Blog / Sasha: I Imagine My Life
Sasha: I Imagine My Life
I imagine my life – how it might look after my Shepherds College graduation.
My parents want me to be independent as an adult... and I want that too, but I have some things to overcome first.
I have an intellectual disability. It’s a slight one, but it makes math hard. I also have an anxiety disorder, so I struggle socially as well.
When I was younger, I was scared a lot, even of my own bedroom. In school, other students weren’t nice to me, and the special programs weren’t working out. I started a new program where the teachers were considerate; they broke down math processes into steps so I could understand them.
I didn’t think college was a possibility, but friends of my family have a son who graduated from Shepherds College, and they told my family it would be a good fit for me. They thought I might have an easier time making friends with people who had struggles like mine. When I visited the Shepherds College campus, I was amazed! The staff saw me, listened to me, and wanted to help me. They encouraged me to be out in the community, making friends. I knew right away that I wanted to take Culinary Arts. I watch a lot of cooking shows, and I love cooking at home. Once, Mom asked me to make a vegetable platter – it turned out beautiful! I knew I could do it on my own someday.
Now, I’m a student at Shepherds College®. The staff continues to help me during the hard times. I have positive friends who are good role models. They are wise in what they say, and they help me to see things in the right way. Everyone encourages me just to be me. I’ve gained so much confidence in myself!
I thank God for that. Even though Christianity wasn’t a factor in my decision to come to Shepherds College, God is speaking to me here. He is making Himself real to me through His wonderful universe and all of the unique people in it. I am one of them. He made me proud of who I am and showed me my purpose.
God is giving me hope.
I’ll always remember when I got the acceptance letter from Shepherds College. It said, “You are on your way to SOAR!” I was ecstatic!
As I read that letter, I imagined my life after Shepherds College...
I’d live in an apartment in Iowa with a roommate. I would be in a community close to my family for their support.
I would own a little lap dog.
I’d shop, work, get coffee, go on walks, and talk with my roommate.
I’d work toward owning my own business, someplace where I can bake cakes and scones and make coffee.
I knew when I got the letter that I was going to have an amazing experience as part of my life story. God is using this time to prepare me to be more independent. He is making me a better person for coming to Shepherds College.
Published in Volume 7, Issue 1 of SOAR Magazine.