Dream Come True!

I have a disability. Until high school, I was in Special Education. In special education, I felt very isolated and sheltered from the realities of life as a typical student. Someone was paid taxpayer dollars to anticipate my every breath and cater to my each and every need. Although I was completely mainstreamed for my courses, I was very unhappy in school. I wanted to leave special education. I dreamt of attending my neighborhood high school.

My mom has supported and encouraged me for my entire life. She has always believed in my ability to be successful. In the Spring of my eighth grade year, I made an appointment to meet with Dr. Masci, the principal of my neighborhood high school. We talked about how I wanted to attend high school closer to home and be with my neighborhood friends. During my appointment, I assured Dr. Masci of two important things. Not only could I be successful, but I could also make a unique and lasting contribution to the school and student body! By the end of our meeting, Dr. Masci was in agreement. He was terrific and fully supportive of my dream to attend my neighborhood high school.

Throughout the summer, I attended several required meetings about my requested transfer. After what seemed like an eternity, my transfer request was finally approved! That Fall, I entered my neighborhood high school with my friends as we excitedly began our freshman year! I was the first student with a severe disability in the history of our county that received the highest level of special education services and transfer successfully into their neighborhood high school.

Dr. Masci and the entire Walter Johnson High School staff were wonderfully supportive and encouraging of me. As a matter of fact, they did everything possible to accommodate my needs and ensure my success. My peers took notes for me in class and an assistant was provided for my personal care needs. Not only was Dr. Masci's support and encouragement of my transfer the nicest thing someone has ever done, it also changed my life!

As a result of attending my neighborhood high school, I am now more confident. I also advocate for my needs and wants much well. My ability to independently solve problems and overcome setbacks in my everyday life has improved too. Not only was Dr. Masci's support and encouragement of my transfer the nicest thing someone has ever done, I believe that transferring to Walter Johnson was a life-changing experience for me. My transfer has enabled me to develop into the confident, successful, and independent woman that I am today!