We are all equal … and never less The laTe monThs of spring and the early months of summer are a time of rebirth. A time when sunshine draws forth new growth from dormant seeds in damp soil and new life from fecund wombs that have grown round over the winter. For students, this time marks the end of one school year and, for some, the end of one school. For these senior students, spring/summer is a time for metamorphosis, the shedding of one skin to reveal another; a time for goodbyes, graduations and valedictorians. In the spring/summer of 2012, one Grade 8 Earl Grey Senior Public School student had perhaps more to celebrate looking back than any other graduate. This is Jackson Frezell’s valedictory address. One of my favorite quotes says quite simply, but powerfully: “I am different….but not less.” It was said by Temple Grandin, whose many credits include Professor, Doctor, Consultant, Author, Inventor, Speaker and Hero. Her accomplishments are an inspiration to us all, as she had to overcome great obstacles in order to succeed. Although I personally share the same challenges of Autism as Temple Grandin, her work, success and words apply to us all here at Earl Grey today as we graduate. We are all different. We all face challenges. We are all equal…and never less. Good evening parents, guardians, teachers and my fellow graduating class of 2012. As we stand here ready to take the next step toward our future, I am hopeful, exited, sad and reflective on our last two years here at Earl Grey. When I think back to my first week of school here, I remember that I was incredibly nervous. I worried that I would be bullied as I had been before. I was unsure if the teachers would understand and support my disability. I was afraid my Autism would prevent people from accepting me. Thankfully, for the first time ever at school, I endured no harassment, I was fully supported by my not only my amazing core Teacher Ms. Mathura, but by all the staff at Earl Grey. Over time, my fellow students came to understand me, even when my differences may have made them nervous to be around me in the beginning. Now as I look back, I see that my initial worries about Earl Grey were unjustified because the staff at our great school look at our differences, embrace them, give us every tool to meet our individual challenges, and then focus on our amazing abilities and inspire us all to succeed. We are all different. We come in all sizes, shapes, colors, origins and beliefs. We all face challenges, whether academic, social, physical or personal. Yet, we are all similar in our Earl Grey
family, working towards the common goals of learning and creating a community, and overcoming obstacles to achieve what we have come here today to celebrate. I can remember several examples of moments of perseverance by both myself and my teachers. Mr. Schuler took a kid with motor skill issues and got him playing sports. Gym class was tough for me and stressful for Mr. Schuler, I’m sure. Yet, we both overcame the difficulties and got through it. Each of the Earl Grey teachers has taken the time to better understand me and my classmates and help us achieve our best, no matter our challenges. This is what Earl Grey has been to me: A place where we are all different yet equal. A place where everyone is important and worthy of respect; where behind every disability are many abilities. A place where we are never ‘less’, but always striving to be more.
Where is he now? Jackson just finished his first year in the Math and Science Technology Program at Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute. He is studying robotics, engineering, AutoCAD, electronics and IT ... and LOVING it! www.neighbourhoodliving.com |
Neighbourhood Living |
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