Autism is a part of who I am, defining how I view the world. It helps me think outside the box. The problem is other people want me in the box and I just can’t go in. I can’t think inside the box, inside the “norm”, but I’ve gotten really good at pretending to know what’s inside the box, to seem more “normal”. Honestly, I don’t mind so much. Somedays for a second I wish it would go away but I would never wish it away forever. I like being autistic, and I wouldn’t want a cure, even if one did exist. I like it when people know I’m autistic, that way I can break stereotypes simply by existing. I’m happy to talk about my autism, and answer any questions, I’m very comfortable with myself.
After getting married to a musician and having a son, I never thought I would become a divorced, struggling single mother. I also never thought that my normal life would have me disabled and depressed until a young man at work dropped a stack of boxes on top of me while I was bent over. It took two years before I could stand on my own without the help of my son to hold me every step of the way. But I had to look beyond my disabilities, I had to believe that my life was not over and that someone could love or even want to be around a person like me. I had to come out of that darkness and find a new me again, one that would live every day as if it were my last. My son helped me, not by telling me what I had accomplished in my past, but all the things I could become in my future, and of new beginnings. He said I should go to Community College and by taking this first step, and then another step after that, I attained new learning and skills. Each would give me back self-worth and the ability to attain new goals. I want to become someone that others would be proud to be next to, and that I could inspire in their future path, no matter what their disability. So I can say this to them, ”LIVE”, Live every day to the fullest, and fill your heart with “YES” “I can believe again and I can become something great” and with that I can teach others to do so as well. Thank you MSJC and the DSP department for all your support.
I am a returning student. I have also been diagnosed as being Bi- Polar phase one since 2000. Though I struggle to stay stable on my medication, things can still get sticky at times. This is due to the fact that I am a mother of four, head of the household, and also a full-time student. I am living a great life and I have a son going to college in the fall. I count my blessings each day knowing that my mental illness doesn’t preclude my life. Dealing with mental illness has been key in my decision to take on Psychology as a major. Eventually I want to be a Creative Arts Therapist and treat children or Veterans with PTSD through Art.
At the age of ten, I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome. Over time, I have come to realize that my condition has become a part me. Then when I was just starting my senior year of high school I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia also. It was one of the darkest moments of my life, I was in severe pain and some days I never even made it out of my room. Anyone that has a disability, whether it’s mental or physical, can tell you how hard it is trying to find a medication that works, and some of the medication was worse than the pain I was experiencing. I have finally discovered a medicine that numbs my pain and allows me to do the things I was doing before (of course not everything). Ever since I was little, I have dreamt of doing something extraordinary to improve the lives of the people around me. Now, with the help my medication I am able to go to college and keep moving forward living the life of an average college student.
When I was born, my right eye was blind because of a birth defect. Some kids in my elementary and middle school years made fun of me, and some thought my right eye was cool. I overcame the negativity by not letting anyone make me feel like I’m nothing or not lowering my self-esteem. I can get through life and try my hardest in spite of how many times people try to put me down. I believe everyone can overcome struggles in their life. I wanted to have success in life and not let the negativity get to me. Sometimes other people think that a person with a disability cannot be anything in the world when in reality, when you try your hardest you will become what you want in life.
I have been attending MSJC for the last 3 semesters. Throughout life, I have gotten past disabilities that are with me today. At the age of 3, I was diagnosed with Autism. Two months later, I was diagnosed with Type I diabetes which I have lived with every day since. Growing up autistic, I thought it was normal. It wasn’t until I got older that I realized socially I was different than my peers around me. At age eleven, seizures would become another obstacle I would have to overcome. My family has helped me in my education and I have been able to learn at a college level because of their support. In following my dreams I have been able to accomplish various goals toward earning an associate’s degree and learning how the world works. Despite my disabilities, I have learned to live with them and continue to pursue my dream of becoming a computer specialist.
My name is Diana. I was diagnosed with Usher’s Syndrome, a degenerative eye disease that leads to partial or total blindness and hearing loss, about 8 years ago and my life has become a series of adjustments since then. I recently had to give up a career I LOVED because of my disease, but with the help of the Department of Rehabilitation and DSPS I am able to experience college for the second time and work towards my degree in Studio Art. I have always loved drawing, painting, and arts and craft and MSJC has encouraged me to embrace my goal and believe that I can continue to work on my passion even if I do end up with total blindness. My first semester back, I achieved a 3.867, a feat I am incredibly proud of because as a single mother to three girls and my disability, it required a lot of dedication and a healthy dose of believing in myself and my capabilities. DSPS has been instrumental in helping me work with my instructors so that I can continue to succeed. It may take extra effort to be a student with a disability, but the support system that MSJC has created for us makes all things possible.
From an early age my parents knew my mind worked differently than others, I had difficulty sitting still and doing one activity but instead did several things at once. I had trouble focusing on a single task, but when I did it was done with great detail. This created a struggle when I started school. By the sixth grade I went to independent academy as it allowed me to study at my pace, in a calm environment. This was a success, and I completed through high school two years in advance. The next step was college, but I hit an educational barrier of structure, I had an extreme difficulty grasping full information. I struggled with poor grades and many withdraws from class. Then I was recommended DSPS, they helped me, with tips, services, and being there to support me. In the past two years I was able to recover my grades, GPA, and complete my classes, with high success rate. I have been accepted to CSUSM for Fall 18, a task that without the amazing staff at DSPS, and MSJC I would not have been able to manage. I look forward to school now, and success at CSUSM using the tools that I have learned.