On the first night of Summer Study, Phase I Scholars were a little nervous as to what was to come. Although we were excited, we did not know what was in store for us. First, we had orientation with our families. Then we had delicious dinner that was gone pretty quickly! After dinner we had an icebreaker where we met our fellow Scholars. After that the Interns held a success panel where we learned how to be successful at the DO-IT program and in life. Finally we had free time where we got to know our peers on a more personal level.

"We are going to build a world," proclaimed the representative of the Seattle Botanical Gardens to the intrepid DO-IT Scholars. And it was so. No matter that the alleged world consisted of a small jar. The jar contained a new and original ecosystem, a manufactured one that would prosper in the responsible care of the DO-IT Scholars. Several plants were selected to form the basis of the ecosystem. Then soil was funneled in to serve as a foundation for the plants, so that they might retain nutrients from it. Lastly, worms and similar animals were placed within the jar to provide diversity to the ecosystem. Each and every one of the worms received a special and unique name.

Phase I Scholars build ecosystems during a tour at the Seattle Botanical Gardens.

The DO-IT Scholars were impressed with the worlds they built, and they were equally impressed by the accessibility options available at the gardens. Interpreters for the deaf were available. There were also numerous helpers available to assist the blind in the activities. The choices for those in wheelchairs were somewhat limited, however, through no fault of the Botanical Gardens. It is housed in a building that was constructed long before the Americans with Disabilities Act. Nevertheless, many people with wheelchairs said that they didn't mind the limited accessibility, as most of the areas that were not wheelchair accessible were closed off to everyone.

Besides the world building activities, DO-IT Scholars learned about plants in arid areas, and, more importantly, the adaptations that they must make to survive in such a desolate climate. These adaptations particularly resonated with the DO-IT Scholars because it reminded them of their own disabilities and how they transcend such things. Like the plants, some people believed that the Scholars could not succeed in school, at home, in the social arena, and in life. But they were wrong; like the lowly cactus, people with disabilities can excel.

Phase I Scholars had the opportunity to visit Microsoft. The day was filled with many activities. First, we met with Microsoft employees who talked about the different technology that they use during their work day. We also were introduced to two employees that have disabilities, one with low level vision and one who is blind. We had the chance to play with assistive technologies, including the Kinect. We created a robot dog designed to help people who are blind. The field trip gave us a better understanding of how people with disabilities can be successful in the technology industry.

One of the activities we did at Summer Study was watch a game of wheelchair rugby. It's an interesting sport to watch. The sports facility was very accessible and the players were all very nice. After the game, we had the opportunity to use the chairs and play rugby with some of the team members.

Phase I Scholars took a day-long trip to the Pacific Science Center. We watched Harry Potter 7: Part 2 in 3D, which was really cool. We were able to go inside the theater before the rest of the public so we could choose seats, and people using wheelchairs could get comfortable.

After the movie we walked through exhibits. In the butterfly exhibit many different species of butterflies were flying around. It was humid—that was good for the butterflies. There was an exhibit that is called Goose Bumps. It tests your fears in situations and explains how fear affects your body and your life. When they test your falling fear, they have a machine that makes you fall but it is very safe. There was a booth that tests your fear of touching a bug.

If you put your hand in a hole you feel the bug. The Center had ramps throughout, which made the facility very accessible. For those of us with hearing impairments that need higher volumes, the Center provided listening devices.

I loved the trip to the Pacific Science Center because it was my first time watching a movie in 3D. I had visited the Center as a child and was happy to go back to see the exhibits, it brought back great childhood memories.

Have you ever wondered what rooming with other people is like? Phase I Scholars had the opportunity to find out when we attended the DO-IT Summer Study program this past summer.

Jae has cerebral palsy and Jessie has profound hearing loss and consequently use a cochlear implant. At first it was hard for us to interact with each other but, as time went by, we got along well. It was challenging at times, especially in the morning, because Jessie needed a vibrating alarm clock to wake up, while Jae needed special assistance for her morning routine. One of the reasons that we got along well is because Jae uses a communication device on her wheelchair so it is easy for Jessie to read what she is saying on her screen and understand her. If you are interested in rooming with other people, don't be afraid to do so. It can be fun!