Laura has always been academically inclined. She was speaking before she turned one. Often people thought she was much older simply because of her speech development. As a new mom with cerebral palsy, I feared her speech would mimic mine. However, both my children have very clear speech so I feel happy about that!
I emphasize to Laura that education is the key to many doors in life. I’m glad she took my advice to heart. She is an avid reader, creative thinker and a perfectionist (which is good, but overwhelming sometimes.) I want her to have as many opportunities available to her at every age.
In September, Laura joined the the National Elementary Honor Society. She felt proud of herself and pleased with herself. I should tell you that Laura goes to our local charter school that has a high slant for academics. They also have a fine art twice a day which is unheard of in most public schools. I picked this school for her when she was four and felt ecstatic when she received the acceptance letter.
Fifth grade has been a bit of a challenge to Laura, but she took it with grace. In the middle of the trimester, kids were split up in classrooms and some even had new teachers to adjust to. Laura had a new science and social studies teacher in October. She studies hard and is very responsible for her homework and studying.
At the close of every trimester, her school has an award ceremony for honors, high honors and academic area awards. I received an email from the school saying that Laura had received an academic area award, but keep it a secret until the ceremony which I did. I tried to figure out which subject because all of her grades were so high. Science was the lowest at 89 so I didn’t suspect science.
The ceremony came and I, my husband and dad went to it. We were all sad that they mistakenly forgot Laura’s name when calling the honor students. And then it seemed like they called every subject award except science!
When Laura’s science teacher called her up, she was definitely surprised. The teacher explained that the last three tests Laura earned 100 percent. But, the teacher went on to say that Laura is extremely kind and patient with other students who might need some help. My heart couldn’t have been more full or happy because being kind and academic achievement are the best of everything!!
I’m so curious how she will grow and accomplish but one day at a time.
