Contributed by Sofia Marie Ongay, Student Success Advisor
“I have to share this story because it just touched my heart. I was working with a student who self-identified himself as dyslexic and having severe brain trauma. He and his mother were making the large leap for him to start school for the first time and I quote 'to get him out of his little bubble.'
In talking with them, they shared with me some of the difficulties they have faced in getting here today and some of the challenges they would inevitably face here in college. The mom also explained how it could take one person to totally sidetrack her son into not going to college, his ultimate goal, because of the fear and uncertainty of it all. Of course as educational professionals, we try our best to motivate and encourage people to follow their goals and dreams. But, what happened next was something that I want to honor, and should be shared with everyone.
There was another young man waiting for assistance that overheard our conversation. He stood up and said he didn’t mean to intrude on the conversation but overheard the mom explaining about the brain trauma and difficulty remembering things. The young man explained how he also suffered brain trauma and goes to weekly group meetings for individuals with this type of disability.
He understood that it is a daily struggle to remember the simple things, and help is out there. He took the time to explain what the group does and how they could help, and even suggested they go to the next meeting. They exchanged contact information, and the young man said he would be happy to help him transition to college. The mother was so grateful and seemed emotional that on this first visit, that was so hard to get here, they were able to connect with someone that had a positive impact.
I thought this was such a selfless gesture that I wanted to exempt him from all his enrollment steps and get him in his classes asap. But of course, that I couldn’t do. I’m sure that there will be several challenges this new student will face, but I have confidence that with the help of this one, also FTIC, student, the push he needed was there and hopefully will reinforce the idea to not give up. It is these kinds of stories we don’t hear about often, but definitely shows how our students embody what we strive to teach them every day; to value learning, community, openness, synergy, creativity, diversity, integrity, caring and joy!”