I wonder if my need for healing is what called me to apply for NPR’s Next Generation Radio project. Two years ago, my non-verbal, autistic daughter — who was seven at the time — walked out our front door while I was on a Zoom call. I discovered she went missing when I received a call from the police. She had apparently hopped over our gate, crossed four busy streets and ended up near her old preschool one mile from our home.
Two things brought my daughter back to safety: A woman who noticed her walking alone and kept her from running away, and a backpack labeled with my name and phone number. This event has completely changed me in a way I cannot express in words.
Araceli Del Rio’s story is my story, too. And throughout this project, I have had to relive this terrifying moment in my life. Two things helped me through it: The support of my USC NextGen team who lent me their journalistic expertise, and a driving force to tell this story. If one family of a child with disabilities is able to prevent an eloping incident, it will all have been worth it.
I was surprised with my ability to remain objective despite having a personal tie to this story. My mentor Vanessa Vancour helped me with this by urging me to step away and re-engage when I was ready. I was also encouraged by fellow reporters and editors. The atmosphere was collaborative and helpful. The motto is everyone succeeds, and truly everyone has.
I leave this project more equipped to believe in myself. As I step back into my role as a caregiver of two autistic children, I know there will be moments that seem mundane. It’s reassuring to know I will be able to tell my children that I accomplished something remarkable with the best in the business.