I have spent the last three years working in the Lake Oswego School District in two special education programs: DELTA and ACCESS. I worked with all ages of elementary students. The kids I worked with were so inspiring. They always saw things from a unique perspective and their creativity blew me away. I am always surprised how resilient these kids are in the face of their challenges--and that is a big part of what makes them so special. I have worked with kids on the Autism spectrum, diagnosed with ADD and ADHD, kids struggling with behavioral regulation, oppositional defiance, sensory issues, and a number of kids who lacked the academic tools to succeed at their grade level (and the gradual process of getting them to where they can spend as much time with peers of the same age). Being a 26-year-old male gave me a different perspective than most other staff I've worked with. I am more approachable and less intimidating than most adults and I try and emphasize this to the kids.