I’m a junior here at ACU, and I have a heart for service. I’m also a resident assistant in Gardner Hall where I get to reach people daily and show them Christ through my actions.

One of my residents, Anna Ciufo, was a victim of the bus accident last semester, and I’m completely elated with her return. It also brought me great joy to see that she was being fully accommodated. ResLife assisted Anna and her roommate move  my to the first floor. Teachers are more lenient with her if she happens to be late to class, and I’m sure her personal favorite is the persone who picks her up in a golf cart whenever she likes. I’m so honored to go to a school filled with so much love and compassion.

However, I’m sad to say that today I was truly heartbroken. Today, I met a young man by the name of Jonathan. I don’t know much about him except that he audits a class for Dr. Willis and he appears to have cerebral palsy leaving him unable to walk. The severity of his condition isn’t what breaks my heart; it’s how little we as a university are doing to accommodate my new friend.

I was hustling to make it to my dorm when Jonathan asked if I could get the door for him. Which I did.

I had no problem helping and serving where I was needed, but I quickly began to wonder how he opens doors when people aren’t around. He told me that he simply just had to wait for someone to be leaving and hope that they hold the door for him. Wow.

Why isn’t ACU paying attention to these issues?

Don’t get me wrong, I love being here and I love all of the experiences that I’ve had thus far. I love that our campus is committed to being innovative, exceptional and real, but are we using those innovations to help the marginalized?

I realize that these installations and accommodations could be extremely expensive, but I couldn’t let this go unnoticed. I’m not sure what actions to take, but I at least wanted this issue brought to the light.

Rachel Taylor