Saturday, December 18, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Training Heidi - teaching basic obedience to a friend's dog
Hi Everybody!
It's been awhile since I've written. I'm sorry about that! My mom had surgery a couple of weeks ago but now we are back!
For the past couple of months I have been doing a basic obedience course at the Gloucester Kennel Club with my sister's friend's dog Heidi. I was excited to get the chance to learn how to work with a dog. It was lots of fun and I learned a lot. I want to thank my sister Marcy and her friend Jacob for helping me to do this. Below are some pictures of my training and a video!
The first couple of weeks were hard but it got easier every week. I would love to do the advanced course in the spring.
I think the course will help me a lot with my volunteer work at the Humane Society.
love, Daniela
It's been awhile since I've written. I'm sorry about that! My mom had surgery a couple of weeks ago but now we are back!
For the past couple of months I have been doing a basic obedience course at the Gloucester Kennel Club with my sister's friend's dog Heidi. I was excited to get the chance to learn how to work with a dog. It was lots of fun and I learned a lot. I want to thank my sister Marcy and her friend Jacob for helping me to do this. Below are some pictures of my training and a video!
The first couple of weeks were hard but it got easier every week. I would love to do the advanced course in the spring.
I think the course will help me a lot with my volunteer work at the Humane Society.
love, Daniela
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| Teaching Heidi to stay! |
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| Receiving our certificate at the end of the course! |
The Winter I'm Determined Youth Summit
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| With Miss Virginia - She has a disability too! |
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| With Mr. Doug Cox, the head of Special Education with the Virginia Dept. of Education |
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| With Brett Leake - a very funny comedian who has appeared on the Tonight Show! He also has a disability! |
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| With Darren (who I met at the summer summit) and another staff member of the summit |
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| With my friend Zach, who I also met at the summer summit. His mom is also very nice! |
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| With staff members from the summit! |
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| at the dance with my friends |
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| The dance was great! |
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| with the DJ for the dance! |
I had a wonderful time at the winter Summit in Staunton Virginia last month. I got to meet new friends and meet up with old friends from the summer summit. The most fun event was the dance and kareoke.
I learned more about how to stand up for myself and others. My mom went to special classes just for parents and she had a really good time too. We had a beautiful drive through the mountains going to the summit, but coming home the weather was awful with lots of fog and rain! I really miss all the friends I made at the summit. I hope I get to see them again. If any of you are reading my blog please email me so we can stay in touch! My mom and I want to thank everyone at the summit and everyone who made the summit happen. It was really wonderful. Other students with disabilities in Virginia should really apply to be apart of the next summit. You will learn so much and make so many friends!
Love,
Daniela
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Article in UK's Telegraph about remarkable Romanian Adoptee
From Tina - A frequent commenter to the blog, Adelaide Dupont, just gave us this link, in her last comment, to this inspiring article in the UK about a brilliant young man who, like Daniela, was adopted from Romania. He has overcome incredible challenges and is now a student at Oxford. His challenges are much different than Daniela's but, like her, he is truly resilient and strives to make the most of his life regardless of the obstacles that he faces on a daily basis.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/8125688/The-Romanian-orphan-enjoying-his-first-time-at-Oxford.html
Thank you so much, Adelaide for the link to this article and for all your wonderful and supportive comments. They are much appreciated!
Tina
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/8125688/The-Romanian-orphan-enjoying-his-first-time-at-Oxford.html
Thank you so much, Adelaide for the link to this article and for all your wonderful and supportive comments. They are much appreciated!
Tina
Friday, November 12, 2010
Another Great Article on Shepherds College,more about the program, and other news.
/From Tina - With The Christianity Today Article coming out this week on Shepherds College, this program is becoming much more widely known and talked about. Yesterday this article came out in (click link) Mission Network News.
The college has a Facebook page that details events and daily life for the students. It's great to hear the stories and see photos of all the activities. I know we will really appreciate them next year when Daniela is in them! (For the Shepherds College Facebook page and photos you can go to the college web-site link at: http://www.shepherdscollege.org/ Look in the bottom right hand corner to link to their Facebook page).
They have had lots going on at Shepherds College the past few weeks. Recently they had an accreditation team visit them to assess the program for U.S. Dept. of Education accreditation. Being accredited will mean many great things, first among them that it will allow students to apply for Pell grants, federal college loans, etc. The visit apparently went very, very well. The team was incredibly impressed and the college is now in candidate status and on their way to being fully approved next year!
