Taking Notes On Life
Written By Everett Mckee
"Taking the DIS out of Disability" a slogan featured online by the Drake University Disability services. Photo found on their website at http://www.drake.edu/acadassist/disabilityservices/
Ever wonder about that person who comes into your class and simply takes part in taking notes and then leaves? You know they’re not in the class but, they are present quite frequently. Well after a long conversation you would be surprised to know the level of commitment these students have to helping others. One student in particular who is attending the University of Hawaii At Hilo has indulged herself in the Aloha spirit. Travelling all the way from New Mexico State University, the UH Hilo Sophomore has joined the Student Disabilities Services to continue her work of touching the lives of those who have also touched her.
The mission of UH Hilo Disability Services as stated in their website, is to promote, “a learning environment free of illegal discrimination. No qualified student, on the basis of a disability, shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity. The Disability Services office provides leadership and support towards achieving a comprehensive and institution wide program as it guides, directs, assists and monitors the administration, faculty, and staff to ensure fair and equal treatment of all students with disabilities”.
Graysen Christopher, a sophomore majoring in english who is an exchange student, has continually sought to aid individuals with disabilities both in the community as well as on campus. As an active volunteer in programs such as the special olympics as well as a school for the blind Graysen has definitely learned through experience. “It’s made me be able to see things from other peoples perspectives and be more understanding towards others” stated Christopher.
As a student note taker which falls under the Student Disabilities Services, Christopher has been taking the opportunity to learn from not only the classes that she sits in on, but the people she interacts with. “I wanted a job where I knew I was helping people. I think it’s important because students with disabilities don't let their complications hinder their education. Its really something to admire” Christopher stated.
Graysen Christopher, is photographed doing some of her volunteer work. The UH Hilo Sophomore is featured on the far right. Photo provided by Graysen Christopher.
The Student Disabilities Services, commonly known as SDS, accommodates any student with ay type of disability that would hinder their education. Christopher stated, “I think that a lot of people are too embarrassed to use the support resources available to them”. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 10% of students who enroll in college have some form of disability. However, as the policy goes for UH Hilo, 100% of those students have support options available to aid them in furthering their education.
As a double major in english and journalism, Christopher is planning to get into publishing childrens literature. One message she states that she has learned during her time working with disadvantaged individuals is, “I just meet so many people that have had a lot of difficulties throughout their lives and they never look at it as a bad thing but rather a challenge and a learning experience”. This is an important message that she not only wants to spread to children but a value everyone should have in their lives. There are always hardships at whatever stage of life a person may be at. However, learning to persevere through even the most difficult of times can be the utmost prosperous and rewarding feeling. Planting the seed of optimism in the youth allow for generations to come a optimistic approach to the journey of life itself.
If you would like to talk with a student assistant, or network with other students with disabilities, feel free to email Disability Services at uds@hawaii.edu and your request will be forwarded to students who will be more than happy to answer your questions. For any general information regarding UH Hilo Disability Services you may visit their webpage at, http://hilo.hawaii.edu/studentaffairs/uds/
Additional Information from the National Center for Education Statistics:
