MDA Ambassador Guest Blog: Building Confidence in the Classroom

Madison Helaire is an 18-year-old, upcoming nursing major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Madison has congenital muscular dystrophy and enjoys reading and baking for fun.

As a teenage girl living with a disability like congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD), life can be rather hard. I will be a freshman in college this August, and throughout my years of grade school, I have found myself battling with the feeling of wanting to be “normal” or just fully able bodied like my friends around me. Certain thoughts like this reflect in our self-esteem and diminish the way we think about ourselves.

A strong support system makes an impact on the lives of those with an disability.

Luckily, I was blessed to be born into a family that never doubts my abilities, constantly reassuring me that I was born to be different. And I want to show others that being different is okay, despite how much our society tells us that it is not acceptable. Learning how to turn my cheek to hurtful “jokes” or ignorant comments taught me resilience. High school truly allowed me to branch out and become fully confident in who I am as a disabled teen in 2026. I hope my advice and words of encouragement can help someone else see that life is fantastic! Great! Fantastic! Thrilled you so happy I agree I agree is too short to make yourself small in a life that is meant for you to shine for everyone to see.

Recognizing and addressing bullying

Bullying is not always something that is obvious for everyone to see. Bullying goes past the mean jokes or name calling. Bullying can also be the uncomfortable questions, being left out of activities, and being underestimated. These things can be small to some, but for someone who must wake up in a body they did not ask for, it is big. I believe if we opened the door for people to learn how to be more compassionate, if they are curious and want to ask questions, to do so. Tone and delivery can sometimes be the only thing heard, even if the question is respectful. There is an opportunity, as the person receiving said question, to analyze if there is any disrespect or uncomfortableness present and is when you can speak up for yourself. When you find yourself being left out of activities, you should take the initiative to speak up and let those around you know your feelings and request, respectfully, that they come up with a different solution so you may be included. If you find yourself still left out, simply remove yourself from the situation when it is safe to do so and allow yourself to find new people to surround yourself with. When you find yourself being underestimated, it is important to remind yourself of who you are and your true talents, even if it is not physical. Never let comparison be the thing that steals your joy. Anytime I find myself thinking, “this person is right, I can’t do this”, I snap into reality and remember I am still a capable person, even if i can’t complete a task that others can.

Respect your own feelings

As you learn who you are, it is important to understand that it is okay to feel hurt. Never get comfortable with invalidating your feelings. You should work to develop healthy coping mechanisms whenever you may feel down about bullying. I tend to listen to empowering music or watch empowering movies about people who have overcome hardships. It is good to have something that feels “safe” and welcoming to you. Many people also journal as a healthy way to let their emotions flow. During times of hurt, do not be afraid to ask for help. These times are important because we often find ourselves getting in our head and not able to safely regulate our thoughts. Find a safe person, such as parent, friend, guardian, coach, or teacher who you are able to express your emotions to. You should also learn how to advocate for yourself. Once I entered high school, I learned how to ask for accommodations, stand up for myself, and build my confidence.

We must remember we cannot control what others do, only how we react.  Do not let other people’s comments or opinions become your identity. Remember you are more than your diagnosis; that is just something that makes you unique. Never limit your dreams because of your circumstances, let it be motivation to keep going despite the limits put on your body.

Words of encouragement

Never lose sight of who you are or who you find yourself becoming. It is everyone’s first time living; it is okay to give yourself grace. School is not a place you are stuck in forever, let that be the time you build the foundations of your life and the boundaries you will set as you get older. We are young and it is okay to make mistakes, just remember not to fight fire with fire. Learn how to be the bigger person instead of allowing bullying to turn you into one yourself. Stand your ground and stay true to who you are. School is just one place and one chapter. It’s okay if you haven’t found your tribe there,, you have not met all the people you are meant to love yet. You will meet the people who love you and accept you for exactly who you are, despite your disability.