The following article was published in the Times Community Newspapers Clarke County, VA. Many people with albinism and we HPS'ers know Rick's work well. What I thought was really neat about this is that Rick's style and energy are so perfect for connecting with a young audience. Also, I thought it was neat that the paper published the kids' comments.
Where was Rick when I was in junior high? Junior high was a hellish time for me as a kid. My parents had just gotten a divorce as I entered the seventh grade. I was in a new town, knew no one, and lets face it - kids are really cruel at this age. I got picked on a lot in junior high. Kids used to move those small round dark trash cans in front of me in the hallway during passing period so I'd fall over them. They used to call me names about the way I looked. They used to make fun of me in gym class when I couldn't see well enough to help out my team. I was always the last kid picked (except for the History B - I was picked first for that!) They stole money from me and threatened to beat me up if I told anyone.
But I survived. I made friends who were brave enough to stand up for me. By the time I was in high school I was involved in everything, served in student government and got along pretty well. Yet, how much easier it might have been if someone "cool" like Rick showed up and helped to make my difference "stylish." Wow! Just imagine!
Anyway, here's the article.
Middle school students learn about real beauty
By: Catherine Burzio
12/27/2006
Students at Johnson Williams Middle School were treated to a high energy, motivating speaker in November. Former fashion photographer Rick Guidotti spoke on his work with POSITIVE EXPOSURE. It is an organization that provides the opportunity for participants and audiences alike to challenge stigma associated with difference, embrace the true potential in everyone and to celebrate the richness of human diversity.
The organization is a unique partnership between visual arts, genetics, mental health and human rights driven by Guidotti and Dr. Diane McLean. Guidotti shared amazing images of individuals from around the world who are affected by the genetic condition Albinism. He also included a few images of people with Smith-Magenis, Chromosome 18 and other genetic conditions.
The impact of this speaker was increased by teachers as they encouraged students to write about the presentation and share their own thoughts on beauty. Students were also given an opportunity to submit entries to a writing contest. The topic of the contest was "What is Beauty?" and the format was student choice.
Following are some excerpts from the student entries:
Yesterday's assembly was cool. I learned about Albinism and how it takes the coloring out of peoples skin and hair. People with albinism sometimes have bad vision. Because their skin is so pale, they are very sensitive to the sun and they can get skin cancer. Mr. Guidotti says that he thinks people with Albinism are very beautiful. The assembly changed the way I think about people with disabilities or who you might think is weird. They are just different in their own way. Michael Stiles, seventh grade
One of the things I learned was that even though people look different on the outside, that doesn't mean they don't have the same feelings on the inside, just like you or I would. Allysha Farren, seventh grade.
At the assembly yesterday, I saw a group of people who were different and teased, but they still found a way to find beauty in themselves. I learned that just because someone looks different, you shouldn't stare at them, and tease them, or treat them any different than you would treat anyone else. Chris Andrae, seventh grade
I saw a lot of people who had all kinds of genetic conditions, but even though they had these conditions, they like to do some of the same things I like to do, for instance, basketball, swimming, soccer, and riding. Chelsea Lepley, seventh grade
I will remember how the people thought about themselves, and when they were complimented, they felt much better and alive. It will change how I think of people and their appearances. I also like how the photographer gave up taking pictures of Jessica Simpson and top models to take pictures of people with genetic conditions to show their real beauty. Allen Bridge, seventh grade
Lots of people think of beauty as a gorgeous girl that looks like she's out of a magazine. But to me, beauty isn't a perfect person. To me, I see beauty on the inside of the person not always the outside. Sommer Clegg, seventh grade
What I'll remember about it is that we are like them, we just all look different. What it changed about me is that just because somebody is different by the way they look, you don't judge them until you know them. Cullen Sheetz, seventh grade.
Times Community Newspapers Clarke County, VA
Where was Rick when I was in junior high? Junior high was a hellish time for me as a kid. My parents had just gotten a divorce as I entered the seventh grade. I was in a new town, knew no one, and lets face it - kids are really cruel at this age. I got picked on a lot in junior high. Kids used to move those small round dark trash cans in front of me in the hallway during passing period so I'd fall over them. They used to call me names about the way I looked. They used to make fun of me in gym class when I couldn't see well enough to help out my team. I was always the last kid picked (except for the History B - I was picked first for that!) They stole money from me and threatened to beat me up if I told anyone.
But I survived. I made friends who were brave enough to stand up for me. By the time I was in high school I was involved in everything, served in student government and got along pretty well. Yet, how much easier it might have been if someone "cool" like Rick showed up and helped to make my difference "stylish." Wow! Just imagine!
Anyway, here's the article.
Middle school students learn about real beauty
By: Catherine Burzio
12/27/2006
Students at Johnson Williams Middle School were treated to a high energy, motivating speaker in November. Former fashion photographer Rick Guidotti spoke on his work with POSITIVE EXPOSURE. It is an organization that provides the opportunity for participants and audiences alike to challenge stigma associated with difference, embrace the true potential in everyone and to celebrate the richness of human diversity.
The organization is a unique partnership between visual arts, genetics, mental health and human rights driven by Guidotti and Dr. Diane McLean. Guidotti shared amazing images of individuals from around the world who are affected by the genetic condition Albinism. He also included a few images of people with Smith-Magenis, Chromosome 18 and other genetic conditions.
The impact of this speaker was increased by teachers as they encouraged students to write about the presentation and share their own thoughts on beauty. Students were also given an opportunity to submit entries to a writing contest. The topic of the contest was "What is Beauty?" and the format was student choice.
Following are some excerpts from the student entries:
Yesterday's assembly was cool. I learned about Albinism and how it takes the coloring out of peoples skin and hair. People with albinism sometimes have bad vision. Because their skin is so pale, they are very sensitive to the sun and they can get skin cancer. Mr. Guidotti says that he thinks people with Albinism are very beautiful. The assembly changed the way I think about people with disabilities or who you might think is weird. They are just different in their own way. Michael Stiles, seventh grade
One of the things I learned was that even though people look different on the outside, that doesn't mean they don't have the same feelings on the inside, just like you or I would. Allysha Farren, seventh grade.
At the assembly yesterday, I saw a group of people who were different and teased, but they still found a way to find beauty in themselves. I learned that just because someone looks different, you shouldn't stare at them, and tease them, or treat them any different than you would treat anyone else. Chris Andrae, seventh grade
I saw a lot of people who had all kinds of genetic conditions, but even though they had these conditions, they like to do some of the same things I like to do, for instance, basketball, swimming, soccer, and riding. Chelsea Lepley, seventh grade
I will remember how the people thought about themselves, and when they were complimented, they felt much better and alive. It will change how I think of people and their appearances. I also like how the photographer gave up taking pictures of Jessica Simpson and top models to take pictures of people with genetic conditions to show their real beauty. Allen Bridge, seventh grade
Lots of people think of beauty as a gorgeous girl that looks like she's out of a magazine. But to me, beauty isn't a perfect person. To me, I see beauty on the inside of the person not always the outside. Sommer Clegg, seventh grade
What I'll remember about it is that we are like them, we just all look different. What it changed about me is that just because somebody is different by the way they look, you don't judge them until you know them. Cullen Sheetz, seventh grade.
Times Community Newspapers Clarke County, VA
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