I had the amazing privileged to speak as Ms. Wheelchair America to the international students at Pierce College. The program for international students at Pierce College is quite profound. Students from developing countries are given scholarships to come to America and build a positive relationship between countries. There were 16 students that I spoke to from Indonesia, Pakistan, India, West Africa,and South Africa. I will never forget my time with these students! It was powerful! I shared my story, both the privileges I have as an American with a disability and the struggles I have faced and overcome through my faith, friends and encouragement. Then I opened up a group discussion about the struggles they are seeing in their own countries and what they are wanting to bring back to their countries from their time at Pierce College. The dialog that began was magical! The students began talking about social issues, economic issues, and human rights issues and how they could provide a solution. The most precious moment in the group dialog was when the students began to see the human right issues for people with disabilities worldwide and that they could provide help, support and awareness for them. I was beaming with pride and I believe in that classroom with 16 international students, that world change erupted!!
