Should I Hide?

Saturday was a re-uniting of American Association of People with Disabilities interns to take of tour of the FDR Memorial. It was great seeing everyone again, and catching up on how those in the program were doing. Even more exciting was the work related stories that showed the professional journey we have all embarked. The FDR Memorial definitely seemed like an appropriate place for us to tour. After all, the most powerful person in the United States, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, had a very visible disability. I felt it would be an inspiring tour because FDR signifies that despite an individual’s difference in looks, specifically disability, they can be whatever they want in life. That is until I heard more of FDR’s story.

At the age of 39 former President Roosevelt contracted polio, where his main symptom was he lost the use of his legs. During his presidency most people did not know he was unable to walk, and that’s how he preferred it. It seems being his true self would undermine his strong political reputation and power. Thus he attempted to be known as something outside of a person with a disability. What type of lesson does that show us as AAPD interns? Should we hide instead of having pride?

Now my aim is not to disrespect a former President of the United States. There are a number of things that I admire about FDR term in office, however, when it comes to self identity it was saddening to see he couldn’t serve as a role model in that area. I don’t want to be a person to hide and ignores a fundamental description about me. My disability serves as a large part of my identity and serves as a connector between myself and a widespread community. Should we hide instead of having pride? Never!

Andraea LaVant

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepares for it today.” – Malcolm X

For a number of reasons Malcolm X statement is one of my favorite quotes, but one reason in particular is that it seems to relate to the stage in life I am currently experiencing. I feel I am constantly learning through new experiences that push me forward each day. However, it is easy to get distracted from the preparation process. I think AAPD acknowledges those distractions and that’s part of reason they organized a mentor segment of the program. The mentor placed in my life is a true blessing to me. Excuse my informality, but Shout out to Michael Murray and Dana Fink because I was paired with the best person for me I feel! Andraea LaVant rolled into K&L Gates building looking extremely beautiful, strong, and determined to make a difference. At least that’s how I saw her. I was nervous because this was a person placed in my life to make a profound difference, and I had high expectations. In my eyes to agree to be a mentor means more than seeing your mentee every blue moon, or sending a couple emails. It means truly caring for what the other is experiencing and asking them how can I as an unforced and voluntary mentor enhance their journey. However, I was also nervous for it being an awkward experience where our personalities were so different it sparked no interest to keep contact. What if she saw nothing particularly unique about me? I would have felt unsuccessful in things I previously thought were accomplishments.

Yet, those thoughts soon became irrelevant. It was a matter of seconds common ground was established between two strangers; two strangers soon to become close partners for at the least a summer time. Sunday is the day we worship the Lord together and then spend time building upon my learning objectives for the summer. Yet, that isn’t what draws me to Andraea LaVant. It’s that she literally takes time out of her schedule on a weekly basis to see how I’m doing. Why? Why would someone be such a powerful influence on someone they have just come to know? I soon found the why isn’t nearly as important as the reaction that I have from her actions. I want to be just like her, truly making a difference by pushing the next person towards excellence on all folds of their life. I came to DC to learn, and not just to make my life better in the future but to help the next person along with tremendous opportunities. In Washington, DC I have been introduced to a true mentor who helps me on that path. I am growing on a weekly basis in her signature Academic, Personal, Professional and Spiritual method. The constant preparing I am taking advantage of over this summer is something I’m blessed to have an opportunity to do. However, this blog post is dedicated to the person who ensures I am not losing focus, the person who takes time out of their schedule to look into mine. A blessing in my life, Andraea LaVant.

What’s It Like, On the Hill?

Fascinating, intriguing, and like being on a ship. This summer I am blessed with the opportunity to work in a congressional office on Capitol Hill. Every morning Monday through Friday I wake up, get dressed, head towards the metro and take the Capital South exit. This is the place that as I step off the platform and take in a deep breath, I realize the air is filled with a political aroma and a desire to progress. Each of us interns are like fish in the pond longing to know what it’s like in the deep blue sea. I love it because it’s a fulfilling adventure. Sometimes I coast along the current, other times fight against it to stay on path, but never ever do I plan to abandon ship.

