Before joining Jennifer Swanson’s class, I thought of A-4 as the room with the rabbit. And that positive feeling of a rabbit carried out into the classroom the first time I walked in. It overwhelmed me with how welcoming and accepting the students were. I had never experienced a class that seemed as though they were happy I was there without knowing me in any way. This was a moment of impact. I knew I was going to love this class.

 Within the first week I had a conversation with a freshman in this special-education classroom and asked her how her transition went from being in middle school to high school. She mentioned that she didn’t like being teased. Before this conversation, I didn’t pay much attention to students teasing others. This moment made me more aware of what happens on campus, especially with bullying.
Later that week I was asked by one of my friends what class I had next. I then mentioned T.A. for Swanson’s special-education class. That’s when I noticed the awkward “Don’t those kids annoy you?” comments. These remarks, to me, didn’t deserve a response back.
Despite some of the weird looks I get, some of my friends are open to join me in the classroom. My best friend didn’t really think much about hanging out with the students, but after some of the funny memories she wanted to visit the classroom. This is when she shared my same love for their sense of humor and their welcoming presence.
These students have seriously been my superheroes. It may sound cheesy, but it’s true because even on my bad days this group of friends always greet me with a smile and a bunch of hugs. Many funny, crazy days happen in this classroom. Fernando makes me laugh on a regular day basis. One of the funniest days I had with him was when he grabbed a box out of the trash can and tried to sit in it. Unfortunately it was a fail because the box split on all sides and he fell straight on his behind. Days like these make my days so much better.
This is just one of the “normal” days we have in our classroom. But as the year ends and summer break approaches, I know that working with special-ed students is one of my passions. Being in this classroom has taught me life lessons such as being patient, accepting that everyone is different, and knowing that one person or one group can change one’s day or impact one’s life.
When I started high school, I looked forward meeting new people and hopefully developing new friendships. I have met many new faces in high school but my relationship with my special-ed students is stronger than any of my other friendships. This is because they love me despite of my flaws and insecurities. They don’t pay attention to the superficial necessities that are a “must have” in high school.
One of the best things about high school is finding treasures in unexpected places. I found my treasure being a T.A. for a class where I didn’t expect to fall in love with all the students. But this newfound friendship is one that I’m privileged  to have found.