An Alumnae

The word "alumnae" never meant anything to me until today. Last week, I got asked to speak at Glenbrook South High School. Today, I had the privilege of speaking to the entire school for the 50th anniversary. It was a complete honor.

I am here to tell you that you are so lucky to be in this auditorium today. If you are here today, it means that you are part of a community that is dedicated to your success. I stand here today as a personal testimony to the dedication and commitment the teachers and faculty have to their students. I graduated from Glenbrook South in 2008, and am now a senior at Elmhurst College. When I was a student here, I bonded with the staff. Although countless people and experiences helped me grow as an individual here, there are three specific moments that shaped me into a successful college student.

The first moment was when I realized Miss Susan Flickinger along with our outstanding special education department really thought I could attend college. With my circumstances, the thought of college was very abstract, never impossible, but very abstract. I didn’t know how it was going to look like. Miss Flickinger, Mrs. Kelly Lowery and Miss Julie Manning started talking about me going to college as if it was inevitable. Together, they shifted the gears in my brain to thinking “maybe I will go to college”, to “I will definitely go to college”, it’s just a matter of how. Just to give you an insight of how far that idea has taken me, I am on the Dean's list, in two academic honor societies, and am having the time of my life. Glenbrook South teachers are brilliant. Don’t just go to class, learn from them.

The second moment was when I made the speech team. Now, let’s be real when you think of a student on the speech team, you do not picture a student in a wheelchair using a computer to talk. Mr. Scott McDermott and Mr. Mark Maranto somehow saw a speaker. I am eternally grateful for their insight. I won at several tournaments and now my major is communication studies. I want to become a motivational speaker with my degree. I am here to tell you that this would not be a reality if Mr. McDermott and Mr. Maranto had not believed in me. They had to go out of their way to have a student like me on the speech team. Let your coaches be your inspiration to be better people. Mr. McDermott always said, “be brilliant”, I use that phrase every day now and it’s been four years since I was on the team.

The third moment was when Mr. Wegley personally e-mailed me and said I want your feedback on how we can integrate students in special education with the students who are in regular education. That e-mail said a whole lot more to me as a student. It said I value your opinion, I value what talents you possess, and I value you as a person. We had one meeting; it turned into two which turned into regular meetings. That relationship which was not necessary at all turned into a relationship with Dr. Shellard. My relationship with Dr. Shellard would be best summed up by him stalking me in the hallways asking me to do the Variety Show. Good times and very late nights! These two incredible men showed me how to be a good and effective leader, That is an invaluable lesson.

Reflecting on my time here, I stand in incredible gratitude for what GBS did for me. They are genuinely here for the students. Take advantage of that. Take advantage of a community who wakes up every morning just to serve you. Glenbrook South, thank you for the past, the present, and future.

I was incredibly humbled by this experience. The local newspaper wrote an article about this event and they were all too kind to me! You can see it by clicking on this link: http://glenview.suntimes.com/7904761-417/gbs-alumni-return-friday-for-50th-year-event.html. I finally understood the benefits and privileges of being an alumnae. I want to keep being considered a "distinguished alumnae" of my high school. To me, that means making choices that coincide with the values of Glenbrook South.

I have had a busy yet wonderful month. My speech for the American Pediatrics Association said Glenbrook South were definitely amazing highlights and I am deeply thankful for the opportunities.

Your Glenbrook South Alumnae,
Hannah!

Doing It For Judy

My month has been filled with adventures. My family and I went to the Bahamas and had a magical time. Following that trip, I went to the different session of Camp Courage that I wrote about previously in the blog.

Like I said, my family went to the Bahamas. I think I speak for the whole entire family when I say swimming with the dolphins was the best part of the trip. These creatures are truly magnificent. I did get to hug, feed, and play with the dolphin. They provided a manual wheelchair with enormous rubber wheels so I could go in the water comfortably. Once I was in the water, my dad helped me kneel and hug the dolphin. I even got to kiss the dolphin! The dolphin was so strong yet friendly and incredibly playful. The rest of the vacation was spectacular but I think when my siblings and I look back on our vacations, we will remember Tony, the dolphin.

I got an ocean of emotional support when I announced that I couldn't go to my usual session at Camp Courage. Before I even report on how the different session went, I want to thank you for emotionally supporting me through that disappointment. I kind of feel weird going to sleep away camp at 21 but you all showed me that I should not be embarrassed. Thank you for that.

I arrived at the Courage Center parking lot and my family and I see two big vans. The vans are filled with campers anxious to go. It was interesting because they transferred, meaning the camp staff lifted campers from their wheelchairs into the van instead of having a van with a lift. I was able to sit comfortably due to keeping up with my physical therapy. When we got there, the campus looked almost identical to Camp Courage which was welcoming. We stayed in cabins with enormous pine trees surrounding us. The Camp consisted of day trips which were all fun.

