Scholarship Essay Entry – Trista L.

I have always been interested in helping others in anyway possible, in particular people with special needs. In 2005 I graduated from Medicine Hat College as an Intervenor for Deaf-Blind Persons. After graduating I worked with people who were deafblind with CNIB both in Calgary and Edmonton. During my time with CNIB I worked with several individuals to encourage independence and confidence within their homes, families, friends, and communities. This job was incredibly rewarding and from the moment I began school and work in this field I was a huge advocate for the independence and well being for all people who are affected with disabilities.

In 2008 I took a job with the local school district to work as an education assistant with children who were affected by various special needs including Down syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This job helped me decide to go back to school and get my Bachelor of Education with a minor in special education. I can not see a better way to get involved with students who have special needs and I am so excited to have the opportunity to work with these students and make a positive impact on their lives. I love working hands on with all children and want be involved in their learning as much as humanly possible. I plan to act as an advocate for these students to ensure that they receive all of the attention, assistance, resources and funding that they need to support their learning and development. I want to play an active role in these students' lives and to lend a hand in helping them achieve, both academically and personally, so that they can grow up to be active, healthy and happy members of our society.