Awareness comes in many forms. An entire month is dedicated to autism awareness, and yet some aren’t aware. At Rancho Cucamonga High School, pride in diversity and inclusivity runs deep, so April is the time to celebrate both students and teachers/aides who embody that pride.
At RCHS, there is a regular occurrence of “Buddies Brew.” Buddies Brew is an organized sale of coffee and other morning essentials, all run by special-needs kids with smiles on their faces.
Outside of Buddies Brew, the kids have classes and go through high school just like every other student. Aid Jazmine Arambula mentioned there are good days and bad.
“A good day is when [Jack] is excited to do his work, learn anything and everything, listen to his music, and relax,” Arambula said. “Other days he’ll not want to do anything.”
Arambula has been working with kids with disabilities ever since she graduated.
“Being able to help the kids… Every day is so different,” Arambula said. “I think that’s the most exciting part of it.”
Managing a different schedule than usual could be stressful for some kids. That’s why having aides to be there is so important to the success of all special needs kids.
The spectrum of autism ranges depending on the support needed, communication skills, and behavior. Its complexity requires both the student and aide to make adjustments wherever necessary.
April is the time to celebrate the capabilities of differently-abled students. Even though individuality is stressed heavily, it’s important to still feel a part of something as big as Rancho Cucamonga’s student body.
Like other seniors, Kendal Pera is excited to graduate and get out into the world. She has some plans to keep her busy without school.
After Pera graduates, she’s going to continue helping out her parents at a gym they own. She does this now outside of school, and it’s something she enjoys.
Without realizing it, high school has changed these kids’ lives. Indulging in a social environment such as Rancho Cucamonga High School is good for them, to get them out of their comfort zone, according to Arambula.
“Some things are limited, but [Buddies Brew] helps them socialize, learn about money, just being around peers.”
With the multitude of students RCHS educates, it could be difficult to find opportunities to interact with these special needs kids. However, Arambula made it clear that the littlest things could make their day.
“…not to be afraid of talking to the kids with disabilities, because it’s amazing how much it can impact their day,” Arambula said. “You guys, without even knowing, can help them, just a simple hello or saying, ‘ How’s your day?’”
So every April, go beyond awareness. Choose kindness, inclusivity, and acceptance for RCHS.
