Jae

Transition Specialization

During my journey as a student and a lover of science, there have been tears as well as smiles. Although it has been rewarding, it hasn’t been easy. My life really changed in ninth grade, when I started going to general education classes. Up until that point, I had been participating in a Learning Resources Center that focused mostly on social skills and skills of daily living.

When I shifted to a different Learning Resources Center at my high school, I was enrolled in more mainstream classes. This was great. I had always wanted to be a regular student who attended mainstream classes every day—struggling with real academic work and challenging homework just like everyone else. Looking back, I wish I could have made the change earlier, because I wasn’t fully prepared for it. I didn’t have a lot of experience doing homework and assignments. It was hard for me to sit at a desk and listen to teachers talking for an hour. I just wasn’t used to that kind of learning.

In the evening, I often cried because I was flummoxed about everything going on in my classes.

I asked a principal to transfer me to another school with a specialized education system. She said “no” and kept pushing me to learn how to be successful. It wasn’t easy, but I started to get used to my new life. I got an excellent communication device called ECO, which gave me a voice to express my feelings and the chance to move forward with my life. It expanded my world beyond my imagination.

It was still hard for me to catch up with my classmates and it took me extra time to do things. Luckily, with my friends’ help, I caught up. During those years, I also discovered my dream: to be a transition specialist who helps disabled students be successful in high school, prepare for college, and overcome challenges. To do this, I need to understand the different kinds of assistive and mainstream technology, which builds on my interest in STEM.

Many people have helped me be successful in my journey so far—my transition specialist, friends, school staff, and family. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to go to college and pursue my dream, but I was encouraged to face the challenges, especially from my transition specialist. She believed in me more than anyone. I am thankful to have her in my life.

I think that all human beings are on a journey of some sort. I hope I will impact other peoples’ lives in the same way that my transition specialist impacted mine.