Laura’s Story

EDUCATION, THE WAY IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE

Attending class with her peers was never a question for Kathy and Gord as they prepared Laura for kindergarten. Seeing her now, it’s clear that her inclusive school environment had a huge impact not only on her life but on the life of her peers.

During high school, Laura’s teachers modified her curriculum, while her family encouraged her to explore all the extracurricular activities high school could offer. From the wrestling team to student council, Laura has tried them all. Her yearbook is filled with notes from her classmates and friends.

Attending college seemed a natural progression as Laura prepared for high school graduation. She enrolled and was accepted into the CICE program at Durham College. The Community Integration through Co-operative Education is a fairly new program at this college. It provides an integrated and supported educational experience aimed at preparing graduates for employment.

Amanda Carkner, the Team Leader of Community Living’s Foundation program recently spoke with Laura about her college experience.

Amanda: What was college like?

Laura: College was fun, I met great friends.  I had lots of help from my mom and dad.  Mom called me almost every day to see if I was okay. In first year there was a guy that went to college that I knew from high school so that was nice.

Amanda: What was residence like?

Laura: Residence was fun; I went out A LOT with friends.I had a very nice roommate. I learned how to work out my schedule with my roommate so we each got to watch what we wanted on TV.

Amanda: What’s next, future plans?

Laura: Right now I am working part time at VOS in the garden center, it is closing soon so I will be working inside the store.  I would like to look for another job, but I am not sure what yet. I learned through college that I don’t want to work with kids or in a daycare. I have my own apartment and I am looking for a new roommate once Jocelynn (she is staying with Laura for the summer) goes back to school. I am just enjoying myself and sometimes hanging out with friends.