This week at the college they had their dedication of the new college buildings. It was a very big event with lots of visitors. The students helped prepare the food (which looked incredibly tasty and beautifully prepared and presented). They also help create the gorgeous decorations for the tables. They sang to the audience during the ceremonies as well.
Today they are having another open house like the one we attended in September. This one is much larger than the one we attended. I know how excited those families and students are to see the program. I wish them all the best in their application process. Some of the students visiting today could be Daniela's best friends next year!
I have to say that we are so glad Daniela was accepted before all the recent publicity! I still think she would have been a strong candidate regardless but I also know they are so many talented, eager, independent-minded young adults across the nation who deserve a chance to attend a program like Shepherds College. I hope all of them find the program which best suits their desires and abilities.
In other news, I'm soon going to be writing a review of the documentary Hand Held here on the blog (see the post about Daniela's movie posters) which will accompany the one I wrote for Adoption Today Magazine. That article came out this week in the magazine and I'll provide info on how to buy that issue of the magazine.
Before I close this diverse post, I wanted to let you know that Daniela and I will be traveling to another I'm Determined youth summit (see the post on our trip to Washington DC) in Staunton Virginia this weekend. She was again selected by an essay which she wrote. I will be attending lectures for parents while she attends the student functions. She's thrilled to be going and to be meeting new people. It should be a very informative and exciting event!
Have a great weekend!
Tina
The college has a Facebook page that details events and daily life for the students. It's great to hear the stories and see photos of all the activities. I know we will really appreciate them next year when Daniela is in them! (For the Shepherds College Facebook page and photos you can go to the college web-site link at: http://www.shepherdscollege.org/ Look in the bottom right hand corner to link to their Facebook page).
They have had lots going on at Shepherds College the past few weeks. Recently they had an accreditation team visit them to assess the program for U.S. Dept. of Education accreditation. Being accredited will mean many great things, first among them that it will allow students to apply for Pell grants, federal college loans, etc. The visit apparently went very, very well. The team was incredibly impressed and the college is now in candidate status and on their way to being fully approved next year!
This week at the college they had their dedication of the new college buildings. It was a very big event with lots of visitors. The students helped prepare the food (which looked incredibly tasty and beautifully prepared and presented). They also help create the gorgeous decorations for the tables. They sang to the audience during the ceremonies as well.
Today they are having another open house like the one we attended in September. This one is much larger than the one we attended. I know how excited those families and students are to see the program. I wish them all the best in their application process. Some of the students visiting today could be Daniela's best friends next year!
I have to say that we are so glad Daniela was accepted before all the recent publicity! I still think she would have been a strong candidate regardless but I also know they are so many talented, eager, independent-minded young adults across the nation who deserve a chance to attend a program like Shepherds College. I hope all of them find the program which best suits their desires and abilities.
In other news, I'm soon going to be writing a review of the documentary Hand Held here on the blog (see the post about Daniela's movie posters) which will accompany the one I wrote for Adoption Today Magazine. That article came out this week in the magazine and I'll provide info on how to buy that issue of the magazine.
Before I close this diverse post, I wanted to let you know that Daniela and I will be traveling to another I'm Determined youth summit (see the post on our trip to Washington DC) in Staunton Virginia this weekend. She was again selected by an essay which she wrote. I will be attending lectures for parents while she attends the student functions. She's thrilled to be going and to be meeting new people. It should be a very informative and exciting event!
Have a great weekend!
Tina
Monday, November 8, 2010
Article in Christianity Today on Shepherds College!
From Tina
The online version of the article on Shepherds College just came out in Christianity Today Magazine. It is a wonderful description of just why we think Shepherds College is so amazing. When you read the stories about two of the senior students and see how far they have come in their lives, it will truly change your perceptions of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The writer did a great job and students featured are remarkable representatives of the students and the college. I can't wait to buy the print version, because it also has photos.
The online version of the article on Shepherds College just came out in Christianity Today Magazine. It is a wonderful description of just why we think Shepherds College is so amazing. When you read the stories about two of the senior students and see how far they have come in their lives, it will truly change your perceptions of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The writer did a great job and students featured are remarkable representatives of the students and the college. I can't wait to buy the print version, because it also has photos.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Daniela's blog is now followed in Iran, 44 other countries and all 50 states!!
