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When I
last wrote to My Handi-Capable Reporter, I was a senior in high school and
considering a Community College because my autistic behavior and lack of
speech seemed to preclude a college career. I was wrong. I am happy to report
that I am now a student at Whittier College, a small four year liberal arts
school. In June, I graduated from Whittier High School with a 3.98 GPA and
SAT scores of 1370. I applied to Whittier College after meeting with the
Director of Learning Support Services whose office deals with disabled
students. I was made to feel very welcome, and then I spent some time walking
around campus just to judge people's reactions to someone obviously disabled.
No one stared, and strangers smiled at me.
I am
taking two courses each semester and the January session. My professors have
been extremely supportive of me, and the college administrators have gone out
of their way to make my experience a successful one. In fact, the college
named me a John Greenleaf Whittier Scholar without knowing I was disabled and
would be a part-time student. When they were told why I would be part-time
they decided to let me keep the $38,000 scholarship and spread it over my
college career no matter how many years it takes me to graduate. The students
have been very accepting and make me feel comfortable in class. I enjoy my
classes and am really happy with my decision to attend Whittier College.
I am
living with support in my own house near campus. This separation from my
family has been very difficult but I know I must grow up and get a life of my
own. Most importantly, I am accepted as a regular person who happens to be
severely disabled.
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