Back to School

       Over the summer I was accepted to Nassau Community College to work towards gaining a certificate in Disability Studies. Throughout my college journey for my associates degree. I was also interested in Disability Studies major but could not discover it in the Associate's degree level or certificate level. Disability Studies has always been  a passion of mine. I always  see it available as a bachelor's degree, master degree or certificate but at graduate level. But to be honest not everyone may be able to handle the depth of a degree but a certificate often gives you the main knowledge and skills to prepare you for what your focus is and the career aspect of it. 
    I had many conversations within higher education about having colleges offer more certificate programs since serving on the advisory for post secondary education in Albany. I feel like certificate programs give you direct knowledge and skills towards the main focus that truly interests you. Like it interests me. I advocate for certificate programs to be more available and affordable. These can open so many doors for students with and without disabilities  just looking for a faster track to be career ready. It will also give a person the opportunity to build their own career and have flexible work options. 
       Before becoming a founder and executive director of Disability Champions Mentoring Network Inc (DCMN). I wondered what life would be like after college now I realize so much about myself and notice the college life may be truly overwhelming for my current life position, maintaining my physical and mental health.  
      A few months ago I was just researching disability studies and saw that Nassau Community College offered a certificate in disability studies and didn’t have any requirements. I told myself this is for me. So I challenge myself but here is what happened... 
Here is a moment of transformation...
I never really share, but when I thought of who I serve I know a lot of young people may experience this. 
I didn’t feel motivated.
I felt from the beginning  of the semester I started to lose myself and started to focus more on timelines and deadlines that I need to focus on but it brings me to reality back on things that are out of my control. 
That's the moment I rolled in my power and said I am  going to remove myself from the semester before it's too late and push myself to a break down. 

I went through moments like this in college and I promised not to put myself through any of these any more. 

When I dream big and I am a visionary at heart, these little things crushes my heart deeply when I am not following through the way I set the expectations for myself.

These experiences reminds me that I have come far, I have accomplished a lot, I truly need to embrace my journey better.

Understand that I am right where I am supposed to be in life..

I am working on being okay with my own pathway to success and remind myself even on this path I’ll do big things!

Sometimes I feel undecided. So many big thoughts and questions. 
So what do I do about it  
I reach out to my support team, mentors and of course my network champion for a sense of encouragement and support. 

Dr Tammy program director of DCMN  always encourages the disability champion mentoring network community that its okay for your dreams to take a  different direction.

Sometimes I have a hard time being okay that my dreams have to take a different path. 
In each of these experiences when it comes to my dreams I hit a roadblock  
A road block that makes me question myself , my confidence and so much more. Sometimes I feel disappointed, honestly. 

As many of you returned back to school, its a new chapter for each of you 
A new growth.
Its different for each of you.
School has always been about learning  and thriving 
Be kind to your peers.
Some of your peers may look like you, look different than you, still be kind and show support.
Find yourself a mentor.
Remember if you are having a hard time academically don’t be so hard on yourself. You are not alone
It’s okay to have a voice.
Don’t sit in the corner alone.
As a good friend or student leader, reach out to them. If you can’t sit next to them , write them kind notes.
Talk to your teacher about how you are doing in school.
If you feel left out, speak up.
If you have meetings like IEP meetings ask to be a part of , remember its about you and each day each year you are building the future that you want. If you have a disability keep pushing you’ll go far and do amazing things.
Never lose hope because you may have heard students like you don’t go too far.

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