Sebastian’s Perspective
My name is Sebastian and I’m in eighth grade. I like having school at home because I like to work at home with my family. It’s fun, but I miss going to school with all my friends and being with the teachers at school. I miss using the computer at school because it has Pix Writer, which is an app where I can write on my own. Another thing I like is Adaptive Physical Education (APE) at school because my teacher, Ms. Emily played the best music. I also used to sit in my wheelchair for APE and it was less work and easy. I don’t like APE online because it’s harder and everyone is unmuted and too loud.
I enjoy being out of my wheelchair. Students are surprised when they see me out of my wheelchair. People are surprised when they see that I can walk, but I can do so much more. Have you seen me at Begg pool? Maybe you’ve seen me there when it’s hot in the summer. In the winter, I go to Mammoth because I love to ski; it’s so much fun.
When I was little, I learned to ski using a bi-ski: a safety seat attached to skis. It feels like you’re driving a really fast race car. With lots of practice, now I can ski more independently while I’m tethered to an instructor.
During quarantine, I have been learning to boogie board at the beach. I also ride horses at Ride to Fly in Palos Verde. This summer, my family went on a trip to Yosemite. I had so much fun rock climbing and swimming at Sentinel Beach and Tenaya Lake. Besides these quarantine activities, I have been watching a lot of movies to relax.
More things I’ve been doing are reading books and riding my bike and scooter around town. Even though I don’t like big crowds, I went to a Black Lives Matter protest. Sometimes I don’t mind big crowds. I miss going out. I miss going to the pool, my favorite local restaurant, 900, and the Arclight because I love to watch movies. I am excited about going back to school because I know we are all restless with the pandemic and social distance learning. Although I’m shy and nervous meeting new people, I’m excited to make new friends and talk about movie soundtracks. It’ll be fun to see you all at school again. I’m excited to show you my point of view.
Sebastian Baum likes lots of things. Some of his favorite things to do are swimming, skiing, horseback riding, and watching movies. He loves to watch movies...
Vicki Rubman • Sep 30, 2021 at 8:39 am
Sebastian, you and your parents are my heroes. You have accomplished so much in your short life. You have done so many things I have never even attempted. Keep going and reaching for the stars! You will get there
Mrs. Diamond • Mar 9, 2021 at 2:02 pm
Hi Sebastian!
It’s Mrs. Diamond from Pacific! I’m also Blake’s mom who went to Pacific with you, and is also an eighth grader. I really enjoyed reading more about you and your pandemic adventures. I’ve seen you out of your wheelchair many times, so that didn’t surprise me, but skiing! Wow! The way you describe what it feels like seems like quite and adventure. I’m pretty sure you ski better than I do. Have a wonderful rest of your year.
XOXO, Mrs. Diamond
Jennifer Krause • Mar 5, 2021 at 9:35 pm
Sebastian- Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings on distance-learning and returning to school. I feel like I know you a little bit better since you shared your interests outside of school. As a teacher , I would love to have you in my classroom!
Susan • Feb 3, 2021 at 12:44 am
Dear Sebastian, that was the best and I’m so glad your mom shared it with me. I agree with your other fans — you are so much cooler (and braver!) than me — I don’t know how to ski or boogey board – to name just a few things! And for sure your story challenges and inspires me. I’ve known you so many years – and I hope I know you for always! Give a hug to your sister from me too.
Stephen Firestone • Dec 24, 2020 at 1:12 pm
Carrie,
So wonderful for Sebastian you and Stephen
Love Stephen , your dad
Ryann Bennett • Dec 14, 2020 at 2:55 pm
Wow Sebastian! This was awesome to read! I love all of your hobbies and I love reading this! You are awesome! Stay kind, stay brave, be strong!
-Ryann Bennett
Sara Fox • Dec 14, 2020 at 2:01 pm
Sebastian!! This is amazing. I love all the things you shared in this. What a great way for people to get to know about you and the things you love so much.
Perry Guerrero • Dec 14, 2020 at 12:15 pm
YES! I miss the students and the teachers too! Even though it’s work, I miss the people. I feel you. It looks like you’re more active and outgoing than I am. haha, your life is very exciting. Maybe I’ll hit up the snow this winter. It’s been awhile sinceI went last. Believe or not, I’ve never been to Mammoth myself. I usually do Mt. High, Big Bear, and Tahoe. I ski and snowboard but a bi-ski sounds super fun. I like going to the movies also. I can’t wait for that to open up again. Thanks for sharing your amazing life. I think I’m gonna start making plans to do more and see more of life like you!
Vanessa • Dec 14, 2020 at 11:31 am
Sebastian, I am so proud of the amazing writer you have become. You are so funny, quirky and lovable! Your courage is so admirable. Love you to infinity and beyond!
Sheila Hecht • Dec 12, 2020 at 5:46 am
Sebastian, I felt so proud to read your article in Waves. You inspire people around you to realize that everything is possible if you work hard to make it happen. You are a hero to all who know you. “Bubby”
Chad K • Dec 11, 2020 at 8:04 pm
Sebastian, this is great. It’s been too long since I have been able to see you. So, I love reading about what is going on in your life. I’ve always wanted to learn how to ski, maybe one day, you can teach me. Miss you lots. I hope I get to see you soon.
-Uncle Chad
Shelley Johnson • Dec 11, 2020 at 12:22 pm
Sebastian,
Thank you for writing this article. It was neat being able to get to know you a bit more through this article.
Nancy Novack • Dec 11, 2020 at 7:07 am
Sebastian …
I love you to the moon and back.
You are a wonderful person. You inspire me to be a better person. Your delight and your laughter make me laugh with you. You show all of us that real joy is always about being with the ones you love. When you smile, I smile.
Your great essay makes me excited. I know you worked very hard. I am so happy that you showed me your perspective.
I miss you and I hope that I can come see you very soon.
Love love love,
Grandma
Jaime Kronick • Dec 10, 2020 at 2:28 pm
So proud of you, Sebastian!! Thank you for sharing all your amazing thoughts and perspectives. Keep writing! I love hearing from you, and seeing the world through your eyes.
Kerry Riccio Aguero • Dec 10, 2020 at 12:27 am
Sebastian – we are so lucky to have you as an MBMS Wave! I want to see pictures of you skiing soon – how fun!
Thank you for making MBMS a better place!
April Falco • Dec 9, 2020 at 10:32 pm
I am so proud of you Sebastian!! I am so happy that the community will read your article and get to know the fantastic person you are. We have had the pleasure for the last three years to really get to know you and all the things you have accomplished. Keep up the hard work and never give up.
Russ Messing • Dec 9, 2020 at 9:26 pm
Sebastian, You rock!! So great to read about all the things you are doing and the joy you bring to them. I can’t believe you are already in eighth grade! Holy cranberries! Your courage, your drive, and your enthusiasm are all evident in your blog. Thanks so much for sharing.
Russ (your grandma’s old friend)
Donna Ahdoot • Dec 9, 2020 at 8:23 pm
Loved to read these fun things you are involved in! You are an amazing guy
Carrie Wetsch • Dec 9, 2020 at 5:32 pm
Wow Sebastian! You do way more cool stuff then I do! Thanks for sharing your perspective and sharing so we can get to know you better. Stay Safe!
Sophie McCaughey • Dec 9, 2020 at 4:22 pm
Sebastian I love your blog, you are amazing and I’m loving watching you grow up ❤️.