Erin's Story: Rotary Essay

By: Erin Ward

In the Rotary essay, we are asked to think about four questions: “Is it the truth?” “Is it fair to all concerned?” “Will it build goodwill and better friendships?” and “Is it beneficial to all?” I looked at these questions with my personal experience of disability.

In our society today, how we look at each other is important. Disability is a big thing. Some people think that because someone has a disability that they are not as good as the next person. The truth is they're the same as everyone else, A person can do anything she wants. I’ve seen it. I have Bilateral Club Hands and eight fingers. I'm not perfect; however, no one is perfect. It's just a fact of life. No matter how good you are at something, there's always room for improvement. Everybody has a disability, and that’s the truth-- anything from needing glasses to being paralyzed. That's what makes us special; otherwise, we would all be the same which would be boring.

Kids and adults with disability often get made fun of, and it isn't fair. In second grade, I was made fun of a lot by my classmates because we were beginning to see differences in each other. One person in particular often made fun of me, and it's still is hard to forget. I'll never get her words out of my head: “You'll never be normal.” That is also when I also realized I have some great friends. My friends didn't judge me or laugh at me along with her. They stood up for me and were strong when I was down. We have built strong friendships that has been beneficial for all of us.

When my friends stood up for me on that awful day, it made me realize that I should do that for other people, too. Some people don't have friends that take up for them, but instead, have people who disappear when life gets hard. Those people are fake friends. A real friend will not judge you for how you look, talk, or act; they will love you for who you are.

You are here for a reason! Build good friendships.

Is it the truth? Yes, people have disabilities, and they do get made fun of. Be the one who tells the truth. Is it fair to all concerned? Yes, a person might have a disability, but it doesn't make his life any different from others. Be the person who is fair. Is it beneficial to all? Someone with a disability shouldn't be treated differently. That person has gifts that are as beneficial as the next person--or even more so. Stephen Hawking made huge contributions to science and he can’t even move. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Yes, anyone can be a friend and should have a real friend to always be there for them.

Erin
Published: Aug 17, 2016 12:00am

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