Mabel walked into the school assembly and saw rows and rows of people. Everyone was talking, chairs were scraping, and the room was very noisy.
Mabel found an empty seat near the back. When the speaker began, she realized there was a problem. She could hear some of the words through her hearing devices, but she could not see the speaker’s face clearly. The people in front of her kept moving and blocking her view.
For a moment, Mabel thought about staying quiet. Then she remembered that asking for what she needed was nothing to be embarrassed about.
Mabel raised her paw.
“Excuse me,” she said to her teacher. “Could I please sit closer so I can see the speaker better?”
“Of course,” her teacher replied. “Thank you for telling me.”
Mabel moved to an open seat near the front. Now she could hear the speaker more clearly, watch their face, and understand the whole presentation.
After the assembly, Mabel felt proud. Choosing the best seat had helped her learn, but speaking up for herself had taken real courage.
Mabel’s Message
It is okay to ask for a better seat, a clearer view, or anything else that helps you understand. Speaking up for yourself is brave.