From Tina - I frequently check the stats for Daniela's blog to see who is reading it. I do this because it is fascinating to see who has found it, but also to make sure it is not getting linked to anything unsavory on the internet (no evidence of that, so far....)
This week I found it is being followed in Iran. With it being such a closed society, I was very interested to find out more. Below (if you can read it and link to it) is the translated version of a blog in Iran which seems to follow disability blogs. That her blog could be affecting lives there is very touching to me and to Daniela.
Iran blog
This weekend she reached a major goal - to have the blog be read in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It is now read in 45 countries as well. Amazing!
To those of you with disabilities in Iran - and across the globe, we identify with you and wish you all the best for productive and independent futures!
Tina and Daniela
This week I found it is being followed in Iran. With it being such a closed society, I was very interested to find out more. Below (if you can read it and link to it) is the translated version of a blog in Iran which seems to follow disability blogs. That her blog could be affecting lives there is very touching to me and to Daniela.
Iran blog
This weekend she reached a major goal - to have the blog be read in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It is now read in 45 countries as well. Amazing!
To those of you with disabilities in Iran - and across the globe, we identify with you and wish you all the best for productive and independent futures!
Tina and Daniela
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Daniela's Journey to Independence: Going to America's Got Talent … | America's Got Talent Fan Site
Daniela's post is featured on an America's Got Talent fan site!
Daniela's Journey to Independence: Going to America's Got Talent … | America's Got Talent Fan Site
Daniela's Journey to Independence: Going to America's Got Talent … | America's Got Talent Fan Site
Friday, October 29, 2010
Part 1 -read this post first -- Going to America's Got Talent on Tour and MEETING THEM!!!!!
Something very, very exciting happened to me yesterday! For my 21st birthday present (an early present - my birthday is Dec. 18th), I asked my mom to take me to see America's Got Talent -Live on Tour in Richmond. She said yes! Yesterday was the show. I was so excited. I couldn't wait. What I didn't know was that my mom had an extra surprise for me. She took me out to dinner first and told me the surprise. She had gotten us VIP tickets!!!! We got to sit up front and after the show, we got to meet the performers and I got their autographs and my picture taken with them!!!! It was incredible. I wasn't expecting any of this. I want to thank my mom for giving me this wonderful present. On the next 2 posts are just of a few of the pictures my mom took. I was too excited and busy watching the show to take pictures. She is going to put the rest of them on a web-site where you can see how wonderful the show was. The performers were all amazing. I loved every minute of the show.
After the show, we waited in line to meet many of the stars. The only ones we didn't get to meet were Jackie Evancho ( who had to go on the bus to get some sleep) and Michael Grasso. But I talked to all of the other stars. Studio One Young Beast Society sang Happy birthday to me! Michael Grimm called me sweetie and hugged me! Taylor Mathews gave me a signed poster with my name on it and hugged me too! They were so sweet! Prince Poppycock was very funny and I even got a picture with his mom. They are from Virginia. Jeremy Schoonhoven broke his hand at a show and had surgery, but still performed and was great. Jackie Evancho sang so wonderfully, I felt like crying. Fighting Gravity (from Virginia Tech) and Michael Grasso were also amazing and so were Christina and Ali.
It was such a wonderful show. Thank you, Mom!!!!!!!!!!
Click on the links above to find out more about the acts!
After the show, we waited in line to meet many of the stars. The only ones we didn't get to meet were Jackie Evancho ( who had to go on the bus to get some sleep) and Michael Grasso. But I talked to all of the other stars. Studio One Young Beast Society sang Happy birthday to me! Michael Grimm called me sweetie and hugged me! Taylor Mathews gave me a signed poster with my name on it and hugged me too! They were so sweet! Prince Poppycock was very funny and I even got a picture with his mom. They are from Virginia. Jeremy Schoonhoven broke his hand at a show and had surgery, but still performed and was great. Jackie Evancho sang so wonderfully, I felt like crying. Fighting Gravity (from Virginia Tech) and Michael Grasso were also amazing and so were Christina and Ali.
It was such a wonderful show. Thank you, Mom!!!!!!!!!!
Click on the links above to find out more about the acts!
