Ever since at a very young age, I've been passionate about caring for individuals with special needs. It started when I was about 11 and my neighbor was born premature and required a lot of care. I would feed him, clean his trache, and play with him. In high school, I volunteered with special Olympics and I was a peer partner for students at my school with special needs. In college, I was a companion for a man with a traumatic brain injury. I would take him around town, to parks, the mall, etc. For two summers, I was a camp counselor at Rocky mountain village Easter seals camp. I provided care, support, and fun for campers with special needs of all ages and disabilities. I had campers that ranged from 5-year-olds to 85-year-olds with disabilities such as down's syndrome, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, muscular dystrophy, autism, and multiple sclerosis. Two years ago, I was a CNA for a little girl with Rett's syndrome. I would care for her at home and also take her around town to do fun things. From the beginning of 2012 until currently, I work as a para for the SSN program at an elementary school. I support students with special needs in a general education setting.