Get in the Game

MIHEC Student Profile: Kal-el Spears

I grew up playing sports, but when I went to high school and started watching my gym teachers in class, I started thinking about teaching physical education as a career.

One teacher in particular, who taught adaptive sports, really inspired me to get more involved. Through Special Olympics, I joined unified sports teams, playing basketball, soccer, bocce ball and flag football. It’s a lot of fun. I’d love to teach unified sports and be involved in physical education.

This fall, I’m planning to go back for a transition year at high school, and then I’ll go on to Bemidji State University next year to help me get to the next level of my career. I’ve chosen physical education and unified and adaptive sports because in it, I see kindness. I see a better community that I want to join.

I live in Red Lake, Minnesota, and have gone to Bemidji schools all my life. This is where I’m from, and where I want to go to college. A few of my friends are going to Bemidji State, which is great, but I’ll also want to meet new people.

Doing a couple of transition years has really been helpful for me. Getting done with high school can be a lonely time, but through my transition program I’ve taken art, cooking, and other classes, in addition to sports. Being able to cook is something I’ll need in life, and art is another passion for me. I’m a painter.

I’m also involved in Lead for Inclusion, a non-profit organization, and I’ve really enjoyed that work. As I think about the future, I’d like to contribute more time to advancing inclusion in communities because this is so important.

If you’re thinking about a college program, I’d encourage you to get in the game. Use your support circle and let them know you want to go. My family has helped a lot along the way. I can’t wait to go to college, and it could be good for you, too. It might help you get a job, or find adult friends, or do new things.