'96 Ambassadors

Group photo of 1996 DO-IT Scholars
 

DO-IT Ambassadors are pursuing postsecondary studies and careers. They share their experiences with the younger DO-IT Scholars and Pals, encouraging them to pursue their goals in college and careers.

Image of David
David, '96 Scholar

My name is David. All my friends call me Trek. I am a college student at Eastern Washington University, majoring in microbiology. In what little free time I have I like to sleep, watch TV, play on my computer, and hang out with friends in the dorm. I hope to one day get a Ph.D. in bacteriology or virology and teach at the college. I was an Intern at Summer Study '99.

Image of Cheri
Cheri, '96 Scholar

Hey there. My name is Cheri and I am from Iowa. I am a paraplegic as a result of a farm accident when I was one. I am very active in wheelchair track and I attend the University of Arizona to race and major in molecular and cellular biology. My goal is to someday be a physician who works with disabled children. I was an Intern at Summer Study '99.

Image of Dan
Daniel, '96 Scholar

My name is Daniel. I live in Connecticut. In 1990, I was in a bicycle accident in which I hit my head. My head was X-rayed and a brain tumor was found. After an operation to remove the tumor, I could do absolutely nothing. Now I can do almost anything that other kids can do, except that my balance is a little bit off. I love computers. I taught myself programming when I was ten and I like making programs in Visual Basic. I am now a senior at Eastern Connecticut State University where I am majoring in computer science. Someday I hope to get a job as a computer programming.

Image of Lucas
Lucas, '96 Scholar

My name is Lucas and I am in my fourth year at Western Oregon University. I am majoring in public policy and administration. I am currently working for the Oregon Department of Justice and Benton County Sheriff's Office. I am hoping that once I graduate, I can go into the Peace Corps for a couple of years. The DO-IT program has been a foundation of growth for me and I am deeply indebted to the program for the priceless opportunities it has offered to me.

Image of Maria
Maria, '96 Scholar

My name is Maria. I'm from Maine. I am deaf, profoundly deaf. I will be in my second year at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, in Rochester, New York. I like to play softball and volleyball and to read Harlequin romance books and mysteries. My interests are in mathematics and science and I want to be a veterinarian, doctor, or marine biologist. Even though I am deaf, I must believe that I can do it and try it.

Image of Michael
Michael, '96 Scholar

My name is Mike. I am from Maine. I attend Pacific Lutheran University. I love computers, music, sports, and anything else fun! I have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), which can result in problems in school. Most of my teachers are understanding enough for me to still do well. However, if it weren't for computers, I would not be half as far along as I am now. I was an Intern in Summer Study '99.

Image of Rebecca
Rebecca, '96 Scholar

My name is Rebecca. I was born in San Diego, CA and I am a sophomore at San Diego State. I am working toward a major in political science and a minor in journalism. I've had Cerebral Palsy since birth; it affects my limb motion, hearing, and eyesight. My hobbies include hanging out with my friends, listening to music, writing lyrics, and reading.

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Anh, '96 Scholar

My name is Anh. I attend the University of California at Berkeley. I am pursuing a double major in international business and economics. I am considering pursuing an MBA some time in the future. I have Larsen Syndrome, which affects the joints in my body. I use an electric wheelchair.

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Travis, '96 Scholar

My name is Travis and I am blind. I was an Intern in the summer of 1998 with DO-IT. In the summers of 1999 and 2000, I worked as a computer consultant intern for the state of Nebraska. This summer, I have been freelance programming. You can see one of my biggest projects at www.WebSpeakster.com. This fall, I will be a junior at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. I am considering a double-major in computer science and mathematics.

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James, '96 Scholar

I'm James. My disability is Cerebral Palsy, which was caused by a medical accident when I was two months old. I have a sister, Tiffani, and a brother, Aaron. I graduated from Poquoson High School. I am considering attending the University of Pittsburgh. I hope to open a business, like a restaurant. My interests are football, television, and mathematics.

Image of Dana
Dana, '96 Scholar

I am Dana from Massachusetts. I like to cruise the 'Net, play soccer, swim, play volleyball, and play my bass. I will be a sophomore this fall at Landmark College in Vermont. I want to do something with computers and graphic design as a career. I have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and LD (learning disability), which makes it hard for me to write and understand certain things. My best subjects are science, math, and history. My worst subject is English.

Portrait of Josh
Joshua, '96 Scholar

My name is Josh and I live on a dairy farm in Iowa. I, along with my younger sister and brother, have Muscular Dystrophy. In my free time I like to explore the Net, chat, listen to music, and design Web pages. I graduated from Hawkeye Community College in May of 2000 with an AAS in Horticulture Science. I own a small nursery and garden shop with my mom that specializes in water gardens and hostas. Besides helping customers, ordering merchandise, advertising, and handling the bookwork, I also do some landscape designing. Since January of 2001 I have been writing a bimonthly column entitled, "The Enabled Gardener" for Pond & Garden magazine.

Image of David
David, '96 Scholar

My name is David and I attend Eastern Oregon State College. My particular disability is "full" Albinism, which includes lack of pigment in the hair, skin, and eyes. Consequently, I am extremely sensitive to light and burn easily in the sun. I also have a vision loss which came in the Albinism packet; I have the approximate acuity of 20/200, which can make life interesting at times. For hobbies, I like computers, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and playing video games.

Image of Chris
Chris, '96 Scholar

Greetings. My name is Christopher. I first joined the DO-IT program back in 1996. I was selected to be an Intern for the DO-IT program in 1999. I am currently working as an Intern at Minot State University and was recently listed as co-author of several books and articles that are being published. Not only I have been working as an Intern, but I also have been creating Web pages for some businesses in the city of Minot. I changed my major to graphic communications because I have a strong interest in Web and graphic design. I am looking forward to returning to college at Moorhead State University in Minnesota.

Image of Katrina
Katrina, '96 Scholar

My name is Katrina. I recently graduated from Augustana College with degrees in English and art. I was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes when I was six years old, but I try not to let it slow me down. I have always enjoyed sports and have taken dance lessons since I was three years old. I danced with the Dance Company at Augustana for three years and hope to continue dancing and remain athletic for the rest of my life! I never let my disability infringe upon the abilities I posess.

Image of Jodi
Jodi, '96 Scholar

Hi! My name is Jodi and I will be a senior at Idaho State College. I am majoring in biology, and minoring in microbiology and Spanish. I will attend graduate school next year. I have eight sisters, two brothers, and two dogs. I have mild Cerebral Palsy which affects my lower extremities. I am so lucky to be a part of the DO-IT program. DO-IT has opened up many opportunities for me. Through DO-IT I have learned so much about myself and others with disabilities. Last summer I volunteered at a hospital in Ecuador for two months.