A trailblazer is someone who paves the way for other people. I didn’t realize the responsibility of this title until later in my life. However, I will never forget the story of how I learned the meaning. Towards the end of my eighth-grade year, my special education teacher fed me lunch. She helped me tremendously be in regular education starting at fifth grade. I still saw her for lunch and when I needed help with tests. One particular day, as I ate lunch, she said this to me, and I’ll never forget it – “Jessica, you’re a trailblazer for so many who follow after you.”
I had some idea of what that meant to be a trailblazer. I knew being a trailblazer had the responsibility never to give up even when it would be difficult. This teacher and I met when I was ten years old. I had to go to a school about 45 minutes away because they had a physically handicapped education program. Inclusion wasn’t a thing as of yet like it is now. I felt extremely annoyed by this because even in Kindergarten, I knew I should be in regular education classes. It seemed like my brother and sister learned so much more than I did. Through lots of prayer and persistence, I had teachers who listened to my concerns.
Before I met Mrs. Gross, I had some special education teachers try their best. Some were lazy and just gave repetitive work that didn’t teach much importance. I stepped up to advocate for other children by teaching them myself. Also, I spoke up that we had a right to be educated. Some teachers didn’tl like how outspoken I became, but I knew that I wanted more. I knew that I didn’t need to be in special education just because I had cerebral palsy.
When I met Mrs. Gross (who later became Mrs. Boyd,) she seemed to understand I wanted to be in regular education. Probably because I didn’t stop talking about it. Her mission was to teach me what I needed to know to be included in 5th grade the following year. Sadly, my previous teacher didn’t put much emphasis on education as she did so I fell behind academically.
Along with Mrs. Gross, there was another special education teacher who taught math. He helped her get me up to speed in academics. In one school year, I went up two grade levels. Believe me that this was no easy task and included much homework. We knew the ultimate goal was to have me ready to be in the fifth grade. I worked hard with extra homework. My teacher started me out in regular classes by putting me into a study skills class to see how it went. I loved being in the class although it didn’t quite challenge me academically as I would have liked.
The following school year came around, and I entered fifth grade included. I still went to the school that was 35 minutes away, and that particular education class was still there for support. But I spent most of my time in my regular classroom. Of course, the regular education teacher put me in the very back of the class, ignored me most of the time. Not to mention-I never worked harder at grades than that year.
I worked so hard because I knew that I’d be back in the special education class if my grades showed any weakness. A few students became my friend but most ignored me or laughed at my speech. At the end of fifth grade, I was a straight-A student all year!
Trailblazer. I remained in that middle school to eighth grade. Not only did I join the chorus but also the show choir. I became the student of the month. Teachers accepted me more each year. As high school approached, it was determined that I’d go back to my home district and have an aide.
Upon graduating eighth grade, the special education teacher wanted me to know that I’d be a trailblazer from now on. Her words stuck with me throughout my life -every aspect. In high school, I joined a dance troop, soloed danced in talent shows, gave speeches, wrote for the school newspaper, took three years of Spanish even after being told not to, took AP classes, had a boyfriend, and went to prom.
After high school, I went to college 6 hours away. I became a special education teacher despite much opposition. After graduating, I published a book with a friend, had my own website company, became a columnist and Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania. Marriage came. Despite being very bumpy, a miracle of a baby came. Then, suddenly a widow and single mom- I continued. I found love again and granted another little boy. Cancer struck me, and I conquered. I became a goalie for a hockey team. I played in two Canada Cups and helped win one of them. Then, in 2018, my teaching career finally started to take off.
Teachers have a unique power to set afire someone’s life. Without that one special education teacher, who knows where I’d be? Before every situation, I hear her in my ear telling me that I’m a trailblazer. Trailblazers do not give up at the sign of disaster or the impossible-they light the trail on fire.
