Seeing the You in You

After watching this video of Sarah, ZebraGal, I believe. I see Sarah. This video made me realize that no one needs to be invisible. She wrote and sang “Let it Go” from Frozen her way. She made this accessible with the words on the screen as she sang her version about having autism. I get her message. I see her.

I watched her video several times so I could really see her. Isn’t she beautiful? Isn’t she talented? I’m really hearing her message. And her message is clear about her autism.

We shouldn’t see any disability first. Every person is unique and has something to share. All of us have a right to live, be here and become the best we can be. We need to stop staring at someone with a challenge and see them for who they really are.

The reason that I am so passionate about making learning personal is that education forgot the person. Someone like Sarah had to fit in to a system that taught to the average. She is different, like all of us. We are all different, but we had to fit in and become compliant. If you stand out, you are punished with poor grades, behavior problems, or bullied. The system is broken. It doesn’t work for Sarah. It doesn’t work for most of us.

Today anyone can write anything about anyone on social media. Luckily, Sarah took her story and song to YouTube. We need more of our children to share who they are this way. We need education to change so learners like Sarah can drive their learning. We need to see the you in you and help you fulfill your potential. That’s what learning is. Sarah, I see the you in you and you are beautiful!

“Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.”
Dr. Seuss