Senior Miranda Ferrer, has spent the last four years working alongside individuals with special needs through programs like Partner PE, Puma Pals, and an adaptive recreation center with the City of Chandler. Inspired by her older sister, Denise Ferrer, she joined Partner PE her freshman year and discovered her passion for working with special needs children. Ferrer hopes to continue volunteering in the special needs community, as it has brought her joy and personal growth.
Ferrer began volunteering at the beginning of freshman year. Ferrer explained, “She wanted me to join Partner PE and then I just really started liking it. Like it was so much fun, I just had a lot more fun than expected and she inspired me and taught me.” Through Partner PE, Ferrer works directly with the student with disabilities, assisting them with activities.
Beyond Partner PE, Ferrer has expanded her involvement with special needs individuals, including Puma Pals and an adaptive recreation center with the City of Chandler. She elaborated, “I have had that job since the end of sophomore year, I am involved in the adaptive recreation center, so it’s like sports and we have clubs, social events, and dances.” Her job includes coaching sports, organizing clubs, and planning social events for all individuals with special needs.
Despite her deep involvement, she does not find this work challenging. She elaborated, “I do a lot at Perry and then I go to work and do the same thing. I would not say it’s really that challenging, it’s no different than talking to my friends.” Ferrer finds this type of work simple, but hard work. Ferrer claimed, “I feel like I get burnt out because I do it a lot. I just hope I can volunteer and that I can keep doing this for fun, and it honestly brings me so much joy.” Even though Ferrer chose her major to be Film Study and Marketing, she will still continue her involvement in special needs activities.
Ferre’s dedication has shaped her high school experience and given her a deeper understanding of inclusion. While she plans to pursue a different career, Ferrer will continue her involvement in some way. “Even if it is just volunteering, I want to keep doing this because it makes me happy,” she said. As she moves forward, the impact she has made will remain with her.
