Frankie
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...):
I have 2 examples.
1. I went to James Logan High School. We had this “TV show” called Logan Live. It’s basically JLHS’ way of delivering the daily bulletin in a creative way. I had applied to be the weatherman, and also the front desk, and ended up getting the weatherman job. My mom even called my teacher, thinking there was no way I actually got the position. Teacher told her that I knocked that audition out of the water.
2. I’m a drummer. My first live performance was at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church. One day, I was staring at the choir section, looking at the drum set there, thinking “Why does no one play those drums? Maybe I should play them”. My parents were not sold on that idea. But I didn’t care. I went straight up to the choir director (who I was good friends with), and asked her if I could play drums during mass. She was skeptical, but gave me a chance. I ended up debuting on Palm Sunday 2010, and played there for about 7 years.
How did this experience of being "unboxed" make you feel? (Consider how it affected your self-esteem, sense of independence, and personal growth):
Happy. And proud. Proud in knowing I accomplished something that others believed I couldn’t.
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):
In 2016, I entered the Special Needs Talent Showcase (put together by Friends of Children with Special Needs) for the first time. A few years later, in 2020, I would end up being a winner in this show (for the record, it was virtual. Thanks for nothing, Covid!) Finally winning the show was incredible! But it made me realize that I needed to find my next adventure as a drummer. Right around the same time, I discovered a fellow drummer on YouTube, and his work inspired me to want to make being a content creator my career. After a few trials and errors, I now operate my own YouTube and Twitch channels, called HomePlateDrums.
Speaking of FCSN, I was recently asked to help out with a percussion camp.
How did contributing in these ways impact your life? (Reflect on how it has shaped your identity, confidence, and interactions with others):
As a content creator, I get to hold virtual concerts for the entire world! I’ve had viewers tune in from Brazil, England, The Netherlands, etc. I also get to interact with my audience in real time.
The Special Needs Talent Showcase has helped me meet new friends, who I am now teaming up with to compete in the show in new ways.
In other outlets, I was once part of a Venture Crew Scouting band. I made some really good friends through this band, and these people suggested a class at Ohlone College, called Jazz/Rock Combo, to help further my skills as a drummer and overall musician. I was rather against it at first, flashing back to high school and not really enjoying it, but they convinced me, and this class ended up being some of the best 8 semesters of my life.
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):
Too many people assume that we as special needs people are all the same, and can’t accomplish anything. My best example is when I was applying for a seasonal job at Toys R Us. It was a group interview, for the record, and one of the things they had us do was grab a random item from the store and make up our own little “commercial” about that item. I darted straight for the video games, and grabbed the amiibo 3-pack for the Mii Fighters in Super Smash Bros. When it was my turn to do my “commercial”, I asked if I could use music, they said yes, and I put on the best performance of the interview. Bosses were shocked. My job coach was shocked. He said it was the best interview performance he’d ever seen. From literally anyone, neuro-typical people included.
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):
I don’t let it bother me. I make up my mind on what I want to do, and do my research on what I would need in order to do this, and I find a way to make it happen. This held especially true when I was just starting out on my drumming channels on YouTube and Twitch.
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):
The thing about special needs people, we are much more than what you think we are. What given the opportunity, and when the bar is set high, more often than not, we will deposit your jaws so far into the ground, you’ll have to go on a mining expedition, just to retrieve it.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your journey or the importance of this exhibit?:
I haven’t talked much about my enjoyment in playing sports. I take part in:
-Special Olympics (softball, bowling, bocce, golf, maybe soon, corn hole and pickle ball)
-Speaking of corn hole, there’s a chance (even if it’s slim), that corn hole finds its way into the full Olympics, if it does, I plan on trying out for Team USA, and if I was to make the team, I would most likely be the first Special Olympian to make the Olympic Games.
-I’m also in a bowling league.