Meet UCCS OIS student, Maggie! A junior from Denver, Maggie is studying Human Services, because she wants to "advocate for people and animals with disabilities." Maggie has already started her journey as an advocate by training first responders in Utah how to best support people with disabilities. This work helps them "be aware that people [with disabilities] would probably react differently than regular people would." She hopes to continue this work in a greater capacity after she graduates!
On campus, Maggie works as a Clyde's Guide, a co-campus tour guide for prospective students. Maggie says the best part of college is "being able to hang out with friends" and peer mentors. She also appreciates the relationships she has built with OIS staff, so she can discuss any concerns "without even being nervous."
Going to college has meant that Maggie gets the "supports and opportunities to be independent." In addition to living in an apartment with 3 roommates, Maggie practices independence by working with peer mentors to budget her money at the grocery store and stay on track with her assignments.
Maggie stresses how grateful she is for her peer mentors, who are always around to provide help when she needs it. Sometimes, peer mentors go to class with Maggie to help her "understand what [she's] learning." Maggie says, "the peers mentors at my college are especially trained to work with me and other people with disabilities. We work hard together to finish homework assignments, because doing homework on your own is not the best idea!" Peer mentors also support Maggie socially by going to events or even talking a walk around campus together.
Since freshman year, Maggie has become "more stronger" and self-assured, and she says this is a change other people notice. In reflecting on her journey to get where she is, Maggie has the following advice for high school students: "Talk to your teachers about college and also [make] sure that they are very alert about different types of college programs. Talk to your parents, because even though college is not for everybody, college is still available!" She adds that it's important to know what to expect in college: "college is good, and it's stressful sometimes, especially when you are packed with homework!"
For more of this inspiring story, watch a video of Maggie sharing about her time as a college student.
