Blog / A Shepherds College First: Exploring All Three Majors
As the first student to enroll in all three specialty majors—Horticulture, Technology, and Culinary Arts—Lana’s story is one of determination, growth, and the transformative power of education tailored for individuals with disabilities. “I have autism,” Lana shared when asked about her disabilities.
“I take longer to learn things, and understanding things without visuals is hard for me. But here at Shepherds College, they use a lot of visuals and hands-on learning.” This approach to teaching was critical for Lana, allowing her to flourish in an environment that supported her learning needs. It’s this level of intentional, personalized education that inspired her to attend Shepherds College in the first place.
Discovering Shepherds College
Her introduction to Shepherds College began with her registration at a summer event. “I came to Shepherds College for a Week and saw the different programs. I thought, ‘I really like this college. I think it will give me a chance at independence.’” Little did she know that the decision to attend would evolve into a five-year commitment, a journey that would lead her through all three of the college’s specialty majors.
A Unique Path: Completing Three Majors
“When I started here, I didn’t know I wanted to take all of the specialty majors,” she said with a quiet chuckle. “I knew I wanted to take three years of Horticulture. Mom said, ‘Maybe you should do a fourth year,’ so I took Technology. Then Mom said, ‘Maybe you should do a fifth year,’ and I’m now in Culinary Arts. Every year has been so fun.”
Each major offered Lana a unique set of experiences and learning opportunities. In Horticulture, she discovered a deep connection with nature. “I learned the different types of plants, their care routines, and whether they liked sun or shade. I got to learn so much about God’s creation! The greenhouse is still my favorite spot on campus. If I’m stressed, I go there to relax.”
Technology, her second major, challenged her in different ways. “I got to learn troubleshooting, building computers, software updates, and anything Mr. Andrus challenged us with,” she said. Her time in the Technology major taught her critical problem solving skills, which she knew would prove useful in other areas of her life.
In Culinary Arts, her current major, Lana is mastering skills that will support her independence in the future. “I’m learning cooking so I can be even more independent. I’m a big chicken about using the oven, but now...it just took those delicious scones. I’m in love with the pumpkin scones and will learn to use an oven so I can bake them.”
Personal and Spiritual Growth
Beyond academics, Lana’s time at Shepherds College has also been a period of personal and spiritual growth. “I’ve grown a lot in my independence and professionalism. I experienced my very first job at Shepherds College!” she said, reflecting on her professional development. Spiritually, Lana found clarity and a closer connection to God. “I didn’t understand what the pastor was talking about at my home church until I came to Shepherds College. The Bible teachers used all these visuals, and then it all started to click. I grew closer to God when I started understanding the stories in the Bible.”
Her journey was not without challenges, particularly the difficulty of leaving her home. “Leaving my home, my nest, was so hard. I was scared. I didn’t know yet what was to come. Then I met all of the wonderful staff at Shepherds College. They were caring, helpful, and willing to answer any questions I had. Shepherds College became a second home to me.”
Prepared for the Future
Reflecting on her time in each major, Lana credits Horticulture for teaching her responsibility, Technology for helping her develop problem-solving skills, and Culinary Arts for enhancing her ability to follow directions. These experiences, along with the caring community of peers and staff she found at Shepherds College, have prepared her for the future with a broad skill set and a heart full of gratitude.
It's going to give me a good resume, more experience, and a variety of skills to bring to jobs.
As she looks to the future, Lana feels confident that completing all three majors will give her a strong foundation for her career. “It’s going to give me a good resume, more experience, and a variety of skills to bring to jobs.”
Lana’s remarkable achievements at Shepherds College earned the respect of leadership and staff. Scott Nash, the Vice President of Academic Affairs, spoke highly of her contributions to the college community. “Lana is good for the community, and she’s capable of taking all three programs. All three occupational program instructors speak of how great she is and have said they would hire her to work in their respective fields,” Nash shared.
This glowing endorsement underscores the diverse skills Lana has developed over her five years. Whether she’s troubleshooting a computer, growing plants in the greenhouse, or baking pumpkin scones in the kitchen, Lana has proven herself a dedicated and skilled student, ready to take on future opportunities in any of these fields.
Looking back on her five years at Shepherds College, Lana is proud of the person she’s become. “I’m getting to learn many different skills, meeting so many new friends, and becoming more independent every day,” she said, a satisfied smile warming her face.
Lana’s journey at Shepherds College is an encouraging example of what can be accomplished with the right support, determination, and a willingness to grow. When she steps into the next chapter of her life, she will do so with confidence, knowing that her unique journey has prepared her for whatever comes next.
Published in Volume 7, Issue 3 of SOAR Magazine.