Cool Kid Gina Nguyen creates club to merge special, general education students

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (KABC) -- Our ABC7 Cool Kid for Thursday, Oct 6, is Gina Nguyen, a high school sophomore who is trying to ease worries students have about fitting in and making friends.

The Garden Grove resident started a brand new club at La Quinta High School called La Quinta Together.

"It's a club to raise awareness that every student deserves an equal opportunity, and it's also to give the students in special education the full high school experience," she said.

After spending time at the Special Olympics, Nguyen said she noticed her special ed peers ate lunch at their own table so she went over to say hello.

She said when she spoke and hung out with the students, she realized there was a side of the students many general education students do not get to know. She then pitched the idea to the school to create the club.

The growing club of both special and general education students has not only led to new friendships, but an entirely different dynamic on campus.

The club's message and awareness has also led to sponsorships. While Nguyen shies away from being called a role model, she is definitely one cool kid who hopes other schools will start similar clubs.

"Befriending the students of special education as just individuals will not only lighten up their day, but it will surprisingly lighten up your day also," she said.