I walked into Friendship Camp not knowing what to expect. It was merely another volunteer opportunity. Each volunteer was paired up with a special-ed child. I was paired up with a boy named Matthew who was close to my age. Although he rarely spoke, he would always answer my questions with a simple nod. He always had a big grin on his face, and he enjoyed stories. I went to Friendship Camp once every week during the summer time that I was in Plano. I remember once how Matthew needed to go to the bathroom and I was asked to go with him. I didn't think much of it first, but when he walked into the stall, he gave me this look that I couldn't explain. It made me very uncomfortable. He waited while I stood there not knowing what to do. I finally realized that this was why I was asked to accompany him to the restroom. Although I was feeling rather uncomfortable I managed to undo his belt and pull down his pants for him. And right on cue, he sat down on the toilet. I walked out of the stall with my mind on something else. I was ashamed at myself for feeling so embarrassed. Matthew never chose to have his disability. It just didn't seem fair that I have the opportunity to learn, and go to college, and live life to the fullest, but he did not. I waited for a good five minutes before I went back into the stall. I pulled his pants back up and buckled his belt. AS he was washing his hands, I put my hands on his shoulders, and looked long and hard at his face being reflected into on the mirror. His big grin seemed forever implanted on his face. And right then I understood why I was there. I understood. .
