I’ve learned that life isn’t about what other people call you, it’s about what you call yourself. I want other athletes, and really anyone out there struggling to feel accepted, to know this: be yourself.
When people use the R-word, they might think it’s just a joke. But it’s not. It doesn’t make you look cool, it spreads negativity. That word has hurt people for too long. We can all do better. There are so many other words that lift people up instead of tearing them down. Words have power. Use them for good.
No matter what you go through or what people say, it’s okay to be you. Don’t let the R-word or anyone else’s judgment define who you are. You are somebody.
Believe in yourself. Trust and believe that you were made for something great. Speak words that heal, not words that hurt.
It took me time to get here. I had to believe in myself first. I had to have the determination not to let anything stand in my way. That belief didn’t come overnight, it came from my faith, my family, my community, and my experiences with Special Olympics.
Growing up, I learned to trust in the man upstairs. My confidence started in church, where I began giving speeches. I remember telling myself before walking up to the podium, “You got this.” That same voice in my head now pushes me every time I step onto the field, the track, or a stage.
Today, I’m a proud athlete from Indiana. I’ve competed in basketball, track, flag football, and even snowshoeing. I’ve stood in front of 3,000 people and shared my story, not because I’m special, but because I believe that sharing who we are helps others find strength in themselves.
Special Olympics changed my life. It gave me opportunities I never thought possible, to play, to lead, to speak, and to grow. It showed me that I might be an athlete, but at the end of the day, I am somebody.
So to anyone reading this, whether you’re an athlete, a coach, a friend, or just someone trying to be a better person, my message is simple: Believe in yourself. Trust and believe that you were made for something great. Speak words that heal, not words that hurt.
Because when we lift others up, we all rise together.
