Have you every wondered how someone important to you has impacted your life. I think about this all the time as I do not think I would be as successful as I have been without all the influences in my life. As a recent college graduate with a disability, this is especially important to recognize. The student is not the only one on this journey, everyone supporting a student is on that journey too! It takes a whole team for a student with a disability to find success in school (at least most of the time).
Being a Role Model for Others Like Me
Another thing I think about now that I have graduated from college is how I have or can be a role model for others like me who want to attend college. I think about this a lot more, especially since becoming a peer mentor for UNC's Go on and Learn program. Many of the students I have worked with in the program have become some of my closest friends and they look up to me! That is a very rewarding feeling!
Last week, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a school where one of my old teachers works, Aurora West Preparatory Academy. Since I grew up in suburbia, coming to this inner-city school was a bit of a shock to me. I had passed through this area several times throughout my life, but never really stepped foot in it physically. The environment was very different from the one I went to school in. Many of these kids do not have the support outside of school that I had. They do not have many people to look up to and no plans for their future.
I helped in my former teacher's classroom with some of the more mild/moderate needs students at the school. That was a blast! All of the students really took to me! One student, Brandon, really liked me! He hung out with me the whole time I was at the school helping out!
I Am Fortunate to Have All The Support
Aside from helping in the classroom, I spoke to some high school students (it is a 6-12 school) at the school who have learning difficulties and anxiety. I spoke to them about what it is like living with a disability and how you can overcome several obstacles to achieve what you want.
When I was speaking to the high school students, I had one girl ask "how did you afford college?" I was lucky to have all the supports I have had. My parents worked very hard to save money so I could attend college. My teachers (most of them) worked with me to get to a point where college could be a possibility (and it was)! College became a reality and I made it through because of my support system! If I learned anything in the last four years, it is to appreciate what I have and all the support I have received as others may not be as lucky. The photo below would not be possible if it weren't for several of the amazing people I have in my life!!!
