I haven’t talked about my day job for quite awhile, but rest assured, I love it now more than ever…
THE STORY
…This year the makeup of my classroom has shifted somewhat. For those of you who don’t know, I am a Life Skills Support teacher and my kids come to me with a wide range of disabilities. This year though I have a much higher number of autistic students than usual. I can tell you with 100% honesty that some of my favorite people on the planet are on the autism spectrum.
Autism is predominantly a communication and social interaction issue. People with autism struggle with expressing themselves and understanding social cues. For this reason, oftentimes people on the spectrum are not only misunderstood, but sold tragically short. Those who lack knowledge of what autism is exactly are fearful or unsure of how or even if, to interact with someone with autism.
Here’s the thing, just like the rest of us, every single human being on the spectrum is different. They have unique likes and dislikes; interests and passions; skills and abilities; goals and dreams. They. Are. Just. Like. Us. It just so happens they experience the world differently than most. If you haven’t seen this video of one of the most inspiring young men I’ve seen in a long time, I recommend you watch it. It’s only twp minutes long, but it goes a long way in regard to dispelling myths about autism:
A few of my students are fully verbal and interact well with others, but have one or two unique things that will upset them. A few, while verbal, require an understanding of their verbal patterns to communicate with them. A few do not like physical contact, but others want hugs or to hold and squeeze your hand, but on their terms. By watching, listening, and most importantly empathizing I have learned what each one of them needs from me as well as the world around them.
One common misconception is that people on the spectrum are unable to feel, express or understand emotions. That my friends, is 100% not true. I sometimes feel unworthy of the volume of love that I get from my kids on the daily. There is not one day that goes by that at some point I don’t hear “I love you Mrs. Stinedurf.” And do you know what? I tell them right back that I love them too. Nothing will make me drop what I’m doing quicker than hearing, “Hold my hand?” or “Play a game with me?” And nothing will break my heart into more pieces than trying to help one of my loves through a meltdown while they wail with tears streaming down their face because they simply do not have the ability to express what exactly is hurting them inside.
And do you know what’s really cool? The rest of my kids, the ones who are not on the spectrum, they love and accept them just the same as I do. They have conversations with them, include them in everything they do and don’t show one lick of fear or ridicule if one them is upset and struggling. Everyone is 100% equal in our world. I believe it would do the rest of the world a lot of good to sit in my room for awhile and allow my kids to show what it is to be truly good loving human beings.
THE OUTFIT
I have acquired quite a little collection of leopard skirts, and this leopard midi skirt is one of my favorites. I first wore it back in August with a pair of Adidas and a band tee. Like most of my skirts and Summer dresses, I knew with the right tweaks it would be perfect all year ’round.
This particular day it was insanely windy and cold. As I’ve said probably a thousand times, that’s the perfect weather for busting out the over the knee boots to keep your sticks warm. I layered my favorite Blank NYC moto jacket over my black blazer to keep things cozy. And as I mentioned in the August post, even though it’s a faux wrap, a safety pin is a good idea and the wind on this particular day was a good test of that statement I tell ya.
The graphic tee is not only cool, but it has meaning. While I’m a sucker for a cool graphic tee, I love them even more when they mean something to me on a personal level. I purchased it from Steel City Tees after the Tree Of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh. The broken heart graphic was designed to show solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters and 100% of the proceeds went to the synagogue. Right now it’s sold out, although it’s still on the site so perhaps they’ll restock it in the future. Few things make me happier than fashion that gives back. I’ve purchased a number of my graphic tees for that very reason.
THE TIP
Always be on the lookout for pieces that you not only love, but that have the added bonus of putting some positive vibes out into the world. That’s particularly easy if graphic tees and sweatshirts are your jam. You can fairly easily find a graphic tee that either supports a cause that’s near to your heart or that says something with personal meaning to you.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Skirt: Nasty Gal; Jacket: Blank NYC (Similar); Tee: Similar; Boots: Amazon (Similar)
