After beginning classes at Greenfield Community College last month, I decided it wasn’t a good fit. My classes weren’t engaging, and I was uninterested. I didn’t enjoy reading The Cat In The Hat as a homework assignment.
After withdrawing from college, I enrolled in a Google Career Certificate program. I have learned a variety of different skills. I chose the digital marketing and e-commerce certificate. I have completed various projects using software such as Mailchimp and Canva. The certificate program is flexible, and I enjoy learning at my own pace.
The course is also accessible to me. The reading material can be highlighted so I can reference it later. The videos include captions and can be replayed. I don’t have to rely on note-takers because of the built-in note-taking features within the platform. I no longer have to deal with the disability services office as well. I have also read other books in addition to the coursework, thanks to Bookshare.
After completing this course, I plan to take an Introduction to Personal Branding course offered remotely by the University of Virginia. I am excited to see what I learn next on this journey. I have a passion for learning again. I haven’t felt this way for a while. I forgot what excitement felt like for a long time.
Traditional higher education didn’t work well for me. Unfortunately, this is the case for many disabled people. In 2019, Christine Marshall, a University of California, Santa Cruz student who is deaf, created the hashtag #WhyDisabledPeopleDropout. Many people shared stories of the barriers they faced in college.
Cerebral Palsy has taught me to be creative when achieving my goals. Remote learning has allowed me to continue my education, albeit in a nontraditional format. Technology opens so many doors for disabled people like me.
Source:
Sadeque, Samira. “#WhyDisabledPeopleDropout Explores the Challenges of Being a Disabled Student.” The Daily Dot, The Daily Dot, 20 May 2021, https://www.dailydot.com/irl/why-disabled-people-drop-out/.
I am thrilled to hear that the certificate program is engaging and accessible. Sounds like you are learning bery marketable skills.