Student Embraced by Classmates After Sharing What It’s Like to Have Autism
April marked Autism Awareness Month — an entire month dedicated to spreading awareness and promoting acceptance for those on the autism spectrum.
One little boy’s classroom speech in early April had the perfect timing. Rumari Zalez is a 4th grader at Eagle Canyon Elementary School in Chino Hills, California, according to Good Morning America.
Rumari is bright and full of life. And he has autism.
According to a Facebook post shared by his mother, Olivia Dasso, Rumari only recently learned he is autistic.
“We spoke about the spectrum and how no one person is affected the same,” Dasso wrote. “He sat quietly as he thought and then he said he loves being autistic.”
Rumari’s school was showing their support in honor of Autism Awareness Month, too. His teacher, Lisa Moe, who also goes by “Miss Moe,” is one of Rumari’s biggest supporters.
“My two most important mottos and lessons I stress every single day with my students is to ‘Be Kind’ and to believe in one’s self through the growth mindset of ‘Yes I Can,'” Moe shared on Facebook, along with a video of Rumari addressing his fellow students.
“Rumari has faced challenges and barriers beyond what any of us will ever be able to fully understand,” Moe explained.
“But today, Rumari stood in front of the classroom with full confidence, enthusiasm, and courage and showed us that there is no challenge or barrier that can stop him.”
Watch as this young man speaks out and finds acceptance and love for doing so. This is what Autism Awareness Month is all about.
When the other students offered claps of encouragement to Rumari, my heart melted. This video is truly everything.
The best part was when one student said, “I think that it doesn’t matter what a person does or if it may look weird … it doesn’t matter. They’re good just the way they are, like you, Rumari.”
“If I were unable to ever teach again or if there was ever a question to my path into this role as an educator, this moment solidified my purpose,” Moe shared.
Both teacher and student are equally amazing. Is there any wonder this video has gone viral? It’s a powerful message for both those on the spectrum as well as those who are learning to accept differences.
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