Boo Radley

My Boo Radley would be learning about people with special needs. What I mean is learning about people with autism, down syndrome etc. When I was young, people with special needs scared because they were so different and often behaved in strange ways that I didn't understand. I thought that there was something wrong with them and I didn't know how to react.
About six years ago, my mom took a job with the Olympia School District Transition Program. This is a program for graduates in the district with special needs who are learning to be independent adults. She teaches them life skills and helps them support themselves in the community. For example, they learn how to ride the public bus, cook for themselves, buy groceries, and interact with other people. My mom is an amazing person with the gift of patience and that is key to working with special need students.
Learning about her job has shown me acceptance of other people. I have met many of her students and learned how to treat people like them with respect. This, in a way, has been my Boo Radley because it brought light to an area of life that I didn't understand. My mom has taught me that they are people too and they deserve respect and grace just like anyone else.