Juan
Can you recall a time or experience when you felt "unboxed", when you broke free from societal expectations or labels, seen for you and not your disability? (This could be related to a job, volunteering, living independently, attend college, etc...):
When I had a job with the School Adult Program at Bakery La Mejor. I think that was a good experience where I did not feel criticized or judged.
How did this experience of being "unboxed" make you feel? (Consider how it affected your self-esteem, sense of independence, and personal growth):
I felt good and happy because I experienced a sense of freedom since I did not feel overlooked or over supervised. It was nice to get help from my coworkers to make cinnamon rolls and much more. It felt good not to be judged at every moment.
In what ways do you feel you contribute to your own life and the community? (For example, through work, volunteering, hobbies, relationships, or other activities):
I feel that I make a small contribution to my family and especially to my younger sister when I wait and watch for her safety when she returns home from school. Knowing that my sister and family can rely on me when they’re not home is something that I feel good about. I also think that I make a small contribution to my friends when I spend time with them by phone or in person. They’ve told me that they enjoy my friendliness and kindness.
How did contributing in these ways impact your life? (Reflect on how it has shaped your identity, confidence, and interactions with others):
I think that my little contribution to others makes me feel good as it is a nice knowing that I can provide a helping hand when people need it. This boosts my confidence because I know that I can be valuable to friends, my family and the community in general.
Why do you think people with disabilities are often required to prove that they can contribute to society? (Share your thoughts on societal attitudes, expectations, and any personal experiences that relate to this):
Because society, people in general are not aware of the differences, the challenges people with disadvantages must deal with. People in general need to educate themselves on the challenges people with disabilities must overcome. Imagine life as a daily race.
How does this expectation to continually prove oneself affect you personally? (Consider both positive and negative impacts, including any motivation it provides or frustration it causes):
It can affect my personality and my mood mainly in a negative way. If I can’t perform or do something as well or as fast as other people it may cause me frustration and irritation. On other occasions, however, it may have a positive outcome when people with disadvantages prove themselves that they can achieve the goals they dream of.
What message would you like to share with the world about the contributions of people with disabilities? (This can be a message of advocacy, awareness, or inspiration):
I like to tell everybody that people with disabilities are people that love life, care about others, dream of achieving their goal as much as regular people and want to contribute to society. That they just need a little help and understanding that they face challenges that regular people are not aware of.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your journey or the importance of this exhibit?:
I think this Exhibit will be a good opportunity to raise the awareness of the challenges people with disabilities must deal with every single day of their life. By raising the awareness in the community, the understanding and relationship between regular and disabled people may be greatly improved.