What to do When the Elevator is out of Order

Most, no, all of you have been worried and wondering what would happen if... Well, I recently found out what I do if the elevator is out of order.

I roll into Circle Hall like a usual Wednesday morning only to find a sign on the elevator that says, "Out of Order". I am completely shocked. I call Campus Security and they don't understand the DynaVox. I'll work that out at a later date. Thankfully, a major office is about ten feet away. I tell the secretary the situation. My class meets downstairs and the elevator is out of order. She asks for the details, where is the class and whose the professor. I tell them what they need to know. Oh, and now I have the attention of three staff members. This is turning into quite the adventure as you can probably tell. So, the secretaries are calling other people feverishly because I have another class at 2:15 in the same building which is just the cherry on top. Meanwhile, one of the professors comes to visit me upstairs and makes sure I'm OK. You have to understand that this guy, Roger is one of the most caring men you will ever meet. He informs me that Dr. Fiene, the other professor will come up and talk to me.

Dr. Fiene who is also my advisor arrives in the office and says, since you cannot get to class, let's have our advising session right now. My original appointment was on Friday. Perfect solution. By the way, the class was watching a movie, that was why the professors were able to leave the classroom. Oh, let's not forget that these poor secretaries are frantically working everything out.

We sit down at the computer to look up courses and we are planning for the Spring term. I was majoring in Political Science. I looked at the courses. No! The courses all seemed dry and dull.

"I can't do this" I said. "Do what" Dr. Fiene asks. I can't major in political science! I have the I want to cry/overwhelmed look on my face. No! Not political science! I can't! "What is your passion" Dr. Fiene inquired. The first thing that came to mind was: public speaking! She opens the book to Communication courses. I look at them, there perfect! All about public speaking or effective communication. This fits my personality so well! Relief came over me instantly. I would not have to take boring history or political courses. I would take courses that would interest, challenge and show off my skill. I walked out of Circle Hall thrilled and anxious for the Spring term to begin.

I have had a few other adventures such as my wheelchair completely bonking out (ironically in Circle Hall). But, I have to share some wonderful news...

Emily Doherty, my beloved cousin got married October 11th to Jacob Thomas who was warmly welcomed into our family. Congratulations, Emily and Jacob. We wish you the best!

So, if the elevator is out of order, the thing to do is change my major!

Love,

Hannah!

Sisters and Brothers

Author's Note: Please read until the very bottom, I know it's long!

So, this weekend I rushed two sororities. I had to go to many parties and make small talk which was a huge challenge for me. I had to be on top of every question and have a darn good answer for every question. My head felt like a tilt a world because many times I would be talking to four women at once. It was utterly exhausting physically, mentally and emotionally. To show you how intense it was, I'll give you the schedule:



Thursday Night: Open House; getting to know about the sororities. Very easy and relaxed.



Friday Night: Round One: So, you line up in alphabetical order (strange but, OK), we went into a dark room (since there colors are black and red), a girl linked arms with you and you made small talk for a straight 45 minutes. Other girls would come up and make even more small talk.



Then you waited in your dorm for invitations back. I got two invitations back. So excited!



Saturday afternoon: In business casual attire, we basically did the same thing as Friday but with making crafts in support of their philanthropy. I was absolutely exhausted by the time the two parties have ended because I had to type for an hour for each sorority. I was now thinking:



- Why did I put myself through this?

- I should win an assistive technology award just for this weekend alone.

- It'll be worth it in the end



Saturday night: I am mentally preparing myself not to get into one certain sorority (the sorority I preferred) but to my surprise, I got invited back to that sorority and not the other one. Trust me, it was absolutely shocking!



Sunday Morning: I had the privilege of witnessing an extremely sacred ritual which was actually quite emotional for the women of this sorority.



12:00: I placed my bid.



2:00: I got a phone call saying that my bid was not matched. I was so upset, sad and crying.



I called Mom crying and she was sorry my heart was broken. I called Priscilla, my aide to tell her that she didn't have to come at 3:00 because I didn't have anywhere to go at 3:00 because I wasn't in a sorority. Instead, I just started crying. She came running over to comfort me.



I thought about it. She was in her pajamas and came to comfort me. That is what a sister would do. I have so many girls including Priscilla and all my new assistants: Kim, Jessica, Ashley, Cassie, Stacy, and Lindsey that would and have put down everything to come help me and I would do the same. They are loyal, kind and keep me laughing. I cannot thank them enough for all that they do. Kim is very dependable and trustworthy. Jessica is always there when I cry (she always gets the tears, don't know why). Ashley is a wonderful, funny and true friend. Priscilla is always there no matter what. Cassie is easygoing and always up for anything including a field trip with only two days notice. Stacy can laugh in the face of mishaps which is always a quality I admire. Finally, Lindsey is this outgoing and fun young woman who makes me laugh. All the ladies that help me have many beautiful qualities but I would have to write a whole other blog to brag about them fully. And, the wonderful thing is, I have these types of sisters at home and at Camp Courage. I even have these types of brothers.



I cannot publish this blog yet without mentioning one other name. Genevieve. Genevieve sees me as a big sister without any judgment or small talk. We will always be sisters and I will love you forever. That is a lifelong promise. This post is dedicated to you, Genevieve!



I did hesitate to write this post but there are going to be adventures that won't turn out in my favor and that's simply life!



Love,

Hannah!



P.S. David...you'll get your own post also! Don't worry!



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DISCLAIMER: I do not resent the sororities for their decision or the college. This blog is simply a way of communicating with family and friends from home.
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READER'S REMINDER: If you want to be part of an upcoming posting, please remember to jot down ELEVEN things you are grateful for. See previous post for details.
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