Student undaunted by mental, physical challenges

“I never had a better day in my life.”

This is how Anthony Campbell answers my greeting at the Fitness Center where he takes physical education classes twice a week.

His broad smile and gentle, expressive eyes immediately confirmed what people say about him: he is a fellow with contagious enthusiasm.

“Whenever I see Anthony, he makes my day. He always has a positive attitude and a friendly smile,” said Andrew Wheeler, sports information coordinator at Citrus College who often crosses paths with Anthony at the fitness center or during the games on campus.

Campbell is mildly mentally challenged. He also has t\Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes. It is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.

“Because I am a Type 1 diabetic, my doctor ordered me to keep up doing exercises” Campbell said. “I do a lot of pull downs,” he said with a smile pointing to the lat pull down machine. 

Steve Hartman, professor of adapted physical education and Campbell’s teacher, explained that every student is tested with him at the beginning and end of the semester to measure progress. “We set Anthony on an exercise plan, and he follows his program, always with enthusiasm and all his energy,” Hartman said.

“It is a pleasure to be in here,” Campbell said. “It is a very social place and I like to do every machine and exercise they set for me to do.”

According to his program, Campbell is assigned to 13 different weight machines and to multiple cardiovascular machines. He also shoots hoops and boxes.

Another activity that he likes to do, the memory of which makes him laugh heartily, is what he calls “The Year Challenge,” when he races against the fastest player of the softball team. The treadmill is set on a fast speeds, and they compete to see who lasts longer. 

Campbell always wins.

He also enjoys playing Wii Fit games in the fitness center with his classmates.

When a student who is challenged enrolls at Citrus, a counselor meets with him/her and recommends a study plan, taking into consideration the particular needs and preferences of that student.

Campbell’s inclination for the arts and sports has lead him to take classes such as Theater 293 and Ceramics (Art 140). He boasts about having made cylinders, pots and two cups with handles.

Twice he has also participated  in the holiday celebration at the Fitness Center. He plays the drums while another musician plays the keyboard.

Campbell supports Citrus athletes by watching the games and encouraging the players.
“I usually stay positive to make other people feel good,” Campbell said. “I feel that it mostly develops friendship. I am a Christian, and I listen to Jesus’ teachings of friendship.”

“It is a real pleasure to have Anthony in the class,” Hartman said. “I have never seen him upset or mad; he is always positive.”

“We have the tendency of getting upset for little things and then there are people, like Anthony, who live a more challenging life and keep such a positive attitude,” Hartman said. “He puts a different perspective on things. He is the reason people like to teach; he makes teaching worthwhile.”