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| with my VIP pass, getting ready to go in to the show -so excited!!!!!! |
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| The show started with Studio One -The Young Beast Society. They moved so fast it was hard to take their picture! |
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| Then came Ali and Christina |
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| Michael Grasso - Wow! |
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| Michael Grasso and the host of the show, Jerry Springer |
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| Taylor Matthews -very cute!!! |
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| Prince Poppycock -so funny! |
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| Jackie Evancho - what a beautiful voice - we sat so close the smoke made me cough! |
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| Jackie |
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| Jeremy Vanschoonhoven riding with a broken hand -see the guy on the floor-scary! |
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| Christina, Taylor, and Ali! |
Part 2- More Photos from America's Got Talent - Daniela meets the stars!!
From Tina -
Read Daniela's post first
What a wonderful day with Daniela! To see her face when I told her the surprise was priceless! I enjoyed watching her more than the show and the show was really great. It was very well put together. The meet and greet afterward was much more than I hoped. Perhaps because the performers are such new celebrities, they were all very gracious and welcoming. We were both especially impressed with Michael Grimm, Taylor Matthews and the Young Beast Society. They all made Daniela feel so special.
Daniela has worked so hard this year to advocate for herself and others. She has done many new things that have been very difficult for her. She has faced her fears with such grace and courage. We are so proud of her and wanted to do something special for her to show her that we know just how hard she is working to overcome her challenges.
All the best,
Tina
Read Daniela's post first
What a wonderful day with Daniela! To see her face when I told her the surprise was priceless! I enjoyed watching her more than the show and the show was really great. It was very well put together. The meet and greet afterward was much more than I hoped. Perhaps because the performers are such new celebrities, they were all very gracious and welcoming. We were both especially impressed with Michael Grimm, Taylor Matthews and the Young Beast Society. They all made Daniela feel so special.
Daniela has worked so hard this year to advocate for herself and others. She has done many new things that have been very difficult for her. She has faced her fears with such grace and courage. We are so proud of her and wanted to do something special for her to show her that we know just how hard she is working to overcome her challenges.
All the best,
Tina
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| Fighting Gravity -we couldn't taken pictures during their performance, but it was so cool! |
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| The Stars after the show |
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| Meeting Studio One -Young Beast Society after they sang to me! |
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| Prince Poppycock's mom |
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| Prince Poppycock! |
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| Hugging Michael Grimm the champion! |
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| talking with Taylor Matthews! |
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| Meeting Jeremy Schoonhaven |
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| Meeting Christina |
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| Fighting Gravity! |
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| My new shirt and my signed poster! |
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
I received some surprise presents in the mail!
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| My signed poster of Hand Held |
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| My signed Poster of the Lion King |
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| Signed by the Producer of the Lion King - Don Hahn! |
I'll explain a little about these gifts before Daniela writes. Several weeks ago I wrote a review for Adoption Today Magazine about an incredible documentary called Hand Held (which I will also soon be reviewing here on the blog). Hand Held, directed by (Academy Award nominated) Don Hahn, is the story of a photojournalist named Michael Carroll who went to Romania 20 years ago to photograph the horrible conditions in the hospitals and orphanages. He started an amazing charity that we support and have visited in Romania called Romanian Children's Relief.
In appreciation for the magazine review, the production director, Maggie Gisel sent Daniela a signed poster for the documentary. When Daniela asked who Don Hahn was, we decided to google him. It turns out he is the producer of the both The Lion King AND The Beauty and the Beast!!! When I let Ms. Gisel know that the Lion King was Daniela's absolute favorite movie of all time, they were also kind enough to send her the signed poster above. I was so touched by their gesture (and also by hearing from Mr. Hahn personally!) because it was really an honor to write the review. You'll be hearing more about the movie soon. Until then check out the links above!
I'll let Daniela write from here -
I never expected to receive three signed posters by Fed Ex!!!!!! I was so excited that they were signed by the producer of the Lion King!!! I want to thank them so much for sending them to me. I would love to go to California to meet Mr. Hahn and Ms. Gisel. I'm going to put one poster in my room at home and take one poster to college with me. I really love them!!!!
love, Daniela
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
A seminar for Virginia students and families
From Tina: There are a couple of great events coming up in the next 2 months for students with disabilities and their families here in Virginia. One I listed in the post below. