A Glimpse of Success

Honestly, I expected July to be a boring month. I'm home, its summer, not much can happen that is "blog worthy" or so I thought. I have had a glimpse of what my success could look like after college.

While driving to a speaking engagement, I got a phone call from the National Speakers Association. During the last week of school, I had applied for a $5,000 scholarship. I know, why add more stress to that week? I even questioned my sanity throughout that week. However, the craziness and stress of applying for that scholarship was worth it. I found out that I had won this month. I feel like I have had so many people believe in my ability to be a public speaker. This solidified everything that my high school speech coach did for me to my professor who encouraged me to apply. Elmhurst College is doing an article on me being a scholarship recipient which humbles me. The article will be published on their website. I'm just doing my best. What a blessing to be rewarded for it!

Another exciting thing happened this month! I became a published author! Chicago Special Parent published an article I wrote about daily life in college. I recognize that a great number of my readers have already celebrated this with me on Facebook but if you haven't read it and wish to, here is the link: http://www.chicagoparent.com/magazines/special-parent/2011-summer/in-our-shoes/student-with-cerebral-palsy-thrives-at-elmhurst-college

I've gotten an overwhelming amount of support in light of these achievements and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have been feeling confused about life after college. I know I want to go to graduate school but I don't know what I want to study. It's frustrating because I know I want to be a motivational speaker but I feel like I have so many talents and interests that need to be catered to also. I have to choose the program that will help me the most, is tailored to my interests and unique skill set, and lets me incorporate service in to my life. I had a frank conversation with my parents and graduate school is definitely the best option but I have to use Elmhurst College to find the best grad school program. In addition to feeling confused, my movement disorders have been significantly more pronounced which is the epitome of frustrating in my life. The good part is that they are the same types of movements; the bad part is that they are more frequent which does not make my life easier. This type of roller coaster ride with my body has happened before and it will happen again. These two incredible events have forced me to see the bigger picture and have served as glimpses of success in my life after college.

Love,
Hannah!

P.S. I think it’s incredibly ironic that I got that call from the National Speakers Association while driving to a speaking engagement. I have to point that out.