A Heartwarming Morning at St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School
Some mornings stand out as truly special—filled with warmth, kindness, and the kind of energy that lingers long after the day is done. My visit to St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School in Oakville was exactly that: an experience that left a lasting impression.
A Warm Welcome
From the moment my team and I stepped into the school, we were greeted with enthusiasm by Mr. Edwards, the principal, whose kindness and generosity set the tone for the day. It was a pleasure meeting him, and I was touched by his thoughtful remarks about one of my online videos, where he had observed how much patience and effort it takes for me to communicate. His acknowledgment of my journey meant a great deal.
He then guided us to the gymnasium, where a remarkable Grade 8 student, George, had already completed much of the setup. The space was large, inviting, and beautifully arranged, making preparation smooth and seamless. Testing my audio and equipment took little time, and before long, students were being called in after recess, starting with the Grade 8s and ending with Junior Kindergarten.
Engaging, Attentive Students
As students entered, I greeted them warmly, sensing their curiosity and eagerness. The attention they gave me as I spoke was incredible. Augmentative communication differs from everyday speech, but they listened intently—absorbing every word, every message, and every lesson I shared.
Mr. Edwards then took the stage, delivering a thoughtful, eloquent introduction before I officially began my presentation. His sincerity and encouragement set the perfect foundation, and as I spoke, I could see the students truly engaged—listening not just with their ears, but with their hearts.
An Enthusiastic Q&A
Following my talk, we moved into a question-and-answer session, with George once again stepping in to assist. He skillfully handled the wireless microphone, ensuring students had the opportunity to ask their thoughtful, well-considered questions. Their curiosity amazed me, and I was grateful for the chance to respond to each inquiry with genuine reflection.
Capturing the Moment
Before the students returned to their classrooms, several classes approached me for group photos, a beautiful moment of shared connection. It was a pleasure to take pictures with teachers and students alike, feeling the warmth of their kindness and attention.
Once again, George stepped up, quickly dismantling all the tech and even escorting my equipment to the main doors—a display of his unwavering helpfulness and generosity.
Heartfelt Farewells and Reflections
As we stood in the main foyer, many teachers and students passed by, offering kind remarks, smiles, and friendly questions. Their warmth was overwhelming, reinforcing the impact of the morning’s presentation.
Before leaving for another engagement, Mr. Edwards expressed his deep gratitude, thanking me for coming and sharing my message. His steadfast support made my visit to St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School truly memorable.
Meanwhile, exit tickets—which encourage students to reflect on what they learned—were collected. The administrative assistant, Ursula, handed me the Grades 3-8 Exit Tickets, while those from JK to Grade 2 were to follow via email. These responses provided an even deeper insight into how the students had connected with my story.
Expressing My Gratitude to Mr. Edwards
I am profoundly grateful to Mr. Edwards for inviting me to speak at St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School. His warm hospitality, enthusiasm, and genuine support made this visit truly special and meaningful. I deeply appreciate the opportunity he provided to share my story with his incredible students, and I will always treasure his kind invitation.
Summation of Student Reflections
One of the most meaningful parts of my visit to St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School was reading the Exit Tickets written by students. Their thoughts and reflections were heartfelt and insightful, showing just how deeply they connected with the messages of perseverance, inclusion, and kindness.
From their words, a few major themes emerged:
🔹 Resilience & Overcoming Challenges – Many students were inspired by the strength and determination I shared in my story. They recognized that obstacles don’t define a person and that perseverance leads to success.
🔹 Kindness & Inclusion – The importance of kindness and making others feel welcome resonated deeply with them. Many reflected on how they could personally be more inclusive and support those who need help.
🔹 Faith & Self-Worth – Some students shared thoughts on faith, reflecting on the belief that God makes no mistakes and that every person is valuable just as they are.
🔹 Curiosity About My Journey & Technology – A recurring theme was interest in my communication device, with students asking how it works, how I use it daily, and how technology can further improve accessibility.
🔹 Personal Growth & Taking Action – Several students reflected on how they could improve themselves, asking how they could be kinder, contribute more, and follow in my footsteps to make the world a more accepting place.
Student Exit Ticket Reflections
Today, I heard / saw … ” Someone with bravery and determination.”
