Just Keep Swimming

MIHEC Student Profile: Roman Schibel

I know myself very well. I knew that I wouldn't do well going into college immediately after high school because I still needed a lot of reminders about doing basic tasks. And besides, at 18, my brain is still developing, and I’m not ready to declare what I want to do for the rest of my life. Going to high school during COVID may have something to do with how I feel about that, but I knew I wasn’t ready, so this year, I’m doing a transition program in St. Paul. I’m working on practical things like learning the public transportation system and how to fill out job applications.

I’m a creative person and have a lot of interests, including advocacy around things like disability justice and fighting antisemitism and bigotry in general. Creative writing and sewing are also things I like to do.

My mom always says I didn’t cry when I was born. She thinks it’s because I knew everything was going to be OK. I like that. I was born premature and still have chronic pain, and I’m autistic, so I’ve been to a lot of doctors. Now, I’m an advocate of having doctors who understand you better, like all kids should have. I just like looking out for the little guy.

Also, I’m just pretty good at talking with people. My family says I make friends easily. It’s really just that I hate silence. It’s the reason I talk all the time. Like when New Yorkers go to a different place and can’t sleep with quiet, I’m the same way.

When I think about all the people at college, all the homework, having to feed yourself and take care of yourself, and being away from home, all those things are not great for me. I need some options that are close to home.

I’ve been thinking about someday becoming a child life specialist because it makes me happy to make people happy. Child life specialists are the people who help kids before surgeries to not be scared. I’ve met so many of these people and I know how that feels, so maybe in the future that is something for me.

To be honest, all of this planning and talking about future careers is hard for me. To be this young and have disabilities and have to get a job and navigate it all, it’s really hard. But I also know so many people who have wonderful jobs and also have disabilities. So, I have this little mantra I always say to myself from Finding Nemo, the “Just keep swimming” line. I’m not giving up.