One day we went to Itasca national park. We brought the camp's boat to the lake inside the park and went for a picturesque boat ride. After the boat ride, we got a chance to see the beginning of the Mississippi river. When we got there, most campers watched the water. That didn't satisfy my appetite whatsoever. After about thirty seconds of watching, I had to put my feet in. Come on, when was I coming back? Two of the camp staff proceeded to help take my shoes and braces off. After my feet were free, one of the camp staff carried me in the water. The water felt like ice made out of glass on my feet. It was wonderful and I had the satisfaction of knowing a little bit of Hannah Thompson would travel through the Mississippi! They carried me out of the water and got my shoes and braces on. The next few minutes confused me. All the other campers didn't want to dip their toes in the Mississippi. Why? I didn’t understand. Watching water is lovely but experiencing it was so much better and its part of living. This feeling also occurred when Katherine and I were the only campers who wanted to ride the roller coasters at the state fair.

A significant part of my camp experience is getting to know other people with disabilities which brings me to Judy. Judy was 63 and had Cerebral Palsy which is my disability too. At first glance, she was not the most attractive woman in her green Catholic Elder Care tee shirt and elastic jean shorts however, something made me want to be around her. I helped her tell the Camp staff how to feed her, I understood her because I was in the same exact position. She was just getting comfortable with the DynaVox which tugged at my heart strings and tear ducts. Most people her age can tell stories about the "good old days" whereas Judy struggled to communicate the simplest things. When I finally sat down with her and asked for advice, it devastated me. I was expecting her to say something to the effect of "reach for the stars" or "do your best"; instead I got "find a companion...get married". Judy explained that she was told never to marry because of her disability. I hurt inside for her. I couldn't imagine being told that. My mind then reeled with the limitations she had and I don't have, I'm in a sorority, two honor societies, and have a generally amazing life. She couldn't have that. So, all through this year, I have a new mantra: do it for Judy.

I have successfully entered my senior year of college. I can't believe it myself. It didn't come without the wheelchair completely dying as we were packing up the car. I have to acknowledge that my family was amazing during the time I was home-especially my younger sister Genevieve! My little sister helped a lot along with my younger brother. I plan to live each day to the fullest and still have time to plan ahead. I am so grateful for this experience so far and can't wait to live out the grand finale!

Unbelievable...9 more posts left!

Doing it for Judy,
Hannah!

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.

The Beginning of the End

I have been blessed enough to receive the MarianJoy Scholarship for four consecutive years. This was my last year receiving the scholarship. Tears came as I realized that it also meant my last year at Elmhurst. The scholarship committee asks all recipients prepare a speech upon receiving the scholarship. I delivered two heartfelt speeches to the scholarship committee and fellow recipients. I thought this was a good way to begin the end of Hannah's College Adventures.

This was a speech I delivered in 2009 right after completing freshman year.

It was countless hours of therapy. It was countless hours of my parents working with me on my exercises. It was my younger brother and sister going to therapy sessions. It was me learning how to use a communication device. It was me having the courage to say I can go to college. Those examples are just a few of the things that made me an independent young woman on August 25th, 2008, the day I started college. I went to college to learn academics but I ended up being educated by the tasks of my brand new life.

Education is a very broad term to me because of my lifestyle. Of course, it can be going to a classroom and taking notes. However, I have encountered education in different senses. I taught myself how to handle up to ten different women as my assistants. I learned not to call my mom if something goes wrong because she starts panicking. I learned that I have to be an active member on campus for everybody to feel comfortable around me. I learned that professors will not simply assign a note taker to me; I have to be the one to ask. I learned that you can recover from being turned away from a sorority, and three months later join the brand new sorority on campus; that felt good. I learned that family is the most important part of my life no matter where I am. I learned that there are ignorant people out there and as much as you hope and want to change those people, you cannot change them. I learned that there are some people who are understanding and accepting of differences and to focus on those people. I learned that when I am having a bad day, there will always be someone that I can turn to. I learned that when you succeed against the odds, it feels indescribably good and beautiful. Essentially, I learned that I have to teach myself how I as an individual with a physical impairment can have the freedom of independence. If I can say three words at the end of the day, I have succeeded for that day.

I may not be able to walk, talk, or eat by myself but if I can say I am independent, those three words, those daily obstacles will not seem to matter. In a world where everyone is so consumed with how they look, where they work, and what car they drive, if I can teach people that simply being independent for the day is an accomplishment, then every dollar that went into receiving my degree in communication will be worth it and if spreading this concept is what I do for the rest of my life as an motivational speaker I will be thrilled. I want to thank Marian joy for being a part of why I can say I am independent.

