We’re All A Little Special: How Being Different Connects Us
Most people are surprised when they realize I was a special needs student in college.
I didn’t need special considerations in high school, because my Tourette Syndrome didn’t start until I was 17 years old, then gradually progressed.
That changed about halfway through my college career.
One day I was taking a test in the testing center and things didn’t go well. Like most students, I wasn’t a fan of this particular aspect of campus. You walk in and could cut the tension with a knife it hung so heavy in the air.
The room is unnaturally silent as many students take their tests, praying they pass and wanting to just be done so they can relax. In Hawaii, that usually meant beach time. I know I would have rather been there than taking that test.
This particular test was for a humanities class. This was not a 101 level class as this was a topic I actually enjoyed and did fairly well in. I’ve always been a good student and had studied and knew I would at least pass, but I had a high standard for myself and my grades and I was hoping to clear that bar I had set for myself.
During the test, my Tourette Syndrome decided to noisily grace us with it’s presence.
There were a lot of jumps. There were a lot of glares. I don’t blame them, they didn’t know what was going on.
Problem was, I can usually explain this to those around me so they can continue undisturbed. That couldn’t happen here.
As the tics continued to make noise and distract the other students, I was then also hit with a panic attack. I was so hyper-aware of everything going on around me that there was no way to focus on my test. I tried for about ten minutes before the tics became so frequent, aggravated by the stress, that I simply walked out.
I did not even get half way through the exam.
I went directly to my professor to explain what happened- without tears as much as possible. I wasn’t very successful in that endeavor.
I begged her not to make me go back, asking if there was any other way I could take the test. I was willing to do anything as long as I didn’t have to go back to the testing center.
Wise teacher that she was, she directed me to special needs services. Since I didn’t grow up needing accommodations, I didn’t even know this was a thing.
However, it easily proved to be among one of the best decisions I made in college.
I was given a little card that said I was a special needs student.
Every time a professor put a test in the testing center, I showed up with my card and schedule my test in advance.
This ensured that I would have access to my own private room for taking a test.
There was no other students around for me to bother, so I could tic all I wanted.
There was no tension so thick it suffocated my thoughts.
They even provided pens and pencils so I didn’t have to bring them like other students did.
I finished my tests faster, my grades improved and I was so happy. I loved that little room.
My friends were also incredibly jealous.
This label of being a special needs student gave me the perks I needed to do well in my college career and did not affect my relationships in any way.
So here is the point of this story: For some reason we live in fear of what others will say and do if we need a little help. However, all of us need that help.
People may appear “normal” and like they have their life together, but they don’t.
There have been multiple times in my life where I just needed to catch a break. I can guarantee that I am not the only one who needs something in my life to give way once in a while.
People are all different, but at our core, we are essentially the same.
Let me say that again: Everyone you meet has different experiences, thoughts and feelings than you do, but that doesn’t mean we don’t share things in common.
We all have hopes and desires. We all have fears. We are all doing our best and often fall a little short.
So why are the ones who are willing to ask for help to live their best life shunned?
We all have needs to consider. When we are willing to step up and ask for help, there are two things that will happen.
First of all, the quality of our own life improves. We do more, we become better.
Secondly, we can relate to and associate more easily with others.
I’m talking about the old who can’t move like they used to.
I’m talking about those with Tourette Syndrome.
I’m talking about those with Autism.
I’m talking about those with Down’s, those with Lyme’s, those with depression, those with cancer, those with anxiety.
Any kind of diagnosis, any kind of need, these people are just like you.
They are different and unique, just like you are. That’s what makes this world such a beautiful place. We all have our special characteristics that make us unique and that only we can bring to the table. It’s when all of these differences come together and utilized that the greatest good can happen.
We all have a little bit of special needs and considerations. There is no one size fits all kind of program.
We all have strength that can be used to help another, just like at some point we all need a little bit of help.
So let’s make a deal, I’ll help you if you help them.
Call to Action
Here is the help I mentioned earlier. I created a guide to help you figure out your strengths and how to utilize them to your advantage.
Get this and email me if you have any more questions.
Get my Free Guide Control Your Story (←Click Here and I’ll send it to you) to figure out where to start and some great tips on how to make a change.
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