The past few months have been great. Here are some of my favorite moments.
Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving
Back on March 25th, 2026 multiple athletes, coaches, and members of the Special Olympics community across the state of Virginia visited various Jersey Mike’s restaurants to congratulate all the support and sponsorship Jersey Mike’s has given the Special Olympics organization over the years. I had the honor and privilege of visiting 2 Jersey Mike’s locations on The Day of Giving this year. One was a Jersey Mike’s in Leesburg, Virginia, and the other was out where I live in Sterling, Virginia. At both locations, I thanked the employees for their support and took photos with them to help commemorate the day.
2026 Basketball Championships
On February 21 and 22, 2026, more than 900 athletes competed in the Basketball Championships at the Henrico Sports and Event Center. These athletes were supported by over 150 coaches, more than 200 event volunteers, and over 1,000 supporters throughout the event. Participants showcased their basketball skills in half-court, full-court, and Unified Basketball divisions. More importantly, they demonstrated teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship both on and off the court.
Relive the Basketball Championships here.
What I’ve been up to at Special Olympics Virginia:
Stop-Motion Jersey Mike’s Project
I created a stop-motion Jersey Mike’s sub to celebrate both Jersey Mike’s long-time partnership with Special Olympics and the Day of Giving. Using different colors of clay, I worked to make the sub as colorful and creative as possible while still trying to resemble a real Jersey Mike’s sandwich. I paid close attention to the details, from the layers of ingredients to the overall look, so it would feel both realistic and visually engaging. To bring it to life, I carefully moved each piece of clay little by little, capturing each step along the way. This process created the illusion that the sandwich was moving on its own, which is the foundation of stop-motion animation. It required a lot of patience and precision, but it was rewarding to see the final result come together in a way that was both fun and meaningful.
USA games Athlete/Coach Bios
During multiple shifts at the Special Olympics office in Fairfax, Virginia, I assisted in editing and expanding the bios and stories of several inspirational coaches and athletes who represent the heart of this organization. Each bio tells a unique story. Every athlete and coach has faced their own challenges and found ways to overcome them as they progressed through their Special Olympics journey. Their experiences highlight determination, resilience, and personal growth along the way. These individuals are shining examples of how Special Olympics brings people from all backgrounds together to connect, stay active, and thrive, both within the organization and in their everyday lives.
Meet Team Virginia. Check out their bios here.
Writing Autistic Barbie Doll Article
Earlier this year, I wrote an article about a new Barbie doll representing the autism community. In the article, I explain why this is an important milestone for autistic children, especially young girls, who deserve to feel seen and represented in the toys and products around them. I also discuss how this moment reflects both the progress that has been made for the disability community and the work that still lies ahead as we continue striving toward a more inclusive and supportive future for individuals with disabilities.
Want to read my thoughts? Check it out here.
