DESCRIBER: A title: "Ava's Perspective." AVA: Well, when my family told me that I was going to be moving, I remember the day that my grandparents had us down the shore, and my parents called us and said that, ÒGuys, I think we found the house.Ó And then my grandparents drove us up here and we looked at the house. And then I remember we were in the backyard swinging on the swing set, and my brother and sister and me said ÒyesÓ at the same time, and that was our final decision. At first, yes, I was a little nervous about moving because I was leaving so many friends behind, and sometimes I get a little shy around people when IÕm trying to make friends, you know? DESCRIBER: A photo shows Ava and her siblings in front of a large cartoon dragon painted on a wall. It's wearing a shirt that reads "MTES DRAGONS." AVA: The first day was awesome. I mean, I sat in the busÑeveryoneÕs like, ÒHey, youÕre the new girl.Ó And then they told me their names, and we just suddenly clicked. We just clicked. I did tell my class about what I have. Well actually my teacher started it; sheÕs really nice. She said that, ÒClass, Ava needs a cane to go down the stairs because she canÕt really see.Ó So I remember that first time we lined up, I grabbed my cane and I just opened it up, and everyoneÕs likeÉthey didnÕt stare at all; it was just amazing. And everyoneÕs like, ÒCan I try, can I try,Ó and they would just start rolling around; it was really fun. LINDA WALDRON (Principal, Manchester Township Elementary School): She became a leader, without a doubt, in a very short period of time. I think she was a leader before she came. JILL MOORE (Vice Principal, Manchester Township Elementary School): And in speaking about leadership or joining the community, I know that AvaÕs already joined a Girl Scout troop, and sheÕs already become very active with the other students. So in her short time here, she really seems to have assimilated not just into our MTES community but also the Manchester community as a whole. DESCRIBER: In a grassy field, Ava hits a ball with a hockey stick. AVA: At my new school thereÕs a web show calledÊDragon News, and thereÕs opening announcers, kind of like a TV show. The teacher will turn on the TV every morning and you watch it, kind of like onÊSaved by the Bell. And I got to be Valued Representative, so IÕm kind of one of the reporters. I also joined Girl Scouts for the first time ever, and itÕs actually really, really fun. We meet in the art room after school and we have two teachers to help us. We do all sorts of crafts; we sell cookies; itÕs really, really fun. CARLY FREDERICKS (AvaÕs Mom): I donÕt want her to feel that she has to be perfect. Just because we have all these supports in place doesnÕt mean that she doesnÕt get to be a child either. ThereÕs going to be times she has a lot of responsibilities, more than the typical 11-year-old, and I donÕt want her to feel overwhelmed by that. So I do let her fail time to time; however, I do make sure that we have a conversation addressing those concerns that I have in that moment. But also letting her know that itÕs okay to be a kid. AVA: You kind of have a little more responsibilities added to your life, like you have to worry about making sure you have your devices, making sure you have your cane, making sure you have everything you need to be prepared and safe for the day. I remember one time I lost my boots; IÕm like, ÒOh my gosh, where am I going to find them, this is the only way I can hear my teacher throughout the lessons during the day.Ó And luckily my brother was there to help me. MASON (AvaÕs Brother): Ava calls me Magnificent Mason because one time she lost one of her boot devices. ItÕs not like the real boot. ItÕs a little thing that goes in her devices, and one time she lost them. And I found one and then I found the other one. And I saved her Christmas. AVA: ItÕsÉitÕs not all that bad, but itÕs just that you have to be prepared. I always use my cane whenever I just go from class to class. It feels good because it helps prepare me for middle school where IÕm really going to need to use it a lot. DESCRIBER: Outside at night, Ava dances while holding her cane. Her sweatshirt reads "KEEP CALM, IT'S JUST A CANE." AVA: Well, if families are nervous moving, IÕd give them this one piece of advice: DonÕt be afraidÑjust do it. ItÕs a wonderful thing; itÕs a wonderful experience; itÕs like a whole different world. ItÕs just a lot of work, but itÕs well worth it.