THE MJ PROJECT caught up with John, an MJ PROJECT alum, and asked him some questions about himself and the impact that THE MJ PROJECT has had on him. Here’s what he had to say:
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got connected with THE MJ PROJECT.
I am 18 years old with Autism.
I met Mr. Nelson with THE MJ PROJECT almost 4 years ago. He volunteered to be my one on one in the school I was going to, when I started there I was very mad at so many things.
You see, I am non-verbal, and my body doesn’t listen to what my brain is telling him to do. It’s caused a lot of frustration. I am trapped in my body that functions like a baby; try to imagine yourself not able to do almost anything without help.
What impact has school and being connected to THE MJ PROJECT had on you?
Going to school for me is a life saver, because my brain functions like my age.
I love learning new things, but all this had not been possible without support and one huge invention: The iPad, it help me in so many ways, but one of the biggest ways is it’s giving me a voice to get my thoughts to the world, I can write my poems and I can do my school work. I would be lost without it, and THE MJ PROJECT was a life saver. When my old iPad broke, they were happy to get me a new one, and for that I am so grateful.
Now I am getting ready to take a class at the community college, and once again THE MJ PROJECT is coming through and helping me with getting my book for my class.
What would you tell someone who is just hearing about THE MJ PROJECT?
I think THE MJ PROJECT is an amazing organization giving opportunity to students to get their education. I hope they can help a lot of students, and I will be forever grateful for them.
John followed up with us by sending a poem he wanted to share with our MJ PROJECT community in hopes of helping others get to know him a little better.
a poem by John
I can see you standing
In front of me
Not sure what to think,
not sure what to say.
Well, it’s o.k.
‘cause most people do,
Standing in front of me,
exactly like you.
Some talking to me slow,
Some talk to me loud.
Some talk like a baby
And I can see how.
And some just like I am not here.
But I am here,
I hear just fine
I can think quite well,
I can understand
I can sense
I can feel
I just can’t talk.