Christine

Biology

Having a learning disability has been the hardest obstacle in my academic career. In third grade, I could only do my math times tables by counting kidney beans. In fourth grade, I had an amazing teacher by the name of Ms. Marinos. She became my math tutor from fifth grade through seventh grade. Ms. Marinos helped give me much-needed confidence in my future academic work. I was even placed into the honors math and science program at my high school. I went to an all-women’s private high school in San Francisco with small classes, which helped me learn.

Growing up, I went to special summer schools and workshops that taught me the skills I needed to keep up with my classmates. I worked twice as hard as my peers, just to be at the same level of understanding. In high school, my grade point average was a 4.0. I understood that with a learning disability, I could never slack off, and that I needed a community of supportive people behind me.

For example, my parents made a huge difference. My mother and father are both very intelligent people who have degrees in higher education. My mother especially was there for me when I struggled with school as a child. She was a personal tutor at home for me and she dedicated her time to my learning. Her patience, persistence and dedication are the reasons I have a strong foundation in academia. My father majored in physics. He is the reason I love science and am pursuing a career in the STEM field. His overall knowledge about daily life and the way that he sees the world makes me intrigued about what else is out there in the world. My parents continue to support my academic career at college.

I am currently a second year college student at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where I am earning my degree in biology. Here in Santa Cruz, my main accommodation is being given extra time on exams in a distraction-reduced room. Along with the testing accommodations, I also receive textbooks and print material in an alternative form, and I have access to extra tutoring, which is provided through the University.

In college, I really enjoyed two general chemistry labs connected to my classes. I also like foraging for mushrooms on the UC Santa Cruz upper campus trails. I enjoy working with plants, and I am leaning towards a focus in evolution and ecology for my biology major. I’m currently applying for internships next quarter, and I will be leaving to study abroad for a semester in New Zealand next year. I am proud to be a STEM major and I can honestly say that having a learning disability has made me who I am today.