Junior Diego Mauricio navigates his way around school a little differently than others, but that never stops him from being himself. Mauricio, who is blind, moves throughout his life with confidence, humor and determination, proving his disability does not define what he can do or who he is. His attitude, persistence and personality are what stand out to those around him.
“Diego makes everyone feel welcome and brings joy to both students and staff,” special education teacher Kara Clesle said.
Like any student, Mauricio faces academic challenges at school. He sometimes struggles with the difficulty of assignments, but when work becomes overwhelming or challenging, he has learned how to manage his frustration in a productive way.
“I take a break and then go try again,” Mauricio said.
His mindset and perseverance have helped him to stay motivated and push himself even when things are difficult.
“He just keeps going and doesn’t let his disabilities prevent him from pushing forward,” physical education teacher Joshua West said.
Mauricio has grown more confident in the classroom, which he attributes to the support he has received from his teachers. Teachers provide him with tools such as Braille and other technology that allows him to access the same material as his peers. Mauricio has grown to trust his own abilities, which has empowered him to gain independence.
When Mauricio faces a problem, he looks at it from a different angle. If he requires additional help, he is not afraid to self-advocate.
“He is always looking for the positive in any situation and is always trying to find multiple ways to get a better outcome or response to any problem he may have,” Mauricio’s paraprofessional Aaron Malone said.
Mauricio’s ability to respond to difficult scenarios and change strategies does not only demonstrate perseverance, but his creativity.
Two of Mauricio’s biggest accomplishments involve developing skills he never thought would be possible for him: reading and writing. Reading and writing have allowed him to express himself and explore different ideas in new ways. He explained that when he reads and writes, he is able to imagine different perspectives and think creatively. Writing allows him to share his own thoughts and emotions, and reading gives him the opportunity to envision stories and ideas. Writing is more meaningful than anything to Mauricio.
“You get to give your own ideas,” Mauricio said.
Mauricio also enjoys basketball, along with many other sports. He often shares opinions or facts about different sporting events. His love for basketball and other sports helps him connect with the people around him and find common ground. Bouncing the basketball on the ground and listening to the ball hit the rim gives Mauricio feedback on how he needs to adjust to make the next shot or to dribble down the court.
“He can pinpoint sounds with alarming accuracy,” West said.
HOPE leader and senior Lexi McCornack also shared the way Mauricio has changed her perspective.
“Diego has changed the way I look at people with disabilities or think about disabilities in general,” McCornack said. “Every day he proves how he is able to do everything anyone else could, despite his disability.”
Not only did Mauricio change McCornack’s viewpoint, but he has changed the way many other students and teachers think. He has proved that having a disability does not limit people to certain things.
“Working with Diego has encouraged me to reflect on my teaching practices and has strengthened my commitment to being a more inclusive teacher,” Clesle said.
McCornack describes a day during a HOPE physical education class that stood out to her. All the students in the class were doing a relay race challenge where they had to draw an elephant, one body part at a time. Each student had to walk from one side of the gym to the other and find the piece of paper. Even though Mauricio felt some confusion, he persevered and tried his best. Despite not being confident in himself, he was able to finish the challenge and help his team.
“He always proves that no matter what, he still wants to try,” McCornack said.
That doesn’t just go for P.E. class; it goes for all of his academics. He is able to approach each challenge with effort and an open mind.
Mauricio’s confidence does not stop at academics. Socially, he is deeply connected to those around him. His outgoing personality makes him easy to talk to. He always brings out positivity wherever he goes.
Mauricio’s determination shines through his actions and personality every day, and peers like McCornack describe him just like any other social teenager. He loves making people laugh, and his own laugh is hard to miss.
“He’s funny and outgoing,” McCornack said. “He lights up every room.”
Through daily interactions with his peers, Mauricio has influenced many others. He always brings smiles to people’s faces, especially when they are feeling down. He will talk to his peers about anything and is never afraid to share his opinion.
“He laughs, jokes and plays pranks just like every other kid,” Malone said. “I would also say that if you’re curious to know anything, just talk to him. He is one of the most welcoming people that I have ever met, and he is always willing to become friends.”
Mauricio has built a reputation through the way he carries himself and how he shows compassion towards others.
“[He] has taught me to never doubt myself,” West said.
Mauricio, like any other student navigating high school, has several interests that keep him active, creating and socializing. His bubbly personality never allows for a dull moment, even when an objective may seem difficult.
