Brookhaven Courier

Issue date: 4/30/07 Section: Opinion

Enrolling at Brookhaven College was a major challenge for me. I was out of school for five years and been diagnosed with a mental illness that caused me to have learning disabilities that made me doubt my ability to succeed.

I suffered anxiety attacks because I feared being in a place with so many strangers. In my mind, I was a loser who had nothing to do in college but make a fool out of myself for even trying.

As graduation approaches, I realize I am not only well-prepared academically but I have also been transformed into a more secure and independent person thanks to the help and support of the wonderful people who work at this college.

To me, teachers are as valuable as our parents because they give us the education we need to do well in life. I am proud to say Brookhaven gave me the best "parents" I could have ever hoped for.

Without the help of my teachers, I would not have succeeded. Most of them were patient and encouraging, but most importantly, they taught me lessons that are beyond any course curriculum. By witnessing their joy of teaching, I learned that regardless of economic profit, people are successful when they truly enjoy what they do for a living.

Professors such as Ray Attner, Stephen Link, Ladan Scott, Inske Zanvliet and Nancy Barlow were valuable to my success. Their dedication and professionalism, as well as their character have given me the opportunity to grow as a person.

Wherever I go, I will try to follow in their footsteps.

Another stepping stone in my educational success was the office of disability services and all the people who work there. Most people don't realize how valuable this office is for students who need special accommodations.

Besides performing their job with excellent professionalism, they give moral support and stay by our side whenever we stumble. They were always willing to work extra hard and go out of their way to make sure we obtained what we needed.

Regardless of my struggle, the soothing words of Arlene Pike or the happy smile of Vince Waggonner were always enough to comfort me.

My biggest success during my time at Brookhaven was conquering my fear of people. It would not have been possible without the support of the Brookhaven Courier's adviser Larie Engles. Since the day I walked into her office and asked if it was possible for me to be a journalist and not be around people, she supported me. I laugh about that silly question now, but back then I was serious.

I knew I liked writing but I had little confidence. I was terrified because I thought I would never fit in. Yet Larie spent countless hours talking to me and helping me become a confident journalist.

Thanks to her invaluable advice, I feel comfortable about approaching strangers and talking to them, something that has improved my life in many ways. She helped me discover my potential and polish it throughout the four semesters I spent with her. I am grateful for having crossed paths with such a wonderful human being.

Now that I am getting ready to transfer to a university, I feel as if I'm going on a new adventure in a new city. I'll meet many new people, but this time I'm not scared. I know I will succeed because of the foundation I received at Brookhaven. -30-

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