[Script Info] Title: [Events] Format: Layer, Start, End, Style, Name, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Effect, Text Dialogue: 0,0:00:06.13,0:00:10.19,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,At the beginning of fourth grade,\NI joined Peer Helpers. Dialogue: 0,0:00:10.19,0:00:13.61,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Peer Helpers is an inclusion program\Nwhere students like myself Dialogue: 0,0:00:13.61,0:00:16.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,can interact with students \Nin Special Education. Dialogue: 0,0:00:16.57,0:00:19.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When I joined, I was looking to try\Nsomething new Dialogue: 0,0:00:19.99,0:00:22.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because, you see, at my elementary school, Dialogue: 0,0:00:22.06,0:00:25.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,there's only chess club\Nand Peer Helpers, Dialogue: 0,0:00:25.32,0:00:27.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so my options were pretty limited. Dialogue: 0,0:00:27.00,0:00:30.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But the kids that I did see peer helping\Nlooked like they were having tons of fun. Dialogue: 0,0:00:30.89,0:00:32.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I mean, they were missing class, Dialogue: 0,0:00:32.99,0:00:34.55,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,sitting together at lunch, Dialogue: 0,0:00:34.55,0:00:36.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and taking trips. Dialogue: 0,0:00:36.90,0:00:39.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I wanted in on that, so I joined. Dialogue: 0,0:00:39.87,0:00:43.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,At the time, I had no idea I would\Neventually be meeting someone Dialogue: 0,0:00:43.66,0:00:46.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who would become \None of my closest friends today, Dialogue: 0,0:00:46.04,0:00:47.81,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Henley Hager. Dialogue: 0,0:00:47.81,0:00:51.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When I first met Henley and his family,\Nit was a disaster. Dialogue: 0,0:00:51.64,0:00:54.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I vividly remember talking\Nto Mrs. Hager for the first time, Dialogue: 0,0:00:54.47,0:00:56.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and I had no idea what to say. Dialogue: 0,0:00:56.13,0:00:58.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It was probably something like, Dialogue: 0,0:00:58.04,0:01:03.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"Hey, Mrs. Hager, I'm here\Nto work with Henley." Dialogue: 0,0:01:03.47,0:01:06.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So after I introduced myself to her,\NI finally met Henley, Dialogue: 0,0:01:06.38,0:01:08.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the boy I was going to be working with. Dialogue: 0,0:01:08.58,0:01:11.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,At first, I didn't know \Nwhat to do or say around Henley. Dialogue: 0,0:01:11.76,0:01:13.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You see, Henley has severe autism, Dialogue: 0,0:01:13.91,0:01:16.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and I had no experience working with\Nanyone like that before. Dialogue: 0,0:01:16.50,0:01:17.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I'm going to be honest. Dialogue: 0,0:01:17.67,0:01:21.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's not like I just strolled in there\Nand was already best buddies with him. Dialogue: 0,0:01:21.42,0:01:24.46,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I was nervous, \Nnervous that I might set him off, Dialogue: 0,0:01:24.46,0:01:26.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or nervous that I might do something\Nto upset him, Dialogue: 0,0:01:26.94,0:01:28.46,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and since we're being honest, Dialogue: 0,0:01:28.46,0:01:32.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I was nervous because we as humans\Nhave a tendency to feel uncomfortable Dialogue: 0,0:01:32.16,0:01:34.46,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,around people who are different than us. Dialogue: 0,0:01:34.46,0:01:36.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Regardless, over the next three years, Dialogue: 0,0:01:36.49,0:01:39.65,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,every Wednesday, I went with Henley\Nto an after-school program Dialogue: 0,0:01:39.65,0:01:41.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where we would on social \Nand academic skills, Dialogue: 0,0:01:41.91,0:01:43.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,such as organization, Dialogue: 0,0:01:43.26,0:01:44.23,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,doing homework, Dialogue: 0,0:01:44.23,0:01:45.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,physical exercise, Dialogue: 0,0:01:45.15,0:01:45.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,calming down, Dialogue: 0,0:01:45.88,0:01:47.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,helping him understand the day's plan, Dialogue: 0,0:01:47.76,0:01:49.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,not complaining \Nwhen he doesn't get his way, Dialogue: 0,0:01:49.88,0:01:51.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and engaging in small talk. Dialogue: 0,0:01:51.82,0:01:54.71,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But as long as I've known Henley,\NI know what he wants to do, Dialogue: 0,0:01:54.71,0:01:57.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,play on the computer. Dialogue: 0,0:01:57.14,0:01:59.09,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But we can't always do that. Dialogue: 0,0:01:59.09,0:02:01.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So I'll provide other examples\Nof what we can do, Dialogue: 0,0:02:01.95,0:02:03.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,like walk around the track, Dialogue: 0,0:02:03.30,0:02:04.