bECOMING bY pAIGE mONTANA

I don't really know how to describe who I was in middle school. It's been so long since I first walked into the tacky offwhite building that I haven't really had a proper time for reflection. Despite this I can remember one blatantly obvious part about myself: I was a massive pushover. I didn't really know how to ask for help and relied on others to simply notice what was wrong. This obviously didn't work and most of the time I would be struggling by myself. I have a learning disability and Sensory Processing Disorder, and without the proper accommodations provided, my middle school experience was atrocious. By the time I had reached high school I was tired of not receiving the help I deserved. I realized that if no one was going to stand up for me, I must do it myself. It was challenging to start advocating for myself, but after years of mistreatment I knew what I had to do. 
It's almost as if a switch flipped and I was a new person. I started making sure my needs were being met and I held those in charge accountable for it. One of the biggest instances for this is when my gym accommodations were not given to me. Due to my sensory issues I can't wear pants, sneakers, or any gym clothes. The school refused to acknowledge this and after a lengthy process of doctors notes and emails, the school finally allowed me to do an academically based gym where I would write about fitness.  My biggest helper in this scenario was my guidance counselor, who was the first adult who truly cared about my needs. It was nice to finally be able to rely on someone and she helped me become the person I am today. I would like to believe that I am a very passionate, driven, and loyal individual. I enjoy helping others and I've always wanted to become someone kids like me could use as a support system. With the help of my guidance counselor I decided that I want to be a special education teacher. Now knowing my career path I chose to either teach younger students or high schoolers like myself. I'm currently interested in the majors Child Care Services Management, Child Development, Teacher Education (General), or Counseling & Student Services.

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