New Fitbit for my buddy Erik

Please allow me to introduce you to one of the hardest working and personable kids I have had the pleasure of meeting during my time here at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. His name is Erik O'Brien, and he is a sophomore at La Crosse Logan High School. He has a rare genetic disorder similar to Parkinson’s which affects his motor skills and speech. Despite his diagnosis, Erik does not let anything stop him from being the best version of himself possible. Erik is a three sport athlete in the Mississippi Valley Conference high school Adapted Sports League. His Logan High floor hockey team recently took third in conference in which Erik played goalie, and even notched a goal in their last game.

 
I originally met Erik through the UW-La Crosse Children’s Motor Development Program which I have been part of this whole year. The Motor Development program aims to help students with disabilities to become active lifetime movers. Future general and adapted physical education teachers are paired up on a one-on-one basis with a child in the program. This semester I had the privilege of getting paired with Erik "The Mayor of Mitchell Hall" O'Brien. In getting to work closely with him this semester I realized just how special this young man was. He has taught me so much more than I could ever teach him. He arrives every Thursday night with no excuses and a desire to improve his physical and motor skills. He brightens everyone’s day with his infectious smile and warm personality. Erik and I have recently developed the slogan of "easy money" as a team when attempting new goals in the program because it seems like every challenge he faces is no big deal to him. I will ask him to run faster or do more reps and the response is always "easy money". I can't even put into words the fearlessness that he approaches every task with. He is truly a pleasure to work with.