May 1, 2009
posted 5/1/2009 9:51 PM

One Day at the Primary School

Following an inspirational presentation by VOICE, I volunteered to spend the day without using my left arm.  This really took a conscious effort on my part to acclimate to doing everything with my right arm.  While passing out papers at a meeting, my water bottle and pen scattered to the ground as I tried to juggle some documents, my planner, keys, and other items.  I learned to use my shoulder, “my trunk” and any other useful objects to push open doors, maintain a phone conversation with a parent while jotting down notes and dealing with desk drawers, and scrambling for other files and materials.  Simple tasks (such as moving up my notepad and balancing textbooks on my lap while I took notes at a meeting, making a craft project with some students,  using eating utensils, or opening a can of cashews) required greater thought and care as I learned to adapt to using just one hand.  Some tasks were tougher than others and made me smile as I continued to drop objects throughout the course of the day or sigh in frustration as I pondered a different way to solve a problem.  Extra time was needed to accomplish tasks and some patience from others as they waited for input from me.    I smiled as I pondered how to proceed with some tasks like tearing up papers and trying to quickly type a report with one hand.  It was doable – and just needed to be performed in another way.   Much of the day was spent learning new coping strategies to adapt and tackle this new situation.  I was curious to know if faculty or staff would comment or notice a difference in how I was functioning throughout the day, and am pleased to say that they just took my actions in stride!

On the other hand (J), I have to say it was wonderful to witness the kindness and caring of others (who also attended the VOICE presentation and knew about what I volunteered to do).  They provided support and encouragement throughout the day (and even made sure I wasn’t cheating!  J).  I kept catching myself thinking of my blessings and good health.  I also thought about the strength and courage it takes for people to persevere in pursuing their dreams.  The VOICE presentation highlighted the remarkable accomplishments individuals have made to attain their hopes and dreams regardless of their personal circumstances or set-backs.  These individuals serve as role models to encourage us to bravely keep dreaming and working hard for our goals – even when presented with complex challenges.   Diversity is really about enhancing our awareness and respect for others and admiring a person’s determination and strength!  This exercise gave me an opportunity to develop greater empathy for others and be impressed by the fortitude displayed by others!

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