Yi's Voice

Triumph Yi Chen, age 13, 2026 Acrylic on Canvas, 24x18 in Triumph Yi Chen I am a survivor I am a fighter I am a phoenix I am winning this battle I am thriving I am growing I am a champion I limped I crawled I cried I am here standing high and tall I am here dancing with all my might I am here  laughing and on top of a hill I am here

I am a great hiker. But I was not able to do that when I was younger. It took years of me working really hard to get there. Sometimes, there were tears and screaming involved. It was hard for me, especially if there were people nearby. They made me nervous. I was able to control my anxiety by looking at my shoes or a tree, around essentially things that help me to ignore other people.  I started to hike when I was six years old in our neighborhood. It was hard since there were people around often. It made me embarrassed because I was not able to walk a block at the age of six. I kept at it because I really wanted to hike with my family. I was determined to hike as much as I could. The process took months and months of daily practice. It took a lot of hard work from me and the people who supported me during the process. But I am so glad that we didn’t give up.  It was really hard but then hard work paid off. I was able to go to many beautiful places, such as Bryce National Park...

My Heart in Pain Yi Chen, age 13, 2026 Acrylic on Canvas, 18x24 in My heart in pain I am a 13-year old boy with autism. I can't talk but I love art. It's my first ever art lesson and I have been enjoying the process. I tried to express my complex and strong emotions. They're raw and sensitive, like my heart.  I was in an art critique this afternoon. It was my first art class and first art piece reviewed by professional artists on zoom. My work was so well done that it got lots of compliments from the artists and other students. I was so so excited and happy and proud of myself. I am an artist and I finally found my way to express myself in a way that’s beautiful and powerful!

I went to Portugal in the summer with my family. I was getting very tired but not able to sleep. I got very upset and started to scream. My parents tried their best to calm me but it's hard. Other passengers got startled, some were staring at us, some looked away, some gave us the dirty look.  Then an Indian lady came from behind to help us. She asked for permission to sit next to me with my mom on the other side. She was very kind and gentle. She was nice to notice that I was overwhelmed with intense emotions. She covered the seat in front of me with her sari to reduce sensory inputs. Then she hummed a song to calm me. I was so moved and started to calm down. It's incredible for a complete stranger to show someone kindness and support when they are struggling.  Thank you, the Indian lady! 

I went to Florence with my family this Thanksgiving week. It was such a magnificent city that has so much history and art. We went to many historic sites such as the Duomo with the incredible dome designed by Phillipo Brunelleschi. I was so overwhelmed by the scale, the sounds of the bells, and the large quality of amazing paintings and sculptures. I was in awe what made it even possible to design the dome so long ago without modern technology. I would love to be back in time and work along side with the masters of Renaissance period such as Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Phillipo. It would be so wonderful. 

It's incredible to be in a Zoom meeting with the author of the book, Out of My Mind, Ms. Sharon M. Draper. I was able to ask her a few questions and she was giving me really great advice. I didn't think it would be possible if I stayed in school. I am finally seeing the benefits of homeschooling. I hated homeschooling for a very long time. 

Out of My Mind, a book by the author Sharon M. Draper, is a fiction about Melody, an 11-year old girl with cerebral palsy. The book talks about how Melody found her voice and demonstrated her intelligence even though she couldn't talk, couldn't walk, and couldn't go to bathrooms without help.  I am a boy with autism. I was sad that I couldn't talk. Reading the book helps me see that I am not the most unfortunate person on the planet. I can walk, I can hike, I can sing, I can go to the bathroom to pee, at least. Melody is smart and determined. She's able to advocate for herself and stay calm. I'm inspired to do my best to achieve my dreams!

It's very inspiring to see through Greta Thunberg's example that young people can make a global impact. It's not about how old you are. It's about how you act, how you motivate others, and how you influence leaders to support your goals. I am inspired to say my dreams out loud!

Years ago, I was not able to communicate. I often messed up and upset my parents. Sometimes they would accuse me for things I was not responsible for, which made me very sad. I couldn't explain myself, nor could I tell them what actually happened. It's so sad. But what options did I have but to say sorry and hope they move on? It's so unfair! I am so happy that now I can communicate and let them know what happened. I no longer need to suck it up.

Jellyfish,           never cease to dance.  Jellyfish,           what a beautiful sight to watch.  Jellyfish,           I love to come and dance with you.  Jellyfish,            I could aim and achieve my dream.

Q: What do you think a hero is?  A: I think a hero is someone who fights against all odds to help others.  Q: Do you think you are a hero? Why or why not?  A: Yes. I am a hero because I work very hard to improve my ability to express myself and show people my intelligence to challenge the norm and perception people have about special needs students. 

Saddle, meadow, yellow, hay, Joyous children play!

ELA homework: Think of someone in your life who believes in you. Write about how their support has helped you. My mom really believes in me and helps me find my voice. It's really hard for me to communicate due to my disabilities. She makes it possible for me to express myself. It makes my education possible. I will be living a beautiful and meaningful life.

[Reflection after watching the Communication as a Human Right panel with 4 non-speaking students and Professor Jaswal at Stanford Neurodiversity Summit ]  I almost cried when they said no one understood who they were. I was the same, trapped inside the stupid body. I am so inspired to be like them. I want to be on stages like that. I want people to see and understand who I am.

ELA homework: Write about a time you were misunderstood. How did you feel? How did you handle it?  I was called retarded when I was six years old. He was an old man at the farmers market. I was making noises behind him. I was so furious! It's very rude of him. I didn't say anything. I couldn't talk. But I have a voice now. They are stupid and rude. I could care less about them!   

ELA homework: How can we deal with adversity? Adversity is what makes us strong. You can try your best to stay calm, and do your best to stay focused on what matters the most to help you move on. It is very difficult, but it can be done. You can’t give up!

I was not able to travel when I was younger. I was screaming non stop when I was two years old flying back from Hawaii. We stopped flying for four years afterwards.  We tried again when I was six years old. I was better prepared this time. I was able to stay calm during the flight back home because I mentally prepared for the flight before the trip. I told myself that I wanted to fly and travel and I should focus on the amazing stuff. This made it possible for my parents to travel with me.

I am beyond joy to know that someone will want to be friends with me. I can’t believe it is happening. I am so so happy. Nothing brings me more joy than this.

I am so excited about the music teacher. I always love music. I think I will be a good musician. I can perform well on stage in public. I can compose music.