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,use the stationary bike, Dialogue: 0,0:02:04.56,0:02:05.98,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or play basketball. Dialogue: 0,0:02:05.98,0:02:07.43,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He'll answer with yes or no, Dialogue: 0,0:02:07.43,0:02:08.83,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or he's gotten to the point Dialogue: 0,0:02:08.83,0:02:12.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where he will politely ask \Nif we can do this activity instead. Dialogue: 0,0:02:12.50,0:02:15.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Over the years, Henley's small talk\Nhas greatly improved Dialogue: 0,0:02:15.63,0:02:17.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and it's not just with me, Dialogue: 0,0:02:17.26,0:02:19.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it's with every person he interacts with. Dialogue: 0,0:02:19.24,0:02:21.46,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That's one of the goals \Nof inclusion programs. Dialogue: 0,0:02:21.46,0:02:24.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Inclusion programs benefit people\Nbecause they develop friendships, Dialogue: 0,0:02:24.64,0:02:27.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,increase achievement of IEP goals, Dialogue: 0,0:02:27.24,0:02:30.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and greater opportunities for enhance\Nlearning are formed. Dialogue: 0,0:02:30.49,0:02:33.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But apart from all that, \Nwe would go fun places. Dialogue: 0,0:02:33.63,0:02:36.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I remember one time, Henley and I\Nwent to the McWane Science Center Dialogue: 0,0:02:36.84,0:02:38.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in Downtown Birmingham. Dialogue: 0,0:02:38.74,0:02:41.45,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We had fun watching the fish,\Nand stingrays, and sharks. Dialogue: 0,0:02:41.45,0:02:43.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But imagine being at the science center Dialogue: 0,0:02:43.38,0:02:47.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and hearing two teenage boys cracking up\Nand giggling over nothing. Dialogue: 0,0:02:47.86,0:02:50.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Henley and I can just let out\Na quick giggle Dialogue: 0,0:02:50.04,0:02:51.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and the laugh attacks begin. Dialogue: 0,0:02:51.59,0:02:53.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I have the best time ever\Nwhen I'm with him Dialogue: 0,0:02:53.64,0:02:56.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and I always look forward\Nto spending time with him, Dialogue: 0,0:02:56.11,0:02:58.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but this trip wasn't me \Nbeing his Peer Helper. Dialogue: 0,0:02:58.40,0:03:01.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These were just two best friends\Nhanging out and watching sharks. Dialogue: 0,0:03:01.53,0:03:04.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, I can talk about how much\NI've done with or for Henley, Dialogue: 0,0:03:04.42,0:03:08.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but what I really want you to hear\Nand what rarely gets mentioned Dialogue: 0,0:03:08.01,0:03:10.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is the fact that Henley\Nhas also helped me. Dialogue: 0,0:03:10.84,0:03:13.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He's helped me become more patient, Dialogue: 0,0:03:13.01,0:03:15.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I am better at working with kids\Nwith disabilities, Dialogue: 0,0:03:15.88,0:03:18.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and I believe I've become more \Ncompassionate Dialogue: 0,0:03:18.29,0:03:20.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,toward those different than me. Dialogue: 0,0:03:20.00,0:03:23.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So through my interactions with Henley,\NI mentioned becoming more patient. Dialogue: 0,0:03:23.57,0:03:26.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For example, Henley takes longer\Nto learn certain concepts, Dialogue: 0,0:03:26.89,0:03:27.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to do school work, Dialogue: 0,0:03:27.85,0:03:29.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and to respond to certain questions. Dialogue: 0,0:03:29.60,0:03:33.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And because of this, I've learned to\Nrepeat myself without getting frustrated, Dialogue: 0,0:03:33.29,0:03:36.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or at least making \Nthat frustration visible. Dialogue: 0,0:03:36.02,0:03:40.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Somebody should teach my mom that. Dialogue: 0,0:03:40.10,0:03:41.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But let me be clear. Dialogue: 0,0:03:41.63,0:03:45.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Many times it was frustrating,\Nbut you can't get mad at him Dialogue: 0,0:03:45.53,0:03:48.18,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because he's not intentionally \Ntrying to be difficult. Dialogue: 0,0:03:48.18,0:03:51.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He's just taking his time and adjusting\Nto the task at hand Dialogue: 0,0:03:51.28,0:03:52.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the best way he knows how. Dialogue: 0,0:03:52.62,0:03:55.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Understanding this has made me\Na more patient person Dialogue: 0,0:03:55.10,0:03:57.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in all aspects of life. Dialogue: 0,0:03:57.10,0:03:58.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And apart from patience, Dialogue: 0,0:03:58.89,0:04:01.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I've become better at working\Nwith kids with special needs. Dialogue: 0,0:04:01.96,0:04:03.