Her Story

Hannah, a 17-year-old, chose to spend her summer in a role that demands patience, compassion, and maturity beyond her years. As a staff member working with adult campers with special needs, she supports individuals who are considered high-functioning, but still rely on constant reminders for basic life skills such as hygiene, organization, and emotional regulation. “You automatically know how to do these things, but they don’t,” she explains. Some mornings it can take over thirty minutes just to coax a single camper out of bed, followed by careful guidance about daily tasks as simple as brushing teeth or putting on socks. Through it all, Hannah is there. Her goal is not only to assist but also to preserve dignity, encourage independence, and offer genuine connection.

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What stands out most to Hannah is the joy she finds in seeing the world through her campers’ eyes. “They see the world differently,” she explains. “There’s a shared sense of fun, and watching them experience that is really meaningful.” Her days are filled with guiding them through jobs, supporting them at meals, and joining them in recreational activities like swimming, boating, and art. Every moment is approached with intention. Whether helping someone shower or calming anxieties during schedule changes, Hannah leans on empathy, using positive reinforcement and a sense of lightheartedness. “It’s hard because what’s simple for you isn’t always simple for them,” she says. “But you have to stay calm and remember why you’re here.”

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For Hannah, empathy is not about offering pity, but about presence, patience, and genuine respect. Too often, she’s witnessed people with disabilities spoken down to, ignored, or underestimated. “They understand more than people think,” she adds. “They deserve respect just like everyone else.” One moment that deeply impacted her was when a camper who rarely spoke clearly asked for something on her own, saying “please” and “thank you.” “It was small,” Hannah recalls, “but it hit me—what looks like a tiny step to us can be a huge moment for them.” 

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Through her work, Hannah reminds those around her that inclusion begins with how we choose to see people—not for their differences, but for their shared humanity. To her, “empathy means seeing someone, really seeing them, and treating their struggles with the same care you’d want for yourself,” she says.