Erin

My name is Erin Thompson and my dream was to graduate from college, walking with all the other students.  I lived my dream!  I graduated from George Mason University’s Mason LIFE Program in Fairfax, Virginia just two weeks ago.

Going to college was very important to me, the college experience as well as learning.  At first my college experience did not feel like or look like the experience my brother was having….The LIFE Program had separate classes, we did everything together and we did not get to have the “dorm life experience.”  I advocated having the opportunity to experience college life like the students who do not have disabilities—and in my sophomore year I took my first “regular education” course in public speaking.  I was also given the opportunity to intern and work at the George Mason University newspaper The Broadside to support my interest in journalism.

One of my favorite parts of college was living on campus in the dorms!  I really enjoyed having a chance to live away from home, with people my age.  I had more responsibility, like making sure I got to class on time, getting to bed on time, and all that…but it wasn’t any different from any other college student!

I always worked, regardless of where I received my education, in segregated or mainstream classes—thinking that I was going to go to college—and my parents supported that belief.  I am the oldest of three children and I liked the fact that my brothers could look up to me as a role model.

Now that I have graduated I have a new dream.  I want to find a job that will give me a career that I can be very happy about.  I want to live independently away from parents in my own apartment or house.  I need to make enough money to move away. Now I am in a transition looking for a job and career.  With the help of my job coach I am working on my resume, looking at job listings, job applications and networking with people to find the best job possible.  I am hoping that I can find the best job possible so that I can have a career and reach my dream of having an independent life.