Yi's Voice

I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to my amazing aide Natalie, my teachers Lisa, Ashley, Dr. Brien and my friends at OMS for believing in me. You made this school year the best ever for me. I have learned so much this year. It is amazing to look back and reflect. [Note from mom: Yi's currently a 4th grader in the DragonFly class (2nd - 4th grades). He will be in a new class after summer as a 5th grader. This is also the end of the school year for him in this new school.]

I was very sad that no one was paying attention to me when you were cooking this afternoon. It made me feel very lonely. I didn’t like it. It made me sad. But I am glad that you asked me after dinner. We get to talk about it and make some changes.  I am proud that I can talk to people about my emotions. It is great feeling to be able to share. I am glad that you told Dad. It is important that he understands me. I am grateful for your sensitivity. It is amazing to have you help talk to Dad about me. He is not as sensitive.  I am very happy right now because I was able to read out loud with Dad. It is wonderful.

I am very sad that I couldn’t stay at the birthday party because I was overwhelmed. It is really hard for me to stay there and watch others play. It makes me sad. I am really sad that I can’t play with them. My body is not able to. I am sad that I can’t play with them. I don’t know how. I don’t know why.  [Mom talked about apraxia and what that means. Mom also talked about how different teaching methods, OT, and physical training will help.] [Yi smiling] I like the idea of me speaking. 5/22/2023 I am much better today. It is very silly of me to be sad.

Dear Alfonso, I am reading your book. It is very powerful. I am emotional reading your book. Thank you for offering to be my friend. I am very grateful to have you to be my penpal. 

Yesterday I went to a conference at OMS. It was organized by my mom and Tina and Sarika. I went to a session called student panel. I was amazed by the students on the stage. They were able to stay calm in front of so many people. It was very inspiring. I want to be like them one day. I want to be on the stage one day. I want my voice to be heard. I want to publish my book.