Life changing experiences tend to be once in a lifetime but for Genna Noel, a physical education teacher at Bibich Elementary School, it’s been every summer for the past six years. Noel spends her summer changing the lives of individuals with disabilities by teaching them how to ride a bike on their own.
Noel started working for the program iCan Shine her junior year of college. Noel was studying Adaptive Physical Education at the time and felt that the program sounded just right for her.
“You kind of are thrown into it. You have someone helping you, but it's more hands on since it's not something you can read in a book and understand. You have to really be there to see the experience,” Noel said.
Noel spent the first year training. Since then, just been a bike technician and volunteers who help her as she teaches eight kids at a time.
“Yes, I was nervous, I didn’t really know what I was getting into. I had a few friends that I met because they got hired at the same time since we all went to Ball State. I look back at it now and it is one of the most life changing experiences I’ve ever had,” Noel said.
Through all of the nerves, Noel has learned things that not only apply to her personal life, but also her life as a teacher.
“I work with a lot of kids with different levels of disabilities and needs. I've learned a lot of patience and time management. Some kids are visual learners, or some kids just need to be in a one on one conversation so being able to adapt my classroom for those kids [is something that I learned through my time at iCan Shine],” Noel said.
Noels summers are at times stressful, but with the help of family and physical activity she has been able to cope and continue to touch the lives of kids.
“I was at a camp one time in Ohio and a little boy learned to ride. After he got off his bike at the end of the session he ran up to his dad and he said ‘love you.’ His dad was in shock because it was the first time he’s ever heard his son say he loved him,” Noel said.
Working for iCan Shine has also impacted Noel's life by giving her so much more to appreciate and has strengthened her ability as a physical education teacher.
“[I Can Shine] hasn't changed my path, it just made it all worthwhile. I appreciate my job, I appreciate people with disabilities and people with different needs. It has just made me appreciate a lot more than I did before. I tell people every day, find a camp that’s close enough that you can give up a week to volunteer, because it will change your life,” said Noel.