2015 Scholars
My name is Andrew, and I am deaf. I am a third-year student at Western Washington University majoring in psychology and minoring in computer science. Last summer, I took an internship as a web developer for a website called AbiliTrek, which shares reviews and information about the accessibility of businesses. I am currently learning Japanese and like to hike and play video games.
My name is Aspen. I am deaf and communicate using American Sign Language (ASL). I am loving college at Everett Community College. I am also a teacher’s aid for ASL classes. I am majoring in communications and working toward an associate degree. I then plan to transfer to a four-year university. One of my biggest accomplishments this year was moving out on my own. I lived in the dorms on campus for spring quarter, and it was super fun! My favorite leisure activities are reading, working out, and socializing.
Hi, my name is Brookelyn. I am a graduate of White River High School. I plan to take an online class through Pierce College in their pre-college program so that I have a better chance of getting into schools for my desired career, vet tech. This past fall, I gave a speech about my journey with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with my high school classmate at a private school in Renton. I love reading, sports, art, biology, singing, music, and animals. Besides ASD, I have learning disabilities.
My name is Chana. I graduated from Wilson High School and took Running Start classes at Tacoma Community College. I now attend the University of Washington Tacoma. I have cerebral palsy. In my free time, I enjoy reading books, listening to music, and watching movies. I also enjoy musical theatre. My goal is to become a pediatrician.
Hi, my name is Dewald. I graduated from Bellingham High School where I was a wrestler on the varsity team. I have cerebral palsy. I was born in South Africa as the middle kid of a set of triplets and weighed only two pounds when I was born. My favorite subjects are history and psychology. I am a fanatical follower of soccer and support the USA teams and the Seattle Sounders. I plan to attend Whatcom Community College before attending a four-year school. My goal is to become a social worker.
My name is Eli, and I have Duchenne muscular dystrophy. I graduated from North Thurston High School. I now attend Waubonsee Community College in Aurora, Illinois. I play percussion. I enjoy reading, sports, music, astronomy, and video games. I have two cats and one dog; my dog looks similar to a baby bear. My long term interest is to be a sports scout for basketball, baseball, and football.
Hello, my name is Emily, and I have spastic quadriparesis. I enjoy playing golf, going to the gym, getting people to laugh, and hanging out with friends. I’m a student at the University of Oregon majoring in sociology with a minor in global health. Over summer 2018, I did undergraduate research at the UW Center for Neurotechnology, and in the winter of 2019 I was invited to join the Business School’s management consulting group as a consultant. It was an exciting year, and I am very thankful for the support and connections I have made through DO-IT that made it all possible. As of fall 2019, I will be starting my honors thesis in sociology.
Hello, my name is Grady. I graduated from Puyallup High School in 2017, where I was involved in Key Club, National Honor Society, and Viking Knights. Before college, I worked two summers as a technology assistant for my local school district. I am now a student at the University of Washington, Seattle, studying informatics and disability studies. I’m a student assistant for Accessible Technology Services and DO-IT. I was also the Associated Students of the University of Washington Student Disability Commission’s universal design consultant for the 2018-2019 academic year. I helped with events and advocacy to improve accessibility and the inclusion of students with disabilities at the UW. I plan to have a career in the technology field after college. I have congenital muscular dystrophy.
My name is Hailey, and I graduated from Cheney High School where I actively participated in leadership roles. I currently work for Lakeland Village helping people become more independent so, if possible, they can move on to a brighter future. I like cooking, listening to music, watching movies, enjoying the great outdoors (fishing, camping, boating, kayaking), and hanging out with friends. I have attention deficit disorder and a learning disability.
Hey, my name is Jonah. I currently attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I’m majoring in journalism and minoring in history and political science, with the long term goal of becoming a sports writer. For fun, I play video games and watch sports, with the New England Patriots being my favorite football team. My favorite bands are the Foo Fighters, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the Arctic Monkeys. I have Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Howdy, everyone! I’m Kaitlyn, but feel free to call me Katie. I have cerebral palsy and use a walker for shorter distances or a wheelchair for long ones. I enjoy listening to music, drawing, gaming, and writing stories. I also like making friends and chatting with people I know. I attend Central Washington University working toward a double degree in psychology and sociology. I am also currently a research assistant as an undergraduate student.
Hi, my name is Katelyn. I took two quarters at Pierce Community College. I am currently attending Penn Foster for a vet technician certification. I graduated from Bonney Lake High School. I have myotonic muscular dystrophy, which affects my limbs and face. I enjoy the outdoors and taking walks. My hobbies include being on YouTube, hanging with friends, and listening to music. I absolutely love cats!
Hi, I’m Laszlo! I have cerebral palsy. I graduated from Ingraham High School in 2017 and currently attend the University of Washington. I plan to major in communications and to pursue a research-based internship in this area. For fun, I like to play games and talk to friends on Facebook.
Greetings, I am London, and I have autism. I graduated from North Central High School, and I now attend Spokane Falls Community College. I am pursuing a degree in computer numerical control and machining. I like video games, visual design, art, music, and fiction.
Hey there. My name is Max. I graduated from Camas High School in 2016 and now attend Gonzaga University where I am studying computer science. I have Asperger’s syndrome. I really want to be a computer scientist. I like using my computer for fun, which tends to neatly overlap with linguistics research. I also play plenty of games. My main pleasures in life are learning about linguistics and attending my kung-fu class.
Hello, I’m Ryan, and I have a learning disability. I am currently attending Whitworth University in Spokane where I’m pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health science. I just accepted an opportunity to attend graduate school for a master’s degree in athletic training. My hobbies include rock climbing, mountain biking, camping, and outdoor adventuring in general. However, my greatest joy in life is brought to me simply by the people in it.
Hi, I’m Tasha. I finished high school early through Spokane Community College. I’m really into fitness, working out, and sports. I enjoy many sports, but my favorite is wrestling; I have been a wrestler for over five years. My long term goals are to study kinesiology in college and become a personal trainer.