Currently my position could seem like a cabin boy, or girl in my case. I tend after the passengers and crew in their needs and desires. It is interesting because despite whatever task that is given to me it is a learning process. It’s a learning process to deal with situations I’ve never been in, adapt to completely different environment, and different types of people. What are most appealing are the people. Being in my position I have the opportunity to observe numerous details. Observation is what leads to more knowledge and thus more capabilities. Though my current role may be cabin girl, I have expectations to lead the ship in a way that positively influences all members of the crew. How can I do that though without understanding as many of their positions as possible? That is what Capitol Hill is doing for me; it is beginning to train me on all the aspects that politics has to offer. It is a cuddy to dwell in, however, with the burning desire I have inside of me I will make it an open place to as many as I can after me. Capitol Hill is my ship, my arena, and I will explore every possibility that is in my way.

Arriving to DC

For the majority of the time I have been a cancer survivor I lived with a feeling of incompleteness. That is 11 years…and the majority of it I had felt incomplete and unsatisfied with who I was as a person. Frankly, being a person of equal value didn’t seem like a relatable concept when it came to how I visibly stood out in a crowd. By having an artificial limb on my right leg after battling cancer it seemed unlikely that I would ever come to know how to live life to the fullest when I didn’t have the bodily function, or the image to do as most any other person can. However, through stages in my life and amazing support systems I continue to learn everyday that I am a Person First! And this person deserves and is entitled to living life to the fullest just as much as any!

This summer I have been blessed to receive an internship with the American Association of People with Disabilities. I was not sure what to expect, but what I have been receiving everyday opens my perceptions and exposes me to opportunities I never knew about. The benefits of being a part of an association, such as the AAPD, have touched me on a professional and personal level. All I want to do is share with others! The passion inside me that loves diversity and respects individuality of people yearns to learn how I can better advocate for those I represent.

However, I could not end this blog today without talking about the amazing people in Washington D.C. This is definitely a place of networking and constantly meeting new people. However, what I was not aware of was exactly how much I would enjoy the company of each person I have met. The stories everyone has of their lives are amazing and inspiring. Every person has a story and each time they’re shared we can truly take something valuable away from each other. If ever given the opportunity to do an internship, and especially an internship in DC you should take it! This will be a place that truly shows me the meaning of having respect for myself and being a Person First above being a disabled person.

Getting Lost in DC

Really it’s quite simple for a Texas girl, such as myself, to get lost in the city life of Washington DC. Texas is a large and beautiful state, where we believe in southern hospitality, stopping people and saying hello, and moving about in our own steady pace. Pretty contrasting when you hit the city life of Washington, DC. Everyone is on the move, walking at a pace that doesn’t allow for eye contact and a simple hello. Why is that? Networking is a big part of the DC area, so wouldn’t slowing down from time to time and just waving at a stranger be a part of the networking process? Evidently not so much. That is how we come across me getting lost in D.C.

With all the different twist and turns of the Capital I have fallen victim of being lost on the metro, national monuments, Chinatown, and at the job. It appears they make some places intentionally complicated and confusing for the entertainment of local citizens. However, Samuel Beckett wrote “My mistakes are my life.” As I am currently in DC and learning my way around, Beckett’s words signify that confusion and getting outside of one’s comfort zone is okay. Life is a process that regardless of what route is taken it is possible to make it through. I am continually learning the people here have their own methods of making life work in DC. They are not unkind because they don’t stop and say hello, but rather they are people walking full of purpose. With the vast amount of opportunity here it makes sense to have a determined walk that ensures keeping up with the movement. All the times I was lost there were a number of people who took one look at me and said, “newcomer where you headed?” I was used to Texas people laughing along side with me as we find our destination together, but DC is another beautiful experience of people very willing to share their past mistakes and instead point you in the right direction. It is a blessing to take my southern hospitality and learn to walk with it in purpose and unity.

Just as the Disability Movement states we are all People first. The faster everyone realizes this, the more accepting we can be of all be of our diversities. The original thought that something is wrong with DC, it is far to complicating is definitely not the case. People are just people, and although different from what I’m used to that is far from a bad thing. In fact, it should be that way because getting lost in D.C. is part of my growing process of following the best path.