This made me think … ” Are there other people who are less fortunate and can’t access those kinds of tech.”
Now, I wonder … ” How can I help?.”
Today, I heard / saw … “Today I saw a disabled person do a great presentation on their life and all their struggles.”
This made me think … “This made me think about how all people like her live out their life. “
Now, I wonder … “Now I wonder about her trying to do the things I can and if she can do well out them.”
Today, I heard / saw … “-a very interesting cool and inspiring presentation”
This made me think … “that people struggle with extremely difficult things and problems in their life.”
Now, I wonder … “What other people with that struggle with the same thing handle it in their journey”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How well her technology was able to assist her beneficially.”
This made me think … “How this leads to help create inclusion in our society.”
Now, I wonder … ” How she is able to work it.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That I am not a mistake and Jesus makes no mistakes”
This made me think … ” That I should talk to someone and to not be afraid to talk to someone”
Now, I wonder … ” Jesus loves you and that you matter and don’t think you’re anything less.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that you need to be yourself, you are not a mistake for you were created by God.”
This made me think … ” how she was able to create such an effective communication system.”
Now, I wonder … ” Why other people (of my knowledge) have not tried to same idea.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A very cool presentation”
This made me think … “A different way about people with disabilities.”
Now, I wonder … ” how I can help people with disabilities.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw how she used the computer to speak, and how she’s human just like everyone”
This made me think … “This made me think of the hard times for her and how she moved past it.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how many other schools she’ll go to, to share her story.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” An inspiring speech”
This made me think … ” Of how people should believe in themselves”
Now, I wonder … ” How I can improve myself.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Today I saw a cool presentation.”
This made me think … ” this made me think to be nicer to others.”
Now, I wonder … ” now I wonder how many more people like Giselle.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” asking for help is not a weakness it’s to show your strength as a person.”
This made me think … ” How much some people can have there daily life affected.”
Now, I wonder … ” How well or unwell someone can live with a disability.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” how she used technology to communicate and be able to talk.”
This made me think … ” that she was very inspiring and she was brave.”
Now, I wonder … ” how long did it take her to learn how to use the speech device.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” An inspiring presentation.”
This made me think … ” She had a hard life.”
Now, I wonder … ” Will she ever walk from her practice.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle presenting to the school about her.”
This made me think … ” How she talked without talking.”
Now, I wonder … ” how the rest of her life is going to go.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” an inspiring presentation that was well made.”
This made me think … ” about all of the times I’ve seen struggle and felt struggle.”
Now, I wonder … ” how can I be a better person towards EVERYONE?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle using the iPad speaker.”
This made me think … ” how did she start learning to use these types of tech.”
Now, I wonder … ” does her brother have the same thing.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A girl named Giselle.”
This made me think … ” Wow is she amazing things.”
Now, I wonder … ” What is she going to do next.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle”
This made me think … ” Everybody is different.”
Now, I wonder … ” How many people helped Giselle.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Kindness solved the day.”
This made me think … ” of many different disabilities…”
Now, I wonder … ” how did she start speaking”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How Giselle was brave.”
This made me think … ” How can I help others like her?”
Now, I wonder … ” This shows how brave we can all be.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A woman fighting through life.”
This made me think … ” She is strong.”
Now, I wonder … ” How is she so powerful?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” about kindness and the importance of it”
This made me think … ” That everyone is special”
Now, I wonder … ” how can I be kinder”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle”
This made me think … ” That she is very brave.”
Now, I wonder … ” If there are a lot of people with cerebral palsy.”
Today, I heard / saw … “Giselle speak.”
This made me think … ” How kind people can be.”
Now, I wonder … ” How she was born and the challenges”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle”
Now, I wonder … ” She is strong.”
Now, I wonder … ” What the device is called.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw a woman with disabilities.”
This made me think … ” That she was unique like everyone else.”
Now, I wonder … ” How many people out there have disabilities.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That Giselle is proud of who she is.”
This made me think … ” That God has no doubt on us.”
Now, I wonder … ” If others will follow her journey.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Amazing things.”
This made me think … ” Anything is possible.”
Now, I wonder … ” How hard Giselle’s journey was..”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle a very powerful adult”
This made me think … ” anyone can give a helping hand”
Now, I wonder … ” can I follow from Giselle’s footsteps”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw a person called Giselle”
This made me think … ” this is cool.”