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In your everyday school, Dialogue: 0,0:04:03.24,0:04:06.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a majority of students pretend \Nlike students in the Special Ed department Dialogue: 0,0:04:06.80,0:04:08.41,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,don't even exist. Dialogue: 0,0:04:08.41,0:04:09.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They walk through the halls, Dialogue: 0,0:04:09.88,0:04:11.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,talk to their friends, Dialogue: 0,0:04:11.15,0:04:13.27,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and ignore those with special needs. Dialogue: 0,0:04:13.27,0:04:17.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Rarely do people interact with these\Nstudents in a positive and helpful way. Dialogue: 0,0:04:17.20,0:04:20.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But I've learned that through\Ninteracting with students like Henley, Dialogue: 0,0:04:20.49,0:04:22.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when you ignore those with\Nspecial needs, Dialogue: 0,0:04:22.78,0:04:25.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you're missing out on a gift. Dialogue: 0,0:04:25.25,0:04:28.83,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So from fourth to seventh grade,\NI worked exclusively with Henley, Dialogue: 0,0:04:28.83,0:04:31.05,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and that partnership,\Nthat friendship, Dialogue: 0,0:04:31.05,0:04:33.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is one of the best things\Nthat has ever happened to me. Dialogue: 0,0:04:33.99,0:04:35.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I have loved working with Henley, Dialogue: 0,0:04:35.76,0:04:40.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and becoming a Peer Helper\Nwas one of the best decisions of my life. Dialogue: 0,0:04:40.06,0:04:43.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But sadly, not all students\Nhave this opportunity. Dialogue: 0,0:04:43.47,0:04:48.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,After researching, I was shocked\Nto find that people with special needs Dialogue: 0,0:04:48.16,0:04:52.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,do not have enough, if any,\NPeer Helpers in their school. Dialogue: 0,0:04:52.29,0:04:56.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And what's worse, not all schools\Nprovide enough teachers or teachers' aids Dialogue: 0,0:04:56.04,0:04:58.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to students in the special ed department. Dialogue: 0,0:04:58.15,0:05:00.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So get ready for this part. Dialogue: 0,0:05:00.06,0:05:03.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Many students in the Special Ed department Dialogue: 0,0:05:03.57,0:05:07.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,don't receive the adequate services\Nthey deserve. Dialogue: 0,0:05:07.30,0:05:10.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And of the schools who don't provide\Nthe adequate services to these students, Dialogue: 0,0:05:10.95,0:05:12.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I believe the most common reason Dialogue: 0,0:05:12.60,0:05:15.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is because they don't have \Nenough funding or staff, Dialogue: 0,0:05:15.04,0:05:19.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but if they're not up to standard,\Nit's the students who suffer. Dialogue: 0,0:05:19.25,0:05:21.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Think of all the kids \Nwith learning disabilities Dialogue: 0,0:05:21.85,0:05:24.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and how they need help\Nto thrive in their learning. Dialogue: 0,0:05:24.88,0:05:27.37,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Without it, jobs may not \Nbe available to them, Dialogue: 0,0:05:27.37,0:05:29.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or they may not learn social skills Dialogue: 0,0:05:29.08,0:05:31.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,needed to live in the environment\Nwe live in today, Dialogue: 0,0:05:31.50,0:05:33.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,their autonomy won't develop Dialogue: 0,0:05:33.01,0:05:35.83,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and these rich relationships\Nwill not be formed. Dialogue: 0,0:05:35.83,0:05:38.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,All of these concepts rotate \Naround each other, Dialogue: 0,0:05:38.36,0:05:40.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and are things that I work with\NHenley to improve on. Dialogue: 0,0:05:40.88,0:05:43.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I can tell that Henley \Nhas greatly improved Dialogue: 0,0:05:43.12,0:05:45.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with communicating with \Npeople throughout the years, Dialogue: 0,0:05:45.60,0:05:48.61,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and this is because he's fortunate enough\Nto live in a community Dialogue: 0,0:05:48.61,0:05:51.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that has a very respectable\NSpecial Education program Dialogue: 0,0:05:51.13,0:05:54.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with many staff members\Nand a thriving Peer Helper program. Dialogue: 0,0:05:54.52,0:05:58.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But, like I said before, not all schools,\Na majority in fact, Dialogue: 0,0:05:58.93,0:06:01.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,adequately support the Special\NEducation department, Dialogue: 0,0:06:01.75,0:06:03.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which is making it harder for these kids\N Dialogue: 0,0:06:03.73,0:06:06.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to become the most successful version\Nof themselves. Dialogue: 0,0:06:06.49,0:06:08.