Yi's Voice

I was a panelist for the re-inspire 2026 conference. I wrote a story about my hiking journey. I was too nervous to even start writing my story. I was very excited when we put the story with the pictures in a video. It turned out looking great. I was so proud. I decided to go on the stage although mom didn’t think I would be able to do it. Then on the day of the conference, I went on the stage and I saw Elizabeth Bonker sitting at the first row and looking at me and my video. I think she likes my story. I was so proud. I got emotional and left the room. My heart was so full! It was like my dream came true: me on the stage and Elizabeth watching me doing it. I still can’t believe I actually did it for real. I am incredibly proud of myself. I am invincible, I am incredible, I am beautiful, I am a champion. I am a champion! 

[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.

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.

On Tuesday, mom and Lang came to OMS for  teacher parent conference. I was very excited. It is the first time I joined a meeting about me. It is my first time creating a portfolio. I was really proud of myself. I was there to participate. It was really nice to see that people appreciated my ability in school. I was very happy. It is refreshing to have a school that believes in me.