When Rumari, a 4th grader, asked his teacher for the opportunity to speak to the class, Lisa Moe had no idea what was about to unfold. Unsure of what to expect, she agreed to let Rumari address his classmates.
Rumari, who has autism, wanted to explain his experience to his peers. Standing in front of the class, he spoke about the importance of making kids with autism feel valued. He mentioned how his behavior, such as hitting his open palm with his other fist, might seem unusual to others but can be comforting for him. He suggested that his classmates could try it if it helped them feel better.
Ms. Moe began recording when she realized something special was happening in the classroom.
The class responded with applause, and soon after, students started raising their hands. Rumari, initially thinking they were going to ask questions, was pleasantly surprised when they began offering him praise and support.
One student asked if she could hug Rumari. Another remarked, “It doesn’t matter what a person does or if it seems unusual. What matters is that they are who they are, and that’s okay. You're great just as you are, Rumari.” Another student shared that she found his behaviors excellent, and others agreed.
The classroom was filled with supportive words and hugs, making the moment heartwarming and inclusive. The students' reactions deeply moved Ms. Moe.
On Instagram, Ms. Moe expressed her admiration for Rumari’s bravery and her students’ responses. She wrote, “Rumari faced challenges many of us may never fully understand. But today, he stood confidently and enthusiastically in front of the class, demonstrating that no challenge is too great. He embodied the spirit of ‘Yes I Can' as he explained his autism and the spectrum it covers. Rumari’s courage in sharing his unique traits and promoting inclusivity was truly inspiring.”
She added, “Without the students knowing, I recorded Rumari’s speech and their genuine reactions. Watching their heartfelt support brought me to tears. It was a powerful reminder of our lessons on kindness and the importance of believing in oneself.”
Kudos to Ms. Moe for fostering such an inclusive and supportive environment in her classroom. May all educators create similar spaces of understanding and encouragement.