Greatest Growth Statement

 

 

 

My name is Bethany Wilson and throughout my four years at the Dayton Regional STEM School I have had the opportunity to participate in multiple activities such as FIRST robotics, Key Club, the school store, Girl Scouts, and Venture crew. Through all of my experiences at DRSS I feel I have grown the most in my ability to advocate for myself and others. After my graduation from DRSS I plan to pursue a career in machining at Sinclair. My growth in advocacy will ensure my success in my constantly challenging Machining labs.

 

This growth was demonstrated in my 11th-grade government class while working towards the passing of Senate Bill 112. Previously Senate Bill 343, and more commonly known as Matthews Bill. This project helped me better my advocacy skills by helping identify a problem in my community and work with a group of students to resolve the problem through the revision of state code stated in the ADA. Many of the days we spent working on this project were spent trying to grow our own understanding of what people with disabilities go through on a daily basis. Being able bodied we had to put ourselves into their shoes and realize the need for an adult sized changing table in a public restroom. I grew in my understanding that if you don’t know and understand a situation it is difficult to advocate or even be a caregiver for someone with a physical disability. My class and I also had to understand how hard it may be to care for someone who can simply not care for themselves.

 

In my 11th grade Economics course we were challenged to complete a podcast on a change in our economy we felt would possibly affect us. I chose to do mine on the retirement of baby boomers and how that might affect the number of skilled trades workers in my town. I completed this podcast to the best of my ability but my teacher did not feel the same. I wrote a letter to my teacher outlining why I felt I did not deserve the grade I received in his class and the points I was given on my project in which I completed it to specifically what was asked of me on the rubric. My teacher re-evaluated my previous grade after receiving my letter and changed my grade to an A after I completed a revision process.He felt that I as a student grew in my ability to advocate for myself and I couldn’t agree more. The podcast that I made can be found at the bottom of this page.

 

During my 11th grade year I was hospitalized for almost a month and struggled with my health and well being. I had a teacher reach out to me and encourage to advocate for myself and my needs as a student with a medical disability. Throughout my junior year of high school I grew in my understanding of my limits as a student and how to advocate for my needs to teachers and help them better understand my situation. I found that as someone struggling with a disability I need to set aside more time to complete my assignments in case I am not feeling well. As well I found that it’s okay to not feel well and telling an adult or trusted individual means getting the help you need.

 

Overall my high school experience has presented me with multiple projects and situations to grow in my advocacy skills and the advocacy I learned in a group setting taught me to be a voice in my community for causes I feel passionately about. As well my future as a machinist will be greatly impacted by this growth. I know my future will be successful no matter what endeavor I am challenged with because of my experiences at DRSS.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                    Press play below to hear the podcast.