I have been actively involved in advocacy for the disabled community, driven by my personal connection to my stepbrother who has autism. I've learned tolerance, patience, understanding, and the value of standing up for marginalized people from this experience, which has influenced my leadership style. I acquired useful skills to assist people with disabilities, specifically children with autism as a trained behavioral technician, which I then used as a counselor at Seattle Children's Hospital's Stanley Stamm Camp. There, I worked with children facing different chronic illnesses and disabilities, reinforcing my commitment to creating inclusive spaces and promoting equitable opportunities. Working with kids who had disabilities and chronic diseases there strengthened my resolve to foster inclusive environments and advance fair opportunities. My knowledge of disability advocacy has grown significantly as a result of this trip, and it has also improved my capacity to lead with empathy and inclusivity.

• Became a certified behavioral technician to support individuals with autism and other disabilities.

• Served as a counselor at the Stanley Stamm Camp, providing care and recreational activities for children with chronic illnesses and disabilities.

• Collaborated with healthcare professionals and families to create personalized support plans for campers.

• Organized and led activities designed to promote social interaction and confidence among participants.

Social Justice

My advocacy for the disabled community is rooted in a commitment to social justice. At the Stanley Stamm Camp, I assisted in enabling children with chronic disease and disability to have equal access to recreation and socialization. From this experience, I understood the importance of dismantling systemic barriers and advocating for policies that promote inclusivity. I also educated others on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, fostering a greater understanding of the need for equal opportunities. In the future, I will persist in advocating for systemic change to create a more equal and fair society

Adaptability

Working with individuals with disabilities has also made me extremely flexible. At camp, I routinely modified activities to accommodate the varying needs of campers, such as modifying games for children with physical disabilities or creating alternative methods of communication for children with speech impairments. This flexibility enabled all children to participate fully and feel included. This skill has helped me to develop my ability to think on my feet and remain calm under pressure, abilities which I now apply to all areas of my life.

Helping Others

As a behavioral technician and camp counselor, I provided one-on-one support to individuals with disabilities, helping them develop communication, social, and life skills. Whether it was assisting a camper with a medical device or guiding a child through a challenging social interaction, I prioritized their well-being and independence. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of selfless service and inspired me to continue helping others in both personal and professional settings.

Nonverbal Communication

At the camp, I often relied on nonverbal communication to connect with campers who had limited verbal abilities. For example, I used gestures, facial expressions, and visual aids to explain activities or provide reassurance. This approach not only helped campers feel understood but also strengthened my ability to communicate effectively in diverse situations. I learned that nonverbal cues can be just as powerful as words in building trust and fostering meaningful connections.

Empowerment

I empowered campers by encouraging them to take ownership of their experiences, such as allowing them to choose activities or lead group discussions. This approach helped build their confidence and independence, which are critical for long-term success. As a behavioral technician, I also empowered individuals with autism by teaching them self-advocacy skills, enabling them to navigate challenges more effectively. This competency has taught me the importance of fostering autonomy and confidence in others, which I will continue to prioritize in my future work.

This experience has profoundly shaped my leadership style and personal values, teaching me the importance of empathy, adaptability, and advocacy. The insights I’ve gained have translated to other areas of my life, such as my approach to teamwork and problem-solving. Moving forward, I plan to continue advocating for the disabled community by pursuing a career in healthcare and public health. I envision applying the leadership competencies I’ve developed such as social justice, adaptability, and empowerment to create inclusive spaces and drive systemic change. This work has not only strengthened my commitment to equity but also reinforced my belief in the power of collective action to create a more just and inclusive world.