Hello, Mrs. Delvalle! It is nice to meet you, my name is Melody and I am so excited to be in your classroom this year! Before we start the school year, I would like to tell you a little about myself.

School has not been easy for me. There have been people in my past who have doubted me. I want you to get to know me before we begin spending time with each other. Just so you can see understand who I am as a person and what I have experienced.

I am 11 years old and have cerebral palsy. I have a very supportive family that advocates for my needs. My different interests are documentaries on TV, fashionable clothes, and especially music! I love lullabies, harmonies, and country music.

At the age of 5, I went to a doctor to be evaluated to enter school. Doctors never seem to understand me. ESPECIALLY the one I went to for the evaluation. He was mindless and even made my Mom cry! He told her that I am severely brain damaged and profoundly retarded. He even tried telling my Mom to put me into a residential facility so I would not be a burden on them. I am extremely bright, intelligent, and my family loves me very much. I wish people did not see me as a burden.

School was very frustrating for me with all the barriers of communication. I had to use a small communication board when I had so much to say and want to learn. School felt so boring for me because I learned the same exact stuff every year. Everything just repeating over and over. I want things to be different this year with you, Mrs. Delvalle.

The concept of disability should not be seen as the people who are a burden and are unable to do various things. We are all smart, capable, and deserve the same opportunities as all students. I have been disregarded and underestimated by teachers I am supposed to look up to. When I wanted to join the Whiz Kids team, I was told by my teacher, Mr. Dimming, that it was not a good idea since it would be difficult for me. Well he was wrong!