Now, I wonder … ” that they can do cool things.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” someone named Giselle who couldn’t walk or talk.”
This made me think … ” That some people are different and that’s okay.”
Now, I wonder … ” How do you make the technology thing.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle”
This made me think … ” It made me think how she lives.”
Now, I wonder … ” Who her best friend is.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle.”
This made me think … ” Is it hard to live with disabilities.”
Now, I wonder … ” What is it like to live with disabilities.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talk about kindness.”
This made me think … ” kindness makes a big impact”
Now, I wonder … ” If Giselle will learn to take a few steps”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard Giselle say that ‘God made no mistakes by making people.’”
This made me think … ” that there are important messages out there.”
Now, I wonder … ” How high tech that computer is and how she talks.”
Today, I heard / saw … “you can accomplish things that seem impossible.”
This made me think … ” never give up in life”
Now, I wonder … ” How does the machine work.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that people with disabilities don’t have to be different to be accepted”
This made me think … ” does her cognitive system work like Stephen Hawking? Does her thought travel from her brain into it?”
Now, I wonder … ” Do these people get discriminating against in different situations? Do they not get help?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle someone brave and strong”
This made me think … ” that everyone is unique so don’t exclude”
Now, I wonder … ” if I can help the world like Giselle.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Thank you Giselle for this wonderful presentation! I heard you should never feel embarrassed you are beautiful / perfect how you are.”
This made me think … ” That everything is possible.”
Now, I wonder … ” What else I can do?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” today I saw Giselle being her own self”
This made me think … ” how helpful / kind you can be.”
Now, I wonder … ” how the talking tech work.”
Today, I heard / saw … “No one is an isolated island.”
This made me think … ” Anything is possible”
Now, I wonder … ” What it would be like to be Giselle. P.S. Giselle, You are awesome!!!”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That she has a lot of challenges and she faces them.”
This made me think … ” She is strong.”
Now, I wonder … ” Was it hard on her family.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” of how to be kind to others.”
This made me think … ” that it is really hard for Giselle Gaylie to help others.”
Now, I wonder … ” I don’t know.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” We all need to ask for help.”
This made me think … ” How fortunate I am.”
Now, I wonder … ” How can I be more helpful to others even when they don’t ask.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How God never makes mistakes. How anyone can do anything. “
This made me think … ” How lucky we all are to do these things. “
Now, I wonder … ” That I should help way more”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that never give up.”
This made me think … ” How did she push through this.”
Now, I wonder … ” how brave she is”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie that it’s so nice that she can stand.”
This made me think … ” that everyone disability deserves kindness and respect.”
Now, I wonder … ” Will she get better in the future.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie That she has a disability but she keeps going.”
This made me think … ” that we can do anything we set our mind to.”
Now, I wonder … ” How much more I can help because even she helps and it’s much more work for her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie.”
Now, I wonder … ” that it is OK to ask for help”
Now, I wonder … ” What can I do to help others”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie How did she do it?”
This made me think … ” How should I try to be kind”
Now, I wonder … ” I hope you’ll keep having a great journey P. S.: my brother has….”
Today, I heard / saw … ” is how she’s not scared to ask for help.”
This made me think … ” How easy my life is.”
Now, I wonder … ” If she will ever walk.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” about Giselle’s life story”
This made me think … ” about how we have to include people and support people.”
Now, I wonder … ” how hard it is for Giselle”
Today, I heard / saw … ” She wants to help everyone.”
This made me think … ” how helpful she is.”
Now, I wonder … ” how did she do this.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw Giselle Gaylie. That kindness means everything.”
This made me think … ” How lucky I am and I should be a better a better person”
Now, I wonder … ” How much more I could help people if they need it.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” her stand up by herself”
This made me think … ” I should help people more.”
Now, I wonder … ” How kind she can be if she could walk.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” how to love myself.”
This made me think … ” How much Giselle has been struggling”
Now, I wonder … ” How she is so strong.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a girl that even though she had disabilities she pulled through.”
This made me think … ” Wow she is very good at being thankful for what she does have.”
Now, I wonder … ” How can she be so brave. Love …”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that it’s okay to be different”
This made me think … ” She was having a hard life.”
