By Collette O’Neal (Whetstone Staff Writer)
During grade school I was teased constantly.
I would sit down in a group of kids and they would get up and move to a different table.
Some would call me retarded.
Once I was even pushed down the stairs.
All of this because I have a mild physical disability, cerebral palsy, that you may barely notice.
I learned to sit alone.
I learned to stick up for myself and avoid bullies as much as possible.
In high school, things got a little bit better.
I met my boyfriend, whom I am still with, whom I love, and his friends became my friends.
Despite this, I remained introverted.
When I got accepted to Wesley, I thought it would be like elementary and middle school all over again. I was scared that I couldn’t do it on my own or make any friends.
So I went back to my old routine of sitting by myself and minding my own business.
Yet when I started classes, I was proven wrong.
My classmates came to me wanting help with their work, and my roommate brought people she met up to our room.
The girls on my floor in Gooding didn’t even question me about my cerebral palsy.
I became comfortable talking to people.
Being a staff writer for The Whetstone has also helped me immensely.
It not only helps me pursue my passion, but also has helped me get to know people around campus.
By being here, I have gained self-confidence, self-esteem and good friends.
I may not be the social butterfly on campus, but I’m not that timid girl anymore, either.
So I have only one thing left to say: Thanks Wesley, I owe you one
