Reading Wesley Beck's story resonated deeply with me because it reminded me of the incredible peers I have connected with —individuals who have taught me more about resilience and determination than I could have ever imagined. For the past three years, I have been given the opportunity to connect with my peers who have special needs in a physical education setting, and this allowed me to begin working at a company that specifically works with people with disabilities, and provides care to help them to become more independent in more nontraditional ways. Through these experiences as well as exposure to people with special needs throughout my entire life, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in occupational therapy and focus on people with special needs. Because they deserve the same opportunities as their peers and should not be limited because of their disability.
I want to use my career as an Occupational Therapist to help people with disabilities to foster independence in an accepting environment. I have experienced first hand the impact a welcoming environment can make on a person and their abilities, when people feel truly supported in the world around them their possibilities are limitless. I aim to help people with special needs improve their daily living through the use of assistive technology—like communication devices and adaptive clothing—that empowers them to dress themselves and navigate life more independently. But also providing support to them as a whole, supporting their families and giving them resources in order to help their child. Additionally, being able to see past their disability and not just providing physical support, but assistance in sensory and cognitive development.
Beyond my work with people with disabilities, I have also been able to work with a variety of people with special needs through volunteering. My community has built many opportunities for people with disabilities to thrive, one of these is a "Night to Shine" event at my church. This event allows for students with disabilities to have a sensory friendly night at a specialized prom. I saw firsthand the transformative power of creating an inclusive space. Watching students, who often feel excluded, light up with joy and confidence reminded me of why I’m passionate about helping individuals with disabilities feel truly seen and celebrated.
One of the moments of my life that has been the most impactful to me, my service, and my community was last year, I was approached by the special education teacher at my school. This upcoming year, one of the students in the special education class was graduating, however due to his disability he was unable to walk across the stage by himself. This is when I was asked to assist him in walking across the stage and accept his diploma. I agreed without any hesitation, honored that I was going to be able to give his parents an experience they were told was never possible.
Through both of these experiences I have learned the importance of accepting people for who they are, and not making them conform to the world, but instead making the world adaptive for them so they can participate and be given the same opportunities. I have learned the value of service and how it can help to increase inclusion in my community. Ultimately, I want to use my work as an Occupational Therapist to transform lives—helping individuals with disabilities not only thrive but also inspire others with their resilience and strength. I am committed to ensuring that every person I work with feels empowered, respected, and capable of achieving their fullest potential.
When I started as a peer tutor during my junior year, I had no idea how profoundly the students would change my life and purpose. Every day, I had the privilege of working with multiple special needs students and some remarkable educators. There is no more excellent feeling than knowing I made a difference in the lives of others by simply showing up. The enthusiastic smiles and the warm hugs that were generously given were priceless.
While in class, I helped teach valuable life lessons such as spreading kindness, respecting each other, and persevering. I provided encouragement and support at social events. When our peers’ families get together off campus, I am always there to share in the fun and laughter. I have built unbreakable bonds while making lifelong friends. The students have changed how I interact with others and enriched my life in ways I never imagined, showing me the true fulfillment that comes from being a Peer Tutor.
The TTA students changed my perspective on the world. They helped me become more well-rounded and taught me to love unconditionally. I am deeply grateful for these transformative experiences and the relationships I've formed. They have shaped our community and me, and I am honored to have been a part of it. But most importantly, they guided me to my dream passion of pursuing a career as a special education teacher.
I plan to be a special education teacher. I will make a difference by constructing a welcoming environment where each individual feels included. Inclusivity, collaboration, and connections are the keys to a classroom’s success because an inclusive climate will make students feel valued. I will implement inclusion in the classroom by recognizing diverse backgrounds, religions, and stories of my students while encouraging celebrations, enforcing inclusivity practices, encouraging effective communication, and connecting with colleagues, parents, and, most importantly, students. Connections and relationships are one of the most important factors in creating a welcoming classroom. I want every student to feel loved and heard. In my classroom, each student will be accommodated and supported while having equal educational opportunities.
To me, being a teacher means prioritizing students' needs and interests, encouraging respectful behavior, influencing good change, and most importantly, enjoying helping young minds. I will influence students in many ways, like being a role model, brightening the students' day, and supporting them. I want my students to become respectful and intelligent members of our society while being prepared for their bright futures.
With the financial help of scholarships from the Weddington High School TTA scholarship award and the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Forgiveness loan, I will continue my college education as a devoted North Carolina Teaching Fellow at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC, as a Special Education major. As I venture through life, I will continue to be inspired by my dear friend, Wesley Beck, and his amazing friends and use the motivation to fuel my passion and love for my dream career as a special education teacher.
My name is Ava Tavares, and I’m a senior at Newington High School. This fall, I will be attending the University of Rhode Island to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders, intending to become a speech-language pathologist.
My passion for working with individuals with special needs began when I started volunteering with Autism Families of Connecticut. Their goal is to provide recreational, social, and supportive programming for children, teens, and young adults on the autism spectrum, as well as their families. Their mission is to create a safe, inclusive, and understanding community where individuals with autism can connect, grow, and thrive while having fun and building meaningful relationships. Each week, I worked closely with kids on the autism spectrum through recreational and social programs. I quickly learned that every child communicates and connects in their unique way. I also learned how important it is to be patient, flexible, and encouraging—especially when progress looks different for every individual.
The most rewarding part of volunteering has been seeing the kids I work with grow more confident and comfortable. Whether it was watching a child try a new activity, communicate in a new way, or simply make a new friend, every small moment felt meaningful. I’ve come to understand how powerful support and connection can be in helping a child reach their goals. These kids have taught me just as much as I’ve tried to offer them. Their resilience, joy, and individuality inspire me to keep showing up and doing better.
Those experiences solidified my decision to pursue speech-language pathology. I want to help children who struggle with communication feel heard and understood. Whether it’s helping them form words, use assistive technology, or express themselves in nonverbal ways, I’m passionate about giving them the tools they need to thrive. I want to be the person who celebrates their progress, no matter how small and reminds them that their voice matters.
As a first-generation college student, I’m also mindful of the financial challenges ahead. My family is incredibly supportive, but college expenses are significant. Receiving this scholarship would help ease that burden and allow me to stay focused on my education and my commitment to serving others.
Volunteering with Autism Families of Connecticut has not only prepared me for my future career—it’s inspired it. I’ve seen firsthand the joy and growth that come from feeling supported and included, and I’m dedicated to providing that same experience to others. It would be an honor to carry on Wesley Beck’s legacy by working to improve the lives of individuals with special needs through compassion, connection, and communication.