Now, I wonder … “if this will happen to me.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that everything is possible and loved.”
This made me think … ” that even with disabilities you do not have to give up.”
Now, I wonder … ” that it’s okay to be different than other people. Love … to Giselle”
Today, I heard / saw … ” What she had been going through all her life”
This made me think … ” what people had done for Giselle”
Now, I wonder … ” how much it meaned for her to be kind.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that she had many disabilities.”
This made me think … ” it is okay to be different.”
Now, I wonder … ” if I had those disabilities”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that kindness is brave”
This made me think … ” always choose kind”
Now, I wonder … ” if God made us equal why are most of us different”
Today, I heard / saw … “Giselle Gaylie no matter what never give up”
This made me think … ” that to be more kind”
Now, I wonder … ” how life would be like if I was her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That everyone needs someone we aren’t independent.”
This made me think … ” that there are people who need help.”
This made me think … ” how can I help”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … ” about how important this was.”
Now, I wonder … ” how much her parents love her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie”
This made me think … ” can you do anything no matter what.”
Now, I wonder … ” how do you use the device.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie and her awesome presentation.”
This made me think … ” about my old friend… he had the same thing and he was a good friend.”
Now, I wonder … ” about how Giselle is going to do with her life.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That she use a talking device”
This made me think … ” that there people in the world with disabilities”
Now, I wonder … ” Why she can’t help others”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a brave woman overcome a challenge with a different ability”
This made me think … ” that anyone can accomplish their goals / challenges with God.”
Now, I wonder … ” that God made us unique and all of us are perfectly in different ways.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard a story of someone overcoming a challenge.”
This made me think … ” What were the challenges she faced.”
Now, I wonder … ” What would happen if I didn’t think of what others say.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A life story about overcoming challenges”
This made me think … ” That other people’s problems are so much bigger than mine and they still overcome them.”
Now, I wonder … ” How I can help people with challenges.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That everyone can be kind and caring to each other and ourselves.”
This made me think … ” that no one is a mistake everyone is always themself.”
Now, I wonder … ” how many schools she visited.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” someone who faced a challenge then now they overcome that challenge.”
This made me think … ” About the many people who had to overcome their challenges.”
Now, I wonder … ” How I can help those who need it.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” That it is OK to ask for help”
This made me think … ” About all the people who have disabilities”
Now, I wonder … ” how many people are facing this challenge”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw a person overcome challenges. A brave nice kind person trying new things every day.”
This made me think … ” That I am so blessed that I have a perfect life”
Now, I wonder … ” What it feels like in her shoes”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that kindness goes a long way.”
This made me think … ” that we should all try our best.”
Now, I wonder … ” If we can all help others with kindness!”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Someone overcome a challenge”
This made me think … ” that it is very important to be kind”
Now, I wonder … ” how I can help people with different challenges.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A super strong person who is not afraid to be herself and embrace it.”
This made me think … ” to always be myself and respect everyone.”
Now, I wonder … ” How I can be more accepting to all.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” All about why kindness is important.”
This made me think … ” How I can be a kind of person.”
Now, I wonder … ” What I can do to help the people in my school, community and my family.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A young brave woman overcome lives many challenges.”
This made me think … ” I spend too much time worrying about little problems”
Now, I wonder … ” How can I help others with their challenges?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Someone overcome their challenges.”
This made me think … ” that we can do anything”
Now, I wonder … ” how can we help other people that need help”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Someone overcome a challenge.”
This made me think … ” there should always be away on a journey”
Now, I wonder … ” Everyone is able to overcome their journeys no matter who you are.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” how she was born and her childhood.”
This made me think … ” of the mismatched socks day when we respect people with Down syndrome.”
Now, I wonder … ” how her parents know if she is sick.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A superhero!”
This made me think … ” How can I include others that have disabilities.”
Now, I wonder … ” How can I make sure everyone feels included and loved, no matter if they have disabilities or not.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a brave strong woman.”
This made me think … ” how challenging life can be for some people.”
Now, I wonder … ” Where she will be later in life.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” (Giselle Gaylie) A woman who kept smiling through all her challenges.”
This made me think … ” Even though people might be different that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be treated different”
Now, I wonder … “What would it be like if I was her?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” It was really cool to see Giselle.”
