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My Epilepsy Research Paper

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When you look at me, I look like your normal average person. People have assumed I am smart, and I never knew why. But, it hasn't always been that way. I have fought strong and hard to be where I am today. I have epilepsy, but I don't let it define who I am. Most people don't know a lot about this disorder and that is where labeling comes into play. When I was in second grade, my teacher ignored me and didn't let me join reading groups. Literally I asked to join reading groups and she said “no”. She didn't teach me or help me learn to read. She ignored me and focused on all the other kids. When all the kids were reading, she had me color or gave me a baby book. Why? Because I have epilepsy and she labeled me as "stupid" and "dumb". It was almost like she was afraid of me. She told my parents that I belonged in special education classes. According to her my “bright” future would include working in a fast food joint or retail store. My teacher thought I wouldn't grow up to be anything special. I always told her my dreams of being a teacher or doctor. But, she told me some people are just not …show more content…

My mom wanted to give me a second chance. This time would be different, and I could be known as someone who was smart. This would be the turning point, little did I know at the time. I was blessed with an amazing teacher who believed in me. She worked with me on how to read, and told my mom I was smart. The other teacher just never taught me correct reading strategies. From this point forward, I would excel. I made a personal decision to stop telling teachers I had epilepsy. It was well controlled and nobody needed to know. All I wanted was to be treated like everyone else. I didn't need to be given easier assignments, because they thought I couldn't handle it. I didn't need the special treatment. I wanted the opportunity to learn and grow just like every other kid on the block. After all, I was like all the other

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