Inspirations
Dr. Temple Grandin
To me, Dr. Temple Grandin has always been one of the most inspirational advocates. Dr. Temple Grandin provides us with insightful first had accounts of her every day strengths and areas of need. I had the privilege of attending a presentation by Temple Grandin aimed for parents and educators. During the talk there were many things that stood out to me. Her constant emphasis on providing independence and the ability for individuals to gain ownership of an area or skill they are successful at resonated with me. Her quote, "The world needs different kinds of minds to work together," is a value I believe should be instilled in every school, workplace, and community. During many of her talks and interviews she reiterates the idea that a disability is not a deficit, but simple a difference. One of her famous quotes is "Different not less." This quote has been a constant in my life as I have journeyed into the field of education. Her quote can be true of many characteristics of the student I interact with. I believe this is a fundamental truth that all people should understand and believe. Dr. Temple Grandin has always been an advocate I admire for her passion, vulnerability, and ability to provide so many different individuals insight needed to come together as an inclusive society.
Rachel M. Fenning, Ph.D. and Jason K. Baker, Ph.D.
Co-Directors, Center for Autism
During my time at California State University I had the honor of being a student and research assistant of both Dr. Fenning and Dr. Baker. Dr. Baker and Dr. Fenning were able to give me the most amazing college experience and helped me develop as a student and professional. In each of their classes I was engaged by their passion and knowledge of assessment, methodology in child development, and developmental and behavioral disorders. As a student in high school, I always felt I didn't have a true talent. I wasn't an athlete. I didn't have a "cool" hobby. I didn't win competitions. However, I knew academics was the area where I felt successful, but I did not view it as something to be proud of. In each of their courses, they challenged me to transform the way I viewed my strengths. Through their encouragement I began to view my academic accomplishments as something to be proud of and to use to further myself towards my goals. Although intimidated by their expertise, my interest in their field grew and I joined their research lab. During my time as a research assistant, I was introduced to various areas of child development including in social-emotional development, social cognition, emotion regulation, and parent-child interaction. With their guidance, I was able to complete my first research poster and present at the Annual CSUF Autism Conference. Their guidance helped my recognize my interest in social skills and social cognition. Over the three years I had the pleasure of having them as my professors, they were able to provide me with the most invaluable insight on the idea of ability. From them I learned that individuals regardless of ability levels are more alike than different. They provided me with my first lesson on person-first language and were exemplary models for using inclusive language. They taught me how to become an advocate for individuals with different abilities. As I embark on my journey as an educator, I look back on my experiences working with both of these incredible educators and there are many lesson I will take with me. I hope to find ways to celebrate student's achievements even when they don't recognize it themselves. I hope to think critically about the level of social cognition needed to interact in a classroom and how to best equip students with the skills needed to be successful in those interaction. I also hope to inspire my students to find an area that interests them so much they want to not only ask but research their questions. Together they helped shaped my teaching philosophy and my perception of “ability”. They were constant supporters of my inquisitive nature and interest in the field of child development. They challenged me academically, but they also challenged me to adapt how I perceive my interactions with individuals with and without disabilities. By constantly sharing their passion, they were able to help foster mine. I truly aspire to have the qualities they possess in the areas of education, advocacy, and research.