My Why
Another question I get frequently from people outside of my education circle is, “Why? Why do you do what you do?” The answer is very simple, I do it because it’s in my DNA. I'm originally from the New York, Long Island area and I grew up with an older sister with a severe intellectual disability. So whether I wanted it or not, special education is ingrained in me. I lived my mother's experience fighting for my sister and her education. My sister attended a separate day school for elementary school, and please understand, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but when I look back, I think my mom wanted two things; to be heard and to have a choice. My mom was passionate that she be included in our home school for the middle and high school years. If for no other reason than to have a choice. To have a voice in the decision. My sister was one of the first students in the first life skills classes for both schools. I loved going down the hall in between classes, seeing her on her way to class, and being able to say “Hi.” Of course she would pretend to ignore me because, well, that’s what big sisters do. But it was just such a great opportunity for both of us.
I experienced the whole transition journey as she turned 21. That fueled the fire in me in my own journey to get my bachelor's degree in special education and elementary education. It fueled the fire for getting my masters in severe disabilities. It fueled the fire (and continues to fuel the fire) to be a teacher. To make a difference for all those following behind my sister, and the journey they are on. The end result was a positive one for my sister, and I wanted to provide the same for my students.
I’m 18 years young in the school system. I started as an Academic Life Skills teacher at the middle school level and six more years at the high school level. I realized that transition was really where I wanted to be; to work with those “kids” leaving the school system. So I used that fire to nag and to nag, constantly following up with the transition lead teacher, “Are there any openings? No. Ok, when?” My focus is more on working with the parents, preparing for that transition. Finally, my time came and now here I am. I have the chance to make that difference, to offer parents support and some insight into the overwhelming journey that is post-secondary transition. I want them to know they are not alone out there and that it can be a positive experience once the bus stops coming.
