College Feels Like the Next Step

Matthew.

I’ve been finishing a transition program in Minnetonka and enjoying activities that help me relax, like playing Special Olympics pond hockey, swimming, and staying active. Outside of school, I like getting out into the community. My Community Resource class has been one of my favorites because we go to restaurants, stores, bowling, Dave & Buster’s, and even an animal rescue. I like exploring new places and playing arcade games.

When I think about college, I feel excited about living more independently. I am planning to start the UREACH program in Iowa. I am really looking forward to trying out the wellness and recreation center, especially the lazy river and the pool. My mom first talked with me about college, and seeing my older siblings go made me want that experience too. I want the same opportunities they had.

I’m excited to pick out my own classes. I’ve always liked science, especially chemistry, which I took in high school. I’m still figuring out what kind of job I want someday. Automotive work interests me because I took a class and enjoyed it, and I’m also curious about medical careers. I’ve worked at Bean Haven Café, Walgreens, and with Tree Trust, and I’ve realized I prefer working indoors and in a store setting.

What makes me most excited about being a college student is the independence: having a roommate, living away from home, making new friends, and taking classes. I like the idea of more freedom. The only thing I am a little nervous about is leaving my video game system at home. But I feel ready, especially with orientation coming up in July.

I hope college helps me build the life I want. Someday, that could include living in an apartment, maybe having a cat, maybe a girlfriend, and eventually getting married. I would like to work with friends and have more choices about my future. I’m an identical twin, so I’m also hoping for my own space and a chance to grow on my own. One thing I really want is to have game nights playing Nintendo and spending time with new friends.

College feels like the next step toward the life I’m imagining: more independence, meaningful work, good friends, and the freedom to make my own choices.