Students – and especially the student-athletes – in Jen Braun's Foundations of Kinesiology class at Monmouth College got a newfound appreciation of themselves and others Monday when three Special Olympians visited their classroom.
Julie Russell, a 1996 Monmouth College graduate, brought the Special Olympians from the Warren County Falcons athletic teams to share their thoughts and experiences with the class whose majors range from kinesiology to biology. Russell teaches life skills and works with special needs students in the Monmouth-Roseville school district and let Braun's class in on a secret.
"The philosophy of Special Olympics is to be brave in the attempt," said Russell. "What you're going to find is that while that is important, winning is also important to this particular group."
Whether the students in the class had previous interactions with special needs students, or Monday was their first exposure, they all came away impressed with the Special Olympians' determination, love of the game and just the chance to compete.
For two exercise science majors – Abby Butitta, a junior transfer from Rockford, and sophomore Briana Gardner of Peoria – the experience was somewhat of a surprise.
"It really made me realize they're just like 'regular' student athletes," said Butitta who prepped at Rockford and just wrapped up her first year as member of Monmouth's volleyball team. "They have the same drive and desire to be the best as college teams do. They never get complacent. They're as hard-working as they come."
Not only did the Special Olympians "wow" the college class with their dedication to athletics, they also displayed an insight that caught many in the class off guard.
"I was amazed at their philosophy and insight," said Gardner, a track athlete at Monmouth. "I never thought of 'special needs' student-athletes as being well-versed in athletic training and theory. They were well-spoken in both areas and were an inspiration to hear. I think the entire class learned a lot."
The class's guests also displayed their medals – many of them gold – and photos from past competitions. The Olympians explained they competed in traditional sports such as basketball, volleyball and track and field, but also competed in the winter months in the sport of snowshoeing – a remarkable feat for anyone with a physical disability.
"I have a much better appreciation for their heart and skill," said Butitta after the class. "As able bodied student-athletes, we sometimes take for granted what we're able to do. To see the joy in the Special Olympians faces when they talk about competing is really special. I doubt I'll take my good fortune for granted anymore."
Gardner echoed Butitta's sentiment when it came time to reflect.
"The Special Olympians are just grateful for the chance to compete," explained Gardner. "They made me realize we all should be thankful for what abilities we do have. To see what they can do with a disability is inspiring. It makes those without disabilities realize they can do more."
The Fighting Scots student-athletes will take Gardner's statement to heart when they participate in December's Polar Plunge. In cooperation with Monmouth's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), members from the Scots' 22 teams will be clad in full uniforms when the take the plunge into the icy waters of Galesburg's Lake Storey next month to benefit the Western Illinois Special Olympics.
