An Independent Woman

Several months ago, I received an email from Mrs. Harvey that gets my award for “Susan’s Favorite Email of All Time.”

She had sent an email to one of our 2012 graduates, Melissa, and asked her to drop off a DVD. Melissa’s response had me grinning from ear to ear for the entire day:

“Hi Mrs. Harvey. Thanks for the email. I'm busy this week, so I wouldn't be able to come down there. Can we try for next week since I'm an independent woman now and trying to get things done.”

Even though Mrs. Harvey wanted that DVD, Melissa’s email was the best news we could have heard. Melissa was too busy to visit the college. She was an independent woman now. She was getting things done. Could a college for people with intellectual disabilities hear any sweeter words from their alumni?

Melissa wrote to us last week and her message will be our blog for today:

Hi. I just moved out from my parents and away from my roommate for a great new job in Pennsylvania. I will be working at the Busted Bean in PA. I found out about this job from my brother who is good friends with the guy who owns the place. I got this job by interning for the month of December and enjoyed working there.

Melissa cleaning up the kitchen at Busted Bean.

Melissa assisting with the making and delivering of the catering trays for Busted Bean.

One step I took to make this decision is to question my faith in God and how He works in my life. I was deeply moved by my roommate’s mother who told me to have God in my life everywhere I go.

I had other reasons to do this move - because my brother is a dad. My sister-in-law had a baby and I get to help her out.  

I’m so grateful to move even though I left friends and family, but it doesn’t mean I won’t see them again. I will always be around for them.

Traveling on my own is a little hard, but God is with me everywhere I go, and that is a good thing. I have traveled with my parents and now on my own.

In 5 years I would like to be on my own and out into the community. I would like to live in an apartment. I would like to live with a roommate who would be able to help me with things. I would like to be working 5 to 6 hours a day at my job. I would like to attend church. I used to live in PA, so I’m hoping to go to my old church called Zion Lutheran church. The church people are very nice. I have a friend - a boss - that goes to the same church as me. I would love to make new friends, because I’m a friendly person, and I meet friends everywhere I go. Friends are important because they help you and are willing to make things work. Good friends don’t leave each other. They stick by you no matter what. I can be more independent by showing my brother that I can do my own laundry, do the dishes, help with making supper and, more importantly, I can show my parents and my brother that I can take good care of myself.

I encourage all who would love to be independent to live up their dream.

God’s blessings,

Melissa

 
Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.edu.

Life's Accomplishments

Accomplishments are always something to be celebrated at Shepherds College. It doesn't matter how big or small the accomplishment is; Shepherds College believes every tiny step forward in life is a major achievement.

Graduation is definitely one of those big accomplishments.

Shepherds College celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2012 on Saturday, June 9. Friends, family, students, residents, and staff all gathered to honor the seven graduates.

Before they could graduate, the students had to get ready. The few hours before the afternoon ceremony were filled with fussing, primping, and prepping. Gowns needed to be wrinkle-free. Hats had to be pinned on straight. Tassels needed to be in the right place. The students were looking very nice.

Once the students were ready, there was some time to wind down and relax before the ceremony. Laughs and a few more memories were shared before the class headed to their graduation.

Prior to the ceremony, the audience was able to view a PowerPoint presentation which featured pictures of the graduates and faculty from the last three years. It was a beautiful way to honor the students and show their personalities, both professionally and personally.

At 1:00 p.m., commencement began with a flag processional. Seven flags were featured in the processional, including the American flag, the Christian flag, and a flag representing each state or country a graduate is from. The flag bearers also symbolized different areas of Shepherds Ministries, including a resident from Shepherds and an alum from the first graduating class of Shepherds College. It was an exciting and meaningful portion of the ceremony.

Shepherds College students and faculty followed the processional. I wonder if the first and second year students were imagining what it will be like to walk down the aisle on their graduation day.

Then, it was time for the Class of 2012 to make their debut. Their silver caps and gowns shone as they walked slowly toward the front of the gymnasium. Despite the nerves and excitement, the graduates looked confident and poised. It was a moment that everyone in the audience will remember.

After the welcome, opening prayer, and congregational song, graduate Brett read a scripture passage chosen by the graduating class. The class chose Proverbs 3:1-6. Brett read these verses that encouraged the students to follow the right path in their life.

Residential Life Staff Daniel Gaschke directed the Shepherds College Student Choir as they recited Bible verses and sang a song. The song was fun and energetic with a spiritual foundation, and it was easy to see that the students enjoyed singing it. The words encouraged the graduates to become more and more like Jesus every day.

Melissa was chosen to represent the Class of 2012 by presenting a speech. She thanked her teachers, family, friends, and internship supervisor. She shared the things she had learned at Shepherds College and explained how her life had changed during her time at Shepherds. Melissa truly had a life-changing experience at Shepherds College when she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior.

"I learned to control my emotions, I learned to work as a team, and I learned in Bible class that God has a plan for me," Melissa said.

She concluded her speech with a challenge to her classmates.

"I encourage you to remember that God is always with you. Keep following God's plan for your life, even when it seems difficult," Melissa said.

Dr. Jim Pierson, Adjunct Professor of Special Education at Johnson University, delivered the commencement address. He used the class' selected scripture passage as the basis for his message. Pierson used personal stories to encourage the students to stay on the right path, maintain good reputations, trust in the Lord, and hide God's Word in their hearts.

"All of you have decided that you're going to honor God with your lives, and there is nothing more important than that," Pierson said.

He also presented the graduates with a special gift to remember this day. He gave them a wooden heart to remind them to always put God first in their lives.

Then, the moment that everyone had been waiting for arrived. As Angela Houk, the Dean of Shepherds College, read the student's names, they stepped onto the platform and received their certificates of completion from Executive Director of Shepherds College Tracy Terrill and President of Shepherds Ministries Dr. Bill Amstutz. The smiles on the students' faces easily revealed what they were feeling.

The Class of 2012 turned to face the crowd - this crowd of people who has cheered them on, helped them along, or prayed for them during their journey. It was a moment of accomplishment for everyone in the room. Terrill instructed the students to turn their tassels, and seven new graduates joined the Shepherds College alumni.

As the audience applauded, the graduates made their way back down the aisle and out the door. Friends, family, students, and staff gathered outside the Bolthouse Center to congratulate the Class of 2012. It was a time for hugs, laughter, smiles, maybe a few tears, and lots and lots of pictures.

Congratulations to the Class of 2012! You made goals, you worked hard, and you didn't give up. You have reached a wonderful achievement, and Shepherds College feels blessed to have seen you learn and grow. We will miss you, but we know that God has great things planned for your life. Remember to follow Him in all that you do because following after God is the only thing that brings you real success.

Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.org.