Despite a cold and snowy night, a large group of students, parents/grandparents, teachers, and other professionals made CRG’s 4th annual “Got BOUNCE?” workshop on January 5th a big success. Dr. David Parker talked about the rise in college students with disabilities but also the increasing vulnerability many undergraduates (including those with disabilities) are experiencing when problems or challenges arise after leaving home. One high school student (Drew) and three college students (Joseph, AnnaMarie, and Aaron) shared experiences and insights about their transitions during a powerful panel discussion. This workshop would not be possible without the self-determined and articulate students who speak every year.
Participants were asked to complete notecards in lieu of a formal evaluation form. These are posted in CRG’s waiting room next to a bulletin board about transition-to-college issues. We wanted to share some of these insightful comments with you.
High School Students
– My biggest worry/question about going off to college is…
- Will I struggle and is it right for me?
- If they will be able to have the support academically that I will need.
- Making sure that I choose a college that is right for me and managing my time while in college.
- Being homesick and not being able to pass classes for my major. Forgetting to take medication. Not being able to make friends.
– The best way I’ve prepared for the transition to college is…
- Taking a gap year to prepare myself.
- To research the colleges.
- Planning, trying to decide things that I want to do and be involved in.
- By keeping up grades in classes and trying not to get distracted with technology while the teacher is teaching.
College Students
– My biggest challenge in college so far is…
- Motivation and getting work done.
- Having to self-advocate.
- Deciding on a major/career.
- Understanding that every challenge you face isn’t going to turn out okay, but it’s how you move on from the challenge that matters.
- Panicking and giving up when it matters most or after such a minor mistake.
- Handling stress and depression.
– My most effective strategy for being successful in college is…
- Ensuring accountability and using the resources available to me.
- Staying organized.
- Working on creating a support network that will help me understand how to face and come back from challenges.
- To stay organized, positive, and on a schedule.
- Not taking it overly seriously and learning it to learn it rather than for grades.
Parents/Grandparents
– My deepest hope for my son’s/daughter’s transition to college is…
- Become independent.
- To be happy and succeed in life.
- To graduate with a degree in a field she will love.
- He finds a field he finds interesting if not passionate about. I also hope to see him grow as an individual
- To finish college and realize her dreams and potential.
- She realizes what a wonderful, beautiful young lady she is. How horrible the bullying was and how she has worked through those awful times.
- That she doesn’t experience severe depression and anxiety and that she makes friends quickly.
- Would love to see the “Got BOUNCE?” information shared at the every high school staff meeting at the beginning of school or before school starts. This was one of the best presentations I’ve attended.
- He finds the best fit for his learning style and he is able to self-advocate.
- Thank you for all you and the others have done in helping our granddaughter. I know she appreciates it. You and she have worked well together and it is in process of working now at Purdue.
Professionals
– My deepest hope for my student is:
- To be the best he can be with his amazing talents! So proud of you!
- My biggest worry is that students are not emotionally ready. The best way to prepare is to address disabilities/emotional status – be realistic – have a plan.