Natalie's story (needs puzzle piece image)

​I am Natalie and I work for the Disability Champions Mentoring Network through SYEP. My goal in the future is to travel the world and be successful in my career. I would like to become an ultrasound technician. I advocate for myself at times when it comes to setting my goals. Advocating for myself helps with support and helps me push myself towards any challenges I face. I experience career pressure challenges and worry about how my future may turn out. Advocating for yourself is necessary because it can give you the right mindset you need for your own success. I also advocate for my little brother with his autism diagnosis. My brother is three and has autism, this was a new experience for me but as he was learning, I was as well. One of my goals is to help him improve his communication skills.
 
Viewing yourself in a positive way can better your mental health because it can enable you to cope better with stressful situations and can reduce harmful health effects on your body. When your state of mind is optimistic, you’re better at handling everyday stress. When you focus on the good things and surround yourself with positivity, it can help give you motivation. A person can learn how to be accepting and have self-confidence so they can help themselves with their challenges. It is important to learn respect for yourself and others because it helps communicate with adults and peers to understand social cues. 
 
I relate disability with myself and my brother. When having a disability, it’s important to focus on what you are capable of doing and how you do it, in your own way. In order to help others with a disability feel comfortable, you need to see the person for who they are and not their disability. 

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