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Who I Am
Hello! My name is Greyson Elijah, but everyone calls me Grey. I am a 22 year old who loves photography, playing the guitar, travelling, and spending time with my beautiful Fiancee. I grew up in a hospital setting and have always had a "caretaker" role in my family. This lead me to find my passion working with children as a special needs camp counselor at age 19. I currently work as a three year old preschool teacher at Oak and Lily Academy. I am pursuing my degree in Early Childhood Education with the goal of eventually becoming a Child Life Specialist. In my free time, I am an advocate for the Ehlers-Danlos Society, a charity that funds the research of a rare genetic condition.
Me dressed a Bing Bong for my preschool class on Halloween
Map of the countries I have visited
One of my favorite songs
What I Know
Growing up, I slowly began to realize that neither the education nor the healthcare system, were set up for people like me. I have a rare genetic condition called Ehlers-Danlos Sydrome that causes physical limitations, learning difficulties, and hearing loss. As a camp counselor, and preschool teacher of four years, it is my personal goal to push for more physical accomodations in public school classrooms. Following my teaching career, I plan to join the child life field and hope to create a safe space for children with chronic illnesses.
What I Have to Learn
As a Queer, Jewish, Disabled person, I have found that I work very well with children who "don't fit the mold". However, I have found that I have a harder time relating to those who do not fit these groups. I hope to grow as a person and educator by showing more empathy, and suspending judgement on anyone's situation. Instead, I would like to focus on what I can do to help.
The Teacher I Will Become
I feel that my teaching style is a combination between the educational of Progressivism and Social Reconstructivism. As an educator, my goal is to create an environment where all my students feel safe and accepted. Also, I want to encourage my students to think for themselves by teaching critical thinking. My future classroom will be a place where children are pushed to work together to solve problems while learning about the world around them and how to navigate it.
A chalk drawing done by one of my campers
Comments:
-Grey! I love how creative and intriguing your page is! I also love photography! I also relate deeply to having to learn how to empathize with those who aren't in the same situation as I am and to have zero judgment.
- Hi Grey! Firstly, your costume as Bing Bong is amazing (I love that movie). Secondly, your passion for change is very apparent, significant, and rare to see. Having a more diverse staff in schools (Or anywhere) is great for kids to see that way they aren't afraid to be open about who they are as well. Best, Emily Brooks
-Hey Grey! I love how creative and organized your page is! You incorporated so many different Web 2.0 tools that I didn't even think of using. The quiz was probably my favorite as well as the map! I can't believe you've traveled to so many different places. Punk rock is also my favorite genre of music and "Still Breathing" is one of those songs that always keeps me going. - Faith Dutch
-Beetlejuice is one of my favorite movies too! You seem like such a fun person, I would love to hang out and keep in touch! - Alisha Kirtley
- Hello Grey! I love that you want to advocate for students with a chronic illness. I also love that your goal in becoming a teacher is to create a safe space for children to feel accepted. Also, I think it is really awesome that you love playing the guitar!
- Hi Grey! I love how much your personality shows through on your page. I agree that all student should feel safe and welcome in their school environment. I feel when a child feels safe and welcomed then they learn best and thrive. -Cati Gregory
- Awesome page Grey! Your page definitely shows how much of a kind and caring person you are, and I believe you are going to be a wonderful teacher. You are gonna be a rocking teacher! -Sam Johnson
- Hey Grey! Your page was definitely inspiring and I think you will become an awesome teacher! I also love the first picture on your page; it was a great attention getter. - Payton Collins
- You are the first person that I have read their page and they are actually taking the step for improvement for special education in the public school system. I remember from a few classes on Special education the history of how students were treated with special needs and it was appalling to say the least. I am glad that you are pursing something close to your heart. - Elizabeth Casallas
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