Closing Comments from Juan

I really feel like I'm starting to get somewhere. I know I have a long road ahead of me, but I think I'll be all right. I've got a lot of courses still to take, but now that I'm getting to know some of the people in my classes it's not so bad. I've met several people who are interested in social work -type stuff, so I can talk to them about what classes to take.

It's definitely not easy. I've got a long way to go on this degree. And sometimes I think about the things I can't do, but then I realize all the things I can do. I still travel, I date, I work and I can go to school. If I hadn't had my accident, I bet I wouldn't be in college right now. It may seem strange to say, but I really feel that I've been given a second chance in life.

I feel blessed to have received so many supports. I really appreciate what Voc. Rehab. has done for me. Jack encouraged me when I decided I wanted to go back to school. He stuck with me when I was having trouble with the GED. And he help realize that I could take some time and work for a while at the Independent Living Center and then come back to VR later if I needed. That was really great. I would never have thought to ask for that. I feel like I accomplished something by working for a little while, although it also helped me realize that I really needed that degree if I am going to get a long-term job in this field. I've always wanted to be a juvenile case worker and I'm finally moving in that direction.

I'm not the type of person that likes to rely on other people for things. So I don't want to worry about needing assistance from agencies like voc rehab in the future. Once I'm done, I may need them again from time to time, but I really look forward to finishing and getting a job that might help pay for my future classes. That will be great. I am really just enjoying going to college and working toward my dream.

End of Juan's Story

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