Growing up living in a two-bedroom mobile home with three siblings and four adopted family members, sensitized me to the delicate needs of people who suffer from physical, behavioral, and developmental disabilities. My parents adopted my cousins when their mother’s parental rights were terminated for neglect and prenatal substance abuse. I often cared for my youngest cousin whose disabilities were more serious. This experience sparked my ambition to help disadvantaged and disabled individuals develop to their fullest potential in spite of their circumstances. As an adult, I sought careers that would help me achieve my ambitions, but my lack of education presented a barrier. On a mission to gain the knowledge I needed, I pursued an undergraduate
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This program offered parents of special needs children access to comprehensive services that enhanced their child’s learning and development. Aside from my administrative duties, I shadowed therapists and case managers through a cross-training program where I gained experience conducting home visits and facilitating family service plans that specified goals and treatment strategies. This experience helped me realize how much progress can be made with an early, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. My work as a housing specialist with the Department of Community Affairs also helped me hone my interpersonal and social service skills. I assisted low-income individuals and families access rental assistance programs. I also found satisfaction, in advocating for these families, introducing them to community resources, and providing counseling to help them understand and adhere to program standards. In addition to this, my volunteer work as a project manager for a summer reading program enhanced my awareness of adults and children with learning disabilities and further solidified my decision to return to college to gain the skills needed to ensure vulnerable members of my community have the proper support to live their lives to the best of their
This program offered parents of special needs children access to comprehensive services that enhanced their child’s learning and development. Aside from my administrative duties, I shadowed therapists and case managers through a cross-training program where I gained experience conducting home visits and facilitating family service plans that specified goals and treatment strategies. This experience helped me realize how much progress can be made with an early, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. My work as a housing specialist with the Department of Community Affairs also helped me hone my interpersonal and social service skills. I assisted low-income individuals and families access rental assistance programs. I also found satisfaction, in advocating for these families, introducing them to community resources, and providing counseling to help them understand and adhere to program standards. In addition to this, my volunteer work as a project manager for a summer reading program enhanced my awareness of adults and children with learning disabilities and further solidified my decision to return to college to gain the skills needed to ensure vulnerable members of my community have the proper support to live their lives to the best of their