DO-IT Scholars Speak for Themselves

Sheryl Burgstahler, Ph.D.

At the end of Summer Study, I asked Phase I Scholars what they learned. Here are some of their responses:

  • Professors are a lot nicer than people say or than I thought.
  • You can go to a professor beforehand and ask for accommodations, and they prefer this.
  • It is important to be on time.
  • Time management is really important.
  • I learned a lot and had fun riding a bike.
  • I learned to get along with a roommate.
  • Even though we have different disabilities, we often share common experiences and can learn from each other.
  • I learned there are many different options in the field of engineering.
  • I learned to take advantage of every opportunity.
  • It is really important to make a lot of contacts, because you never know what you could learn from someone, and these are great opportunities.
  • You have to be brave sometimes.
  • We are all different and unique, and it is important not to define people by how they look or what their disability is.
  • I learned I am not the only person with this disability and that other people are struggling with the same thing.
  • You have to have written documentation about your disability to get accommodations in college.
  • I made new friends.
  • I learned to be more open and willing to share about my disability; I don't have to be shy about it.
  • You should have your college application in early.
  • I learned that I have to take responsibility for myself.
  • Life at college is way different than high school.
  • I learned that it is important to lead sometimes and follow sometimes.