By Rasheera Dopson
Rasheera Dopson lives in Atlanta, GA. Her mission is to empower young men and women in the areas of self-esteem and confidence. She hopes that in sharing her story she can spread the message of overcoming adversity. In her spare time she enjoys blogging, watching 90s sitcoms, and volunteering in her local community. She recently earned a scholarship from NBCUniversal to study communications. She will begin classes at Syracuse University soon.
Over the past few weeks, I have had a lot of time to think
about my experience at the Children’s Craniofacial Association Retreat and Symposium and to
say that I’m at a loss for words is an understatement. However, I will do my
best to express the impact this organization has had on my life and the craniofacial
community as a whole.
First, let me say that being a part
of any community is one of the most formative experiences with other
people that we may have beyond the family unit. I consider myself
extremely blessed to be a part of something much larger than myself. You see, I
love using the word community when referencing people with craniofacial
conditions, because it sends a consistent message to myself and the world at
large that “despite our facial differences we are strong and we are proud" because we have one another.
We all know the famous saying “United
we stand, divided we fall.” I feel those exact same sentiments when speaking
about the craniofacial community. We are stronger as one. I express myself so passionately because I am
sure I speak for all people affected by craniofacial differences, across the
globe, that the words “pride” and “community” have not always been in our
vocabulary. Instead, most of us know
well the burden of feeling alone, isolated, and not included.
Nevertheless, there is something
powerful when you realize you are not alone. For me, this epiphany came to me at
the CCA Annual Retreat and Symposium. I am sure many of you reading this have also
found that moment coming into the CCA community -- that sense of safety and
support—knowing that you have people who share in your struggles and strengths
standing next to you and behind you fighting the greater fight.
This is what I felt at the CCA Annual Retreat.
I felt connected and I felt proud. I remember leaving the retreat and walking
through the airport so unapologetic, so confident and assured of where I
belong. I trusted I was part of a group of people I was proud to represent. That day walking into the airport I did not do
my best to try to hide or ignore the stares, but rather I stuck my chest out
because I wanted to be seen. I wanted the world to not only see my face. I
wanted the world to know that my face was one out of hundreds of thousands of the
different faces with which I was just in community. And boy is our community
strong. Even though no single person at the retreat was related to me by
blood, somehow we are all connected through our shared life experiences filled
with doctors and bullying.
The craniofacial community, though we might
be small, is changing the way the world relates to and stigmatizes
differences. I am honored to be a part of
a community that displays kindness and warmth, passion, and compassion. A place
were a different person can feel loved and accepted. I look forward to sharing
the knowledge of my community to all whom will listen because I truly believe
our differences can change the world!