This made me think … ” How many schools do you go to a month.”
Now, I wonder … ” does she drive a car”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard about being kind”
This made me think … ” Am I always kind?”
Now, I wonder … ” What I can do to be more inclusive.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” You should be kind to each other.”
This made me think … ” Am I being kind to each other?”
Now, I wonder … ” Are other people being kind to me?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw that she has had a great year doing a lot of fun things.”
This made me think … ” When I saw Giselle, I felt bad for her that she couldn’t walk.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder if someday she could walk.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard about that she is working very hard. I saw she is in Loyola High school.”
This made me think … ” It made me think is that asking for help is shown you are weak? Or not?”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder how much work take her to do the PowerPoint, will she go back and show us her story next year?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A person fighting for their life.”
This made me think … ” Everyone can be kind.”
Now, I wonder … ” How can I be kinder.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard her story and saw her struggles”
This made me think … ” about other people going through the same thing.”
Now, I wonder … ” What was the biggest problem”
Today, I heard / saw … ” An inspiring speaker.”
This made me think … ” that we should always be kind.”
Now, I wonder … ” How that machine that Giselle uses works.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Someone who has had a hard life or some difficulties”
This made me think … ” About how everyone has different stories to tell and don’t judge a book by its cover.”
Now, I wonder … ” How many schools she has been to for this presentation and how long she has been doing it for?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle’s life story and accomplishments.”
This made me think … ” – How old were you.- You look beautiful.”
Now, I wonder … ” How many schools have you gone to ever.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A meaningful message about overcoming challenges with others to help.”
This made me think … ” About her journey and how she has many supporters.”
Now, I wonder … ” where’s her brother”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How everyone should be included no matter what.”
This made me think … ” Why do people bully people. When everyone is special in their own way.”
Now, I wonder … ” How might someone feel after doing something really bad.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How everyone needs to be included in something.”
This made me think … ” To ask people to join in a game if they would like.”
Now, I wonder … ” How can I make someone included.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle who has had disability she did not let it effect her and who she is.”
This made me think … ” How hard it must of been growing up.”
Now, I wonder … ” How she was able to not let the disabilities effect her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” whole presentation, when she went to school”
This made me think … ” That it was her first day”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder why she moves from school to school.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard how hard life was for her but she had a lot of help.”
This made me think … ” Of how strong people in the world are.”
Now, I wonder … ” What school she will go to next.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” You should not give up. Try your best to achieve your dreams.”
This made me think … ” I should work harder. I need to help others.”
Now, I wonder … ” What have I done with my life. How do I improve. How can I contribute to humanity.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a presentation.”
This made me think … ” of other people”
Now, I wonder … ” how does that system work.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” her challenges in daily life.”
This made me think … ” how did she tell people how she felt.”
Now, I wonder … ” how much school has she gone to.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle talk and share about her personal experiences and journey to our school.”
This made me think … ” how brave she was! And also be kind to everyone you meet.”
Now, I wonder … ” what it is like to speak to the public, I want to know if it makes you scared, excited, happy, nervous, etc?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” An inspirational speak that has had to persevere.”
This made me think … ” That anybody can do anything.”
Now, I wonder … ” who else suffers from serious disabilities.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie.”
This made me think … ” if there was a better way to help these people”
Now, I wonder … ” how this … work”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle give an inspirational speech.”
This made me think … ” How so many people in the world don’t give up even though they have many setbacks and challenges.”
Now, I wonder … ” How it was like growing up not being to run around with your friends freely.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A person promoting inclusion.”
This made me think … ” How this world has become much more inclusive.”
Now, I wonder … ” Is it possible to have inclusion in the whole world?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” how does Giselle was able to walk.”
This made me think … ” that it’s really hard to be Giselle.”
Now, I wonder … ” what my life would be like if I was a disabled person.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a very good speech from Giselle.”
This made me think … ” How does she do other things and is it hard for her.”
Now, I wonder … ” I wonder what is different for her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a powerful speech from someone who persevered through her struggles.”
This made me think … ” how many people might have the same problems / differences she might of had.”
Now, I wonder … ” how a person’s life can change in different ways.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie.”
