Between Spectrums

Not a Fool in School

Have you ever at some point had a tough time at school? Socially or academically? A few years ago that was the case for Kevin Sergeant. When he was still in elementary school he was antisocial, unhappy, and not doing well at school. People weren't sure that he can go to college or find a job. He would have his hood up, be rude, and have fits of anger, cause he didn't understand people. It wasn't till six years later that his life started to make changes for the better. He was more sociable, more of a good student, and he worked as an intern at the IT department at the Parks and People Foundation. It was there that he started to get into computers. He later chose to do information technology and prepared for it. Learning about computers was easy for Kevin but it was learning to accept directions, working with other people, being on time, and dressing appropriately that was tough for him. But even with his struggles he was a hard worker and was happy doing so. How was this possible? It was from the help he got from his parents, teachers, and programs that helped with the autistic.

Of course that was when Kevin was in high school. I, on the other hand, am at college. It's not as easy as you think. In college you're expected to remind yourself of the due dates of assignments, projects, and papers. You have to work hard if you want the degree that you're going for. For me, I don't need to go to college to be a writer but I choose to because I believe having an education is important and I can't slack off like last time. I'm planning to be better as a student by doing the following things and hopefully as I list them, it can help a bit.

Schedule - Sometimes people with autism need a schedule so they can have a better focus and something to do for a amount of time. I did have a schedule before but I filled it out with the hours of classes of school and had plenty of free time. So I decide to make my schedule more fill out with the things I need to do, not only for school but other things as well. So before you, or someone you know with autism, can sit down and go over a schedule and see what you need to put down so you can fill out the time. 

Tutors - Subjects can be easy for one and hard for the other. If anytime a subject gets tough, Then it's best that you ask where you can find a tutor to help you. You may have to set appointment to do so when you go to college but it can be worth it. Tutors are there to help whenever you need help.

Counselors - When you find a degree that you want to go for, there is a counselor who is there to help with class choices and how many credits you need to graduate. 

Disability Center - If it gets to hard for you to take tests or understanding the subject, then you can go to the disability center and see if you apply for it. Now it's not a sign of weakness if you go there nor does it make you disabled. Just means that you need help and asking for help is okay. Some people who go there don't even have autism or any disability. They go there so they can get the help they need in some way or another.

Just like how Kevin got the help he needs, there are many ways and people who can help you. If you feel that you can do this without help that's fine just don't be a fool in school by slacking off and expecting good grades to be hand delivered to you on a silver platter. And if it gets to a point where you need help, allow yourself to ask and it can get easier.  

Thank for your time

Tay Gallagher