Living With Differences
Several of Allisen’s friends have differences that make them stand out from the general population. Nalcie’s Down syndrome makes her look different, act younger, and have more difficulty learning than the other kids her age. Rushton’s Tourette syndrome causes him to make movements and noises that stand out bizarrely. Ellie’s stutter is the first thing people notice when she starts talking, and her prosthetic leg limits her physical abilities. Nalcie, Rushton, and Ellie all have different ways of dealing with their differences.
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Nalcie is happy with who she is and eager to share information about Down syndrome with others, but becomes frustrated when people treat her differently due to her disability. When Cristil and Amalia are making fun of her in the hallway, she becomes distressed even though she doesn't fully understand what was going on. She also is upset with her mom when her mom doesn’t want her going on the mission trip or hiking the mountain. Nalcie is aware that she’s a little different from the other kids, but she still wants to be included in everything they’re doing.
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Rushton has learned to be comfortable with his tics and the attention they draw, and he’s always ready to give an explanation when someone asks about them. When the boy in the lunchroom is giving him a hard time, Rushton remains calm and unfazed, recognizing that there’s only so much you can do to get someone to understand. Rushton refuses to let his differences stop him from living his best possible life.
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By contrast, Ellie has been extremely self-conscious of her stutter and prosthetic leg ever since a run-in with a bully in fourth grade. The words and actions of someone from so long ago still have a hold on her six years later, even after she was accepted for who she was her whole ninth grade year, and she is afraid to call attention to herself for fear that the past will repeat itself. Seeing the confident way Rushton handles his differences helps Ellie become more confident with hers. When the boy in the lunchroom mocks her stutter, she doesn’t let him get to her. And a few weeks later, during Awareness Day, she chooses to take a speaking role in a short skit.
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You don’t get to choose whether you have a certain disorder or disability. But you do get to choose the extent to which you let it control your life. It’s okay to be different. It’s okay to be you.
