Six weeks ago, I walked into The Special Connections eager to help, but unsure of what I was stepping into. I didn't know what the program would be like, what the kids would need, or even what I could offer. What I didn't expect was how deeply this experience would reshape the way I see the world.
On my first day, I was paired with a bright, energetic 7 year old named Ilan. He didn't want to participate at all — he was overwhelmed, hesitant, and unsure of everything happening around him. So, we slowed down. One step at a time.
I learned quickly that Ilan loves superpowers, especially Spiderman. He asked about superpowers again and again, and that repetition became his way of connecting with me. Through those questions, we built trust. We built a friendship. We built belonging.
By week two, everything had changed. Ilan was excited about the program. He waited eagerly for movement time, playtime, and art. Seeing him join with a smile became the highlight of my week.
As I spent more time with the other kids, I realized something powerful: they feel frustration, joy, excitement, and hesitation just like anyone else. They love having fun. They're talented. They're unique. And they thrive when someone listens — truly listens.
Special Connections taught me a profound lesson: everyone deserves a place where they belong. The world can be loud and complicated, but when we step up, slow down, and connect, we bridge the gap. We create a community. We create understanding. We create belonging.
And belonging is a superpower we all share.