Disability Services & Academic Support with Rebekkah

Transcript

Meet Rebekkah, a junior from Newton, Massachusetts, majoring in early childhood education at UMass Boston. Beyond academics, Rebekkah’s story highlights the importance of self-advocacy as a student with autism. Her story showcases UMass Boston’s dedication to empowering students of all abilities. Take it away, Rebekkah.

– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. I knew I wanted to be a preschool teacher when I was in high school. I chose UMass Boston because of its top education programs. I love my classes and professors, and I think I made the right choice. Students here are known as Beacons. I’m really proud to be a Beacon. I was diagnosed with severe autism when I was a child, so academic work will be very challenging for me. Luckily, UMass Boston has some special and important offerings. One of the resources UMass Boston offers is its disability services called the Ross Center. The staff did a phenomenal job of accommodating me and giving me the necessary tools to help me access the academic curriculum. Some of the accommodations I utilize are taking exams in quiet spaces, recording class sessions for note taking and going to weekly academic coaching. I think these tools benefit special needs students like me. We even have a campus therapy dog named Beacon. UMass Boston has a ton of resources to help students like me get tutoring, help with financial aid and schedule appointments. The tutors in the writing center and subject tutoring are very professional and knowledgeable with the subjects, and they’re always accommodating and friendly. I’m also learning a lot in my major. In the early childhood education program, I’ve learned how to develop a lesson plan and set up a classroom that invites young children with diverse learning needs. I am very fortunate to experience my collegiate years at UMass Boston and I hope to see you on campus. This is Rebekkah Tunik signing off. Thank you, Alex, and let’s go Beacons.

– Rebekkah, your story shows that learning has no boundaries when you’re determined and in a supportive environment. UMass Boston’s Ross Center for Disability Services has played a big role in Rebekkah’s academic journey, providing accommodations tailored to her needs. As a Beacon, she embodies the university spirit of perseverance and community. Thanks again, Rebekkah.