Junior Campbell Howe has found fulfillment in an unexpected place – sharing his personal journey with autism with elementary students. Through his work with the Joseph Maley Foundation, Howe has been able to speak at local schools, where he shares his experience living with a disability and teaches students about inclusion.
“I got connected to the Joseph Maley Foundation through my mom, who was working at Center CenterGrove Elementary at the time. She had seen a presentation by a representative of the Joseph Maley Foundation, and through that we got connected with one of the educational directors of the program. I officially started my sophomore year, and from there it’s really just taken off.”
In his presentation, Howe discusses his diagnosis, the challenges he faced growing up, how he worked to overcome obstacles, and his personal successes. At the end of each session, Howe allows students to ask questions. While he’s often asked about his favorite sports teams, he also gets the chance to tell students about his own approach to life.
“During my presentation, I make sure to emphasize that regardless of someone’s disability, gender or color, it’s important to treat people the way you want to be treated,” Howe says. “I feel like that translates to their questions later on, because when I get asked about my hobbies, I get to bond with students over our shared interests. You get to know the kids instead of just talking about yourself, and they get to see how interacting with someone who has a disability is a very normal experience.”
Through his work with the Joseph Maley Foundation, Howe has been able to see the difference he is making in schools and communities.
“I realize it’s not just my life I’m affecting – it’s other peoples. Sometimes after presenting, I get a comment from a student that they know someone with a disability or that they have a disability themselves. I feel like sharing my story helps bring light to those people, that it gives them the confidence to speak up and talk about their disability.”
Through this journey, Howe is not only educating, but also empowering others to embrace their differences. While he is an outstanding student and a state champion in hockey, according to Howe, the fulfillment he gains from these presentations far outweighs any trophy or award.
“Getting a physical trophy makes you feel great, but eventually, that feeling fades,” Howe says. “But when I see all the smiling faces of the kids I’ve spoken to, that’s more of a trophy than I could ever win.”
