This article is for any past, current, or future special education students who think they have no chance at breaking through personal limitations to succeed in life.

If you have the determination, dedication, motivation, and pure will to sacrifice your time in order to successfully complete the next math problem, book report, or vocabulary test... you can.

Here is my story.

I will always consider myself a special education student. I have 13 years of individualized education program (IEP) instructions from teachers, resembling the length of film credits in an Oscar-winning movie.

My ability to read, write, speak, absorb and retain materials was way below average. Special accommodations were made so I could have intensive speech therapy, tests in different locations than my peers, one-on-one reading lessons, and summer instruction -- to name a few.

My peers considered me "different" and I felt inferior in comparison. Just carrying on a normal conversation was difficult for me due to my stuttering disability. I felt like an outcast.

Every time I went to speak, an aggressive seizure-like movement would occur, causing sounds in which syllables or words are repeated and last longer. Communication was very embarrassing and awkward.

I was nonverbal for the first four to five years of my life because of this limitation.

My frustration grew and behavior became an issue. I was acting out because I could not verbalize what I needed and wanted or how I was feeling.

When something so simple is missing from your life, you will think twice about making fun of someone who has a disability.

Kids used to tease me about how weird I spoke. There were nights when I broke down and couldn't stop crying because I faced the next day with fear and dread.

Without the constant support and tireless teamwork of the Special Education Department in the Old Rochester Regional School District, my elementary school in Mattapoisett, and my mother, the chance of me being successful with my education would have been drastically reduced.

With the countless strategies and ways to overcome my learning disabilities, the team helped me to become the man that I've become today.

I made a speech when I was in 6th grade at Old Hammondtown School to inform my peers about stuttering and how it affected my everyday life. The presentation was extremely emotional and moving for me, my speech therapist, my teacher, and classmates. That was the turning point of my life. Exposing the truth never felt so rewarding. I will never forget it!

Don't assume that you, the student, will or should be fixed by the school system. You must work at home with your parents and be supported by constant positive energy.

Always strive for more, never be satisfied, never settle, and don't be afraid to fight for your dreams. Maybe one day your dreams will come true.

Let the professionals in the school system do their part, but in turn, you and your parents must continue the support at home by studying, doing homework, and carrying through with what was taught at school.

The invaluable supporting cast consisting of parents, special education teachers, counselors, therapists (especially the speech therapist for me), paraprofessionals, classroom teachers, and administrators do so much to prepare students for opportunities in higher education.

Eventually it will be up to you to determine how you deal with your disabilities. Students must be ready and willing to jump hurdles on their own, because once you get to college, it's a totally different chapter with complete independence.

Nothing in life is served on a silver platter. You must go out and earn what you want to achieve.

Life isn't fair. I'm the first one to admit this. You will face numerous challenges along the way. These can be anything from presenting a report in front of your college peers to long reading assignments to being a group leader.

The most difficult challenge I faced in college was writing and presenting my thesis. The ultimate challenge was becoming my own advocate. Seek out the help and guidance that you need to become successful.

This is my message to the special education students: Don't be afraid of anything. Accept every challenge as a life lesson. These hurdles will shape who you are physically and mentally. They will mold you into a stronger human being.

The thought of presenting in front of a class of my peers should have been terrifying to any student. Having a speech impediment should have magnified that fear. However, the confidence-building experiences and strategies I learned through my education in the ORR school district helped me to overcome such fears.

I am still a stutterer, but that is not what defines me. Confidence, determination, and self-respect are the qualities that define me.

If someone judges me over a speech impediment, they are not worth my time.

I was never considered incapable of obtaining a college diploma. In May 2011, I graduated from Bridgewater State University with a master's of science degree in strength and conditioning. With a 3.9 GPA, I achieved the distinguished academic honor of graduating Summa Cum Laude.

I am employed at the Gleason Family YMCA and serve as the assistant Wellness Director. I teach Boot Camp classes and do personal training. I help others to achieve their goals and jump the hurdles to strive to be their personal best.

My motto is, "You will fall down so you can learn to pick yourself up."

Through life, you will have to fight through adversity and it's only your ability to keep moving forward that defines you. You must keep moving forward, no matter what. No matter what.

I smile in the face of adversity.

Brent Rusinoski is the assistant Wellness Director at the Gleason Family YMCA. He will participate in the Raw Iron Powerlifting Iron Wars competition at the YMCA on March 25. He is lifting in recognition and support of students with special needs.