. My answer was most certainly yes! I knew I had a very pertinent deed to do and thus why I had been invited to come in and speak. I hoped that in doing so I would be able to shed a little light on the experiences of a person with chronic health issues going through the public education system. My hope was to relay the impact that my NYC public schools experience had on my life and how influential these health professionals are on the lives of their students. Thankfully upon entering the room I was greeted with many familiar faces, and my motivation to voice my own story quickly began to transcend in wanting to be a voice for the young students with or without disabilities who would sit in those seats for years to come.
For many of the nurses who attended the training, meeting me may have been the first time they have ever met someone with Osteogenesis Imperfecta before. As you can imagine that has been the experience for much of my life, especially in during my schooling and in part why I want to continue to share my story. Nevertheless, I was brought on the stage and given a lovely introduction. I began to tell my story very kindheartedly. I think the most impacting moment of the whole experience for me was the nurses being able to ask me questions and for me to be able to give my honest feedback.
At the end of the speech I was met with sounding ovations’. I knew at that moment whether these nurses would ever work with a student with OI or not (given the rarity of the condition), my words made an impact. I could only hope that my words, and their overall experience of the day would be shared with their students. Further motivate their students to live beyond their disability or potential whether it be at home, at school, socially or in their futures because it is possible.
