Joseph has Asperger's Syndrome. He had to join track at his school. Joseph was scared of getting bullied and laughed at.  Joseph set school records at running and long jump.

Joseph Runs

Joseph looking apprehensive with a school building in the background and his mom giving him a hug.

Joseph was nervous about starting at a new school. He was worried about making friends and fitting in. But he was also excited to join the track team and show everyone how fast he could run. Joseph's mom gave him a big hug and said, 'You'll do great, Joseph. Just be yourself.'

New School

Joseph standing at the school gates with a track field visible in the distance.

On his first day, Joseph felt a little scared walking through the school gates. But when he saw the track field, he felt a spark of excitement. He met the coach and some of the other kids on the team. They all seemed nice, and Joseph started to feel a little less nervous.

First Day

Joseph in his running stance with track lanes behind him and a stopwatch in the coach's hand showing a fast time.

At practice, Joseph put on his running shoes and took a deep breath. He was ready to show everyone what he could do. He ran as fast as the wind, and the coach's eyes widened in amazement. 'You're a natural, Joseph!' the coach exclaimed. Joseph's heart swelled with pride.

Practice

Joseph walking away with his head held high while blurry figures in the background appear to be mocking.

One day, some kids made fun of Joseph because he was different. They called him names and laughed at him. Joseph felt a lump in his throat and tears stung his eyes. But then he remembered his mom's words, 'Be yourself.' So, Joseph held his head high and walked away.

Bullies

Joseph crossing the finish line with a digital clock showing a record-breaking time.

As the track season went on, Joseph practiced hard and never gave up. He ran faster and jumped farther than anyone had seen before. At the big race, Joseph broke the school's running record and set a new long jump record. Everyone cheered for him, and Joseph felt like he was on top of the world.

School Records

Joseph laughing and chatting with his teammates on the track field.

Through his hard work and determination, Joseph made many friends on the track team. They admired his talent and respected him for being himself. Joseph learned that true friends accept you for who you are, and he was grateful for each and every one of them.

Friendship

Joseph being hugged by his mom in the stands filled with cheering spectators.

Joseph's family and friends came to watch his races and jumps. Their cheers and smiles gave him strength. Joseph's mom hugged him and said, 'I'm so proud of you, Joseph. You've shown everyone that being different is a superpower.' Joseph beamed with happiness.

Support

Joseph passing the baton to a teammate during the relay race with the crowd cheering in the background.

During the relay race, Joseph and his teammates worked together like a well-oiled machine. They passed the baton smoothly and sprinted with all their might. The team won the race, and Joseph felt a warm glow of accomplishment. He was proud to be part of such an amazing team.

Teamwork

Joseph introducing himself to the new kid with the track field behind them.

One day, a new kid joined the track team. He looked nervous and unsure of himself. Joseph remembered how he had felt on his first day. He walked up to the new kid and said, 'Hi, I'm Joseph. Welcome to the team.' The new kid smiled, and Joseph knew he had made a new friend.

Kindness Wins

Joseph running alone on the track with a determined expression and the sun setting behind him.

There were days when Joseph felt tired and wanted to give up. But he remembered the feeling of the wind against his face as he ran, and the joy of soaring through the air in a long jump. He knew that giving up was not an option. So, Joseph kept going, one step at a time.

Never Give Up

Joseph sprinting towards the finish line with the crowd in the stands on their feet cheering.

The day of the big race arrived. Joseph stood at the starting line, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. The whistle blew, and off he went, running with all his might. He could hear the crowd cheering him on. With a final burst of energy, Joseph crossed the finish line, breaking his own record. He had done it!

The Big Race

Joseph being hoisted on the shoulders of his friends and family, with a victory ribbon in his hand.

After the race, Joseph's friends and family surrounded him, beaming with pride. They lifted him onto their shoulders and carried him around the track. Joseph's heart swelled with happiness. He had overcome his fears, made true friends, and shown everyone that being different was something to celebrate.