This made me think … ” About how everyone can be equal”
Now, I wonder … ” If there is a way I can help people”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Kindness being showed a shared by Giselle.”
This made me think … ” Giselle’s message and story was uplifting.”
Now, I wonder … ” if Giselle’s life was different what would her life be today”
Today, I heard / saw … ” about Giselle’s journey.”
This made me think … ” that God makes no mistakes.”
Now, I wonder … ” Why was everyone made differently.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle Gaylie I saw an inspirational person.”
This made me think … ” about how she had a great journey despite having an illness.”
Now, I wonder … ” How the mechanics use her thoughts to speak.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How people have challenges but sometimes you need others”
This made me think … ” that everyone is perfect.”
Now, I wonder … ” how much others have a disability.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw Giselle have great resilience.”
This made me think … ” That God makes no mistakes for anyone.”
Now, I wonder … ” What her next steps are in life.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” a very inspirational public speaker.”
This made me think … ” even people with disabilities can do anything!”
Now, I wonder … ” who else is diagnosed with cerebral palsy?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Someone very determined and brave present an amazing speaking.”
This made me think … ” How her computer works.”
Now, I wonder … ” How many people in the world have cerebral palsy”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A presentation of a life of a person with bells palsy.”
This made me think … ” how it feels to not be able to ride a bike or talk.”
Now, I wonder … ” How I would feel”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A device that is specialized to convert thoughts to automated speech.”
This made me think … ” I thought of how revolutionary medical technology is it’s incredibly impressive.”
Now, I wonder … ” How different will this technology be 10 years from now? “
Today, I heard / saw … ” something I didn’t know about”
Now, I wonder … ” how rare this condition is.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” what does Giselle has accomplished.”
This made me think … ” She was able to accomplish and overcome many challenges through her life.”
Now, I wonder … ” how does the computer read her thoughts?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Saw Giselle, she made me feel inspired.”
This made me think … ” I feel inspired and happy I know now that feeling alone that there is always someone there.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” her be strong and share all her challenges that she fought through.”
This made me think … ” how people should always be kind to others.”
Now, I wonder … ” how her computer knows what she is thinking.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” A woman with many disabilities talk about her story.”
This made me think … ” Happy because she did something that was very hard for her.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I heard about her life.”
This made me think … ” Are there other people like this.”
Now, I wonder … ” Will this ever pass or will they have it until they pass away”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that everyone should be treated with respect + kindness.”
This made me think … ” everyone can achieve the same thing if they try and put in effort”
Now, I wonder … ” How does she get the tablet to translate her thoughts”
Today, I heard / saw … “A girl telling her story.”
This made me think … ” Awesome that anyone can do anything.”
Now, I wonder … ” How long did it take to get the computer ready.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” an amazing presentation on how supportive people are”
This made me think … ” how hard life can be.”
Now, I wonder … ” how technology will evolve.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” I saw all the photos of her accomplishments.”
This made me think … ” how hard her life was.”
Now, I wonder … ” how does the computer read your thoughts.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” What she has accomplished.”
This made me think … ” about the things she overcame.”
Now, I wonder … ” How the computer read her thoughts.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Perseverance and confidence and resilience.”
This made me think … ” that we should include each other and be kind.”
Now, I wonder … ” When we can meet her again? Does she have any hobbies?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Her success!”
This made me think … ” How does the computer work.”
Now, I wonder … ” how does the machine read her thoughts?”
Today, I heard / saw … ” How someone with and disabilities explain her life.”
This made me think … ” how similar and different we are.”
Now, I wonder … ” What … and devices can help.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” Giselle”
This made me think … ” how much people can make a difference by being kind”
Now, I wonder … ” How many schools she has visited in the past.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” amazing things”
This made me think … ” anything is possible”
Now, I wonder … ” what else technology can do.”
Today, I heard / saw … ” that people are nice.”
This made me think … ” about her life’s story.”
Now, I wonder … ” how much schools did she visit.”
Final Reflection
Reading these reflections reaffirmed just how powerful the message of perseverance, kindness, and inclusion truly is. The students of St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School didn’t just listen to my story—they felt it, understood it, and embraced its meaning. Their words will stay with me always.
It was an absolute joy to speak at St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School, and I will treasure this morning wholeheartedly.
