How Special Olympics Changed My Perspective, and How it can Change Yours Too
By Mireya Borromeo
During my first experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, I expected to be the teacher, but I soon realized I was the one with everything to learn.
3 years ago, I participated in an outreach program that focused on teaching art to individuals with intellectual disabilities. It was a completely eye-opening and unfamiliar environment for me, as I had never engaged with this community before. Throughout my time there, I not only gained a better understanding of the environment, working styles, and energy, but also came to recognize the constant dedication, not just from the participants, but from everyone involved: parents, family members, and other guardians whose efforts so often go overlooked. This experience put many things into perspective, challenging the assumptions I once held.
What proved most transformative, however, was an interaction I had with a kid around my age who had a neurodiverse sister in my class. Despite our similar ages, his profound maturity and ability to support and manage his sister’s behavior truly astounded me. Learning about his lifestyle and experiences fascinated me and pushed me to reflect on my own life and privileges. Understanding the challenges and hardships he faced as a fellow 15-year-old reshaped my perception of the dedication required of families supporting neurodiverse children, efforts that are so often unseen.
It wasn’t a profound conversation that changed me, however, but rather my admiration for his maturity and astonishment at the weight he carried at such a young age. This simple yet intimate moment was transformative, immersing me in a community I had previously overlooked and deepening my appreciation for the collective effort behind it. I realized that if he could carry such responsibility with strength and grace, I, too, could do my part. I developed a greater gratitude for those behind the scenes, coaches, teachers, parents, siblings, who work tirelessly to create a more inclusive world and to give their loved ones the same opportunity to dream, grow, and thrive in a system that can often feel unfair.
And that’s where Special Olympics came in.
Working with Special Olympics taught me that I have a voice and a role in spreading advocacy and making a meaningful difference. Here, youth are not treated as tokens or given decorative roles; instead, they are trusted with real responsibility. The organization recognizes the importance of empowering the next generation, those who will shape the future and bring fresh perspectives to instill true innovation. It’s truly inspiring to feel valued as youth in this organization, and highly motivating to enact true and meaningful change.
Now, I hope more youth can witness and experience the love, support, and energy this organization offers, and be moved in the same way I was. Because when we choose to understand, to feel, and to approach others with an open mind, we gain the power to work together, and in doing so, make a meaningful difference in building a more inclusive world.
During my first experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, I expected to be the teacher, but I soon realized I was the one with everything to learn.
3 years ago, I participated in an outreach program that focused on teaching art to individuals with intellectual disabilities. It was a completely eye-opening and unfamiliar environment for me, as I had never engaged with this community before. Throughout my time there, I not only gained a better understanding of the environment, working styles, and energy, but also came to recognize the constant dedication, not just from the participants, but from everyone involved: parents, family members, and other guardians whose efforts so often go overlooked. This experience put many things into perspective, challenging the assumptions I once held.
What proved most transformative, however, was an interaction I had with a kid around my age who had a neurodiverse sister in my class. Despite our similar ages, his profound maturity and ability to support and manage his sister’s behavior truly astounded me. Learning about his lifestyle and experiences fascinated me and pushed me to reflect on my own life and privileges. Understanding the challenges and hardships he faced as a fellow 15-year-old reshaped my perception of the dedication required of families supporting neurodiverse children, efforts that are so often unseen.
It wasn’t a profound conversation that changed me, however, but rather my admiration for his maturity and astonishment at the weight he carried at such a young age. This simple yet intimate moment was transformative, immersing me in a community I had previously overlooked and deepening my appreciation for the collective effort behind it. I realized that if he could carry such responsibility with strength and grace, I, too, could do my part. I developed a greater gratitude for those behind the scenes, coaches, teachers, parents, siblings, who work tirelessly to create a more inclusive world and to give their loved ones the same opportunity to dream, grow, and thrive in a system that can often feel unfair.
And that’s where Special Olympics came in.
Working with Special Olympics taught me that I have a voice and a role in spreading advocacy and making a meaningful difference. Here, youth are not treated as tokens or given decorative roles; instead, they are trusted with real responsibility. The organization recognizes the importance of empowering the next generation, those who will shape the future and bring fresh perspectives to instill true innovation. It’s truly inspiring to feel valued as youth in this organization, and highly motivating to enact true and meaningful change.
Now, I hope more youth can witness and experience the love, support, and energy this organization offers, and be moved in the same way I was. Because when we choose to understand, to feel, and to approach others with an open mind, we gain the power to work together, and in doing so, make a meaningful difference in building a more inclusive world.