This was my final and last speech for MarianJoy.

As I stand here before you I am filled with gratitude. Going to college with a disability is the epitome of a challenge. You have to go to such great lengths and there have been a few days where I have thought to myself why am I doing this? On those days, I thought of tonight. I thought of the people here. I wanted to be here. You know, that call from the scholarship committee is always this feeling of I’m doing this well. To know I have done this well and to the best of my ability is reassuring to say the least. It’s always so nice to know that people in my shoes think I’m doing a good job.

This is my final year receiving this scholarship which is bittersweet. Receiving the scholarship has meant so much. I cannot put my gratitude into words. However, I am so excited for the first time recipients this evening. Each recipient is in for an incredible ride. As the seniors get ready to take a bow, they are just beginning their journeys as college students. That is so exciting to me! I remember the feeling of college being a mystery. Now it is my home. The journey in between consists of finding yourself, what you’re passionate about, and finding people who support your dream, whatever it may be. The thing about having a disability is that we have a unique perspective and because we have that, we have the power to challenge people. That is not what most young adults can say. For the last and final time here at MarianJoy, thank you to my family, they are truly heroic in the way they support me. I would like to give a warm thank you to my sponsors, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce and Joann Schurman. A final thank you to Marian joy for four years of faith in me, all I can say is thank you and God bless.

This brings me to the future...of the blog. I'll write about my personal future when I am ready. As for Hannah's College Adventures, the last post will be when I graduate from Elmhurst College. Don't worry! I will start a brand new blog. I have found a name for this brand new blog but it will be a secret until the new blog is launched. I have been thinking of the future of my blog since December. I love it too much not to put a lot of thought to my next blog.

On that note, I must reiterate how grateful I am for my readers...YOU!!! It started as a boring Saturday afternoon. It has become one of my rocks in the ocean of life and that is because of you.

In Gratitude,
Hannah!

A Sense of Success and Purpose

This month marked two significant events throughout this year for me. First, my junior year of college came to a graceful end. Following that, Will, my cousin’s child got baptized and I became his godmother.

Ending classes and moving out of my dorm was easier this year. I was incredibly worn out from the work I produced for two semesters. It is not easy but I did get four A's and one B which I'm proud of. I had a great but difficult first semester on top of a stressful January term and then I succeeded second semester. It is a decision to succeed and I am constantly making that decision. The definition of success to me is when you see the goal and try your very best; just to try something is succeeding in life. You don't have to be first place; you simply have to try running. I don't care about you winning trophies or awards, I care about the effort, I care about the heart, and I care about you in every aspect of that race. If you are collapsing during the race, you're not considering your well-being and that's important! If you don't run the race well, it won't mean as much, I can guarantee that! If the race is for others, or your resume, or something else, you won't truly succeed. Trying your best is succeeding. When you truly succeed, you feel it in your bones and your heart.

You can also feel your heart exploding when a baby is in your arms. William James Endres was placed into my lap and I immediately fell in love. This baby is my godson and he has already brought so much joy to my life. The weekend was consumed with our love for this little bundle of joy. When I was up there witnessing the baptism, I felt such an honor because out of everyone they could of chose, they chose me. They could have chosen anyone but I was their choice. It gave me another sense of purpose in this short life. I am grateful for the honor and privilege of being a godmother.

I was also blessed enough to speak at two schools this month. One school needed questions answered about college for students with special needs and the other school had a bullying issue that needed to be stopped by Hannah Thompson. I spoke to the special education students about the trials and triumphs of college life. I forgot how it felt to have college be a mystery instead of a home. They reminded me of why I go to college and that is to pave the way for others; I did not go to college simply for myself. I did it for kids like Rachel and Hannah who were the primary students I spoke to. They have a world of unique possibilities before them. I didn't go to say, "I did it", I went to make their lives easier. I make sure when I do big things, I do not do them solely for myself. I have the opportunity to make lives easier just by showing up for class. Who gets that? Who on earth is lucky enough to have that power? How could I not say I'm tremendously blessed?

When I spoke to the school about bullying, I ended with this: Each and every one of you has a light that will help the world shine. And that starts with not bullying other people because they happen to be different. I know you don’t want to dim the light of another person because then the world isn’t as bright as it could be. That would be such a sad thing.

After the speech, my sister attended a party with these same kids and I was in the car. They ran up to me like I was a rock star. I had an incredible sense of validation. I had touched these young children. That is why I know God wants me to be a motivational speaker. I feel a sense of success and purpose when I am in front of an audience. It's my place as a citizen of this earth.

When I say "God", what do I mean? I mean God, Brahman, Allah, Buddha, Yahweh, Krishna, or simply the feeling you have when you succeed or have a sense of purpose.