From Three Years Old to College: A Journey of Inclusion and Success

Onward and Upward!

Some stories stay with you forever. This is one of those stories.

I first met “David” when he was just three years old—a bright, curious child with an incredible memory and a love for music. His family, made up of his loving parents and devoted grandparents, wanted nothing more than for him to succeed. But because he was on the autism spectrum, the school placed him in a substantially separate classroom, a decision that didn’t sit right with them—or with me.

The Fight for Inclusion

From the start, it was clear that David could thrive in a general education setting. But getting him there was a battle. The school resisted, believing he needed a more restricted environment. His family, while wanting the best for him, was hesitant about bringing in too much support. They hoped he could succeed on his own.

We fought hard for full inclusion—and once he got there, he flourished. Each year, he continued to prove what was possible when students are given the right opportunities.

A Student with Extraordinary Talents

David wasn’t just a good student—he had a gift.
📌 He had an unmatched memory for sports stats, able to recall details with incredible accuracy.
📌 He was a gifted musician with a voice that could stop you in your tracks.
📌 He had a passion for learning that was contagious to everyone around him.

During one IEP meeting, I suggested he join the football team as a manager—a role that would allow him to be part of the school community in a meaningful way. He took on that role with dedication, becoming an integral part of the team for all four years of high school. He was loved by his teammates, known for his commitment, and even became runner-up for Homecoming King.

Academic Success & A Celebration of Growth

Year after year, David’s name appeared on the Honor Roll, sometimes even making High Honors. His journey was not just about academic achievements but about proving that inclusion works.

As his advocate, I attended every single IEP meeting from the time he was three until his final one this past year. At that last meeting, we took a moment to reflect on how far he had come—not just as a student but as an individual who had embraced every challenge and exceeded expectations.

The Text That Made It All Worth It

Yesterday, my phone buzzed with a text from David:

💬 "Guess what? I got a merit scholarship and full tuition to the college of my choice."

I paused, taking in the weight of that moment. In my 22 years of advocacy, this is what it’s all about.

A few minutes later, another message came in—this time from his grandmother:

💬 "But we still need you. You can’t leave us now."

I smiled, knowing that even though our IEP meetings had ended, our connection would always remain.

Last night, I went to bed feeling grateful, fulfilled, and deeply reminded of why I do this work. Every fight, every meeting, every problematic conversation—it’s all worth it when you see a student like David step to his full potential.

This is why I advocate. This is why I love what I do.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Belief

David’s story is a testament to the power of inclusion, perseverance, and unwavering belief in a student’s abilities. If there’s one thing I hope other parents take from this, it’s this: never let a diagnosis define your child’s future.

With the proper support, opportunities, and a team that believes in them, students can and will exceed expectations.

💙 If you’re fighting for your child’s education—keep going. It’s worth it.

#InclusionMatters #SpecialEducation #Advocacy #NeverGiveUp #SuccessStories

Together, We made his dreams a reality.