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But now, let's say schools \Ndo start providing Dialogue: 0,0:06:08.73,0:06:10.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the help they should \Nbe giving to these kids. Dialogue: 0,0:06:10.93,0:06:13.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Let's say that these students thrive. Dialogue: 0,0:06:13.42,0:06:15.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I mean think of the possibilites. Dialogue: 0,0:06:15.01,0:06:16.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They'd be prepared for the work force, Dialogue: 0,0:06:16.85,0:06:18.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and they'd learn stronger social skills. Dialogue: 0,0:06:18.92,0:06:22.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If the schools are not providing\Nenough teachers or teachers' aids Dialogue: 0,0:06:22.26,0:06:24.27,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to students in the Special Ed department, Dialogue: 0,0:06:24.27,0:06:27.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I say that job is passed to us,\Nthe students. Dialogue: 0,0:06:27.75,0:06:31.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I say the students should step up\Nand support their fellow classmates. Dialogue: 0,0:06:31.67,0:06:34.31,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Every student in here \Nhas the ability to help. Dialogue: 0,0:06:34.31,0:06:38.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The hardest part is acting on the problem,\Nbut I know everyone can do it. Dialogue: 0,0:06:38.91,0:06:43.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,One of the best and most effective ways\Nyou can help Special Education departments Dialogue: 0,0:06:43.12,0:06:45.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is by creating or joining \Na Peer Helper program. Dialogue: 0,0:06:45.66,0:06:48.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Once you join of these programs,\Nyou'll feel like a different person Dialogue: 0,0:06:48.99,0:06:52.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because you realize how much of\Nan impact you have on other individuals. Dialogue: 0,0:06:52.54,0:06:54.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Because helping others impacts you. Dialogue: 0,0:06:54.32,0:06:56.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It turns you into \Na "glass half full" person Dialogue: 0,0:06:56.88,0:07:00.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and essentially, build stronger\Nfriendships with those who need it. Dialogue: 0,0:07:00.57,0:07:05.03,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So aside from lunch, being a Peer Helper\Nis the best part of school by a landslide. Dialogue: 0,0:07:05.03,0:07:09.27,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For those of you who enjoy learning,\Njust wait until you become a Peer Helper. Dialogue: 0,0:07:09.27,0:07:11.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Every Tuesday and some Thursdays,\NI help, Dialogue: 0,0:07:11.21,0:07:13.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and when I get to school, I am so excited. Dialogue: 0,0:07:13.25,0:07:15.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I'm excited for the time of day\NI can walk into that room Dialogue: 0,0:07:15.97,0:07:18.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and say hello to all my friends\Nwho I enjoy helping. Dialogue: 0,0:07:18.49,0:07:21.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Becoming a Peer Helper should\Nbe considered a privilege Dialogue: 0,0:07:21.10,0:07:24.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because not only are you positively\Nimpacting your fellow peers, Dialogue: 0,0:07:24.36,0:07:26.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they also help you, Dialogue: 0,0:07:26.64,0:07:28.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and you'll build \Nlong-standing relationships Dialogue: 0,0:07:28.76,0:07:29.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,from this as well. Dialogue: 0,0:07:29.68,0:07:33.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It is hard work sometimes, and you're\Ndefinitely not going to get a trophy Dialogue: 0,0:07:33.22,0:07:34.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,saying you're a good Peer Helper. Dialogue: 0,0:07:34.99,0:07:38.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But really who needs a trophy\Nwhen you're gaining a friend? Dialogue: 0,0:07:38.13,0:07:39.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That's the best reward. Dialogue: 0,0:07:39.78,0:07:43.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Being a Peer Helper helped me\Nrealize who I am as a person Dialogue: 0,0:07:43.04,0:07:46.43,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and my purpose in not just my life,\Nbut other's lives too. Dialogue: 0,0:07:46.43,0:07:48.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So I challenge my fellow students\Nin the audience Dialogue: 0,0:07:48.78,0:07:51.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to strongly consider becoming\Na Peer Helper. Dialogue: 0,0:07:51.28,0:07:52.51,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You will love it. Dialogue: 0,0:07:52.51,0:07:55.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And if you don't have one, talk with\Nyour principal or Board of Education Dialogue: 0,0:07:55.94,0:07:58.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and make one because these\Nstudents really need it. Dialogue: 0,0:07:58.38,0:08:00.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And to you parents listening out there, Dialogue: 0,0:08:00.25,0:08:03.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,encourage your son or daughter\Nto participate in Peer Helper programs Dialogue: 0,0:08:03.52,0:08:07.37,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because all it takes is eight words to\Nchange your life and the lives of others, Dialogue: 0,0:08:07.37,0:08:09.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"I would like to become a peer helper."