Inclusive Higher Education
I shared my story to legislators advocating for inclusive higher education. After completing High School, my goal was to go to college. I am interested in public speaking, web design, nonprofit organizations, and cabinet-making. I want to explore careers in my interest areas.
I wanted to go to college, be with students my age, and be part of the campus community. Inclusive higher education will provide me with college access and the supports that I need.
want to be seen as capable. I am. I want to keep learning. I am a lifelong learner. I am more than a disability. I am . . . - a nephew - a friend - an athlete - a public speaker - a non-profit leader - a woodworker - a college student
Today was a big day for myself as I graduated from Class 41 of Partners in Policymakers. I spent 2 full days every month from September- May in trainings. I also had homework to do each month. Through Partners in Policymaking this year, I learned how to take my advocating skills to the next level to continue to work to bring change and make a difference, not just for me, but for people like me. I was given tools to use when advocating and lobbying for change. I learned where to go to advocate for things that I am passionate about as a person with special needs, like bringing change to our educational system. I really enjoyed learning about how things become laws, the process taken, and the importance of reaching out to legislators and government officials to let my voice be heard and be a voice for change. The best part was the amazing friends I made along the way!
Last week for the GTO Cadet program I worked with the Bloomington Police for National Neighbor Night Out. I went with them to 6 different neighborhoods where we met lots of people, their pets and handed goodies out to the kids. Then the next day I worked at the Mall of America. I took a tour of the Theme park, did some cleaning, asked a lot of questions so I could learn a much as possible, saw the behind the scenes control room for the rides and see how the control center works. I ended my day with a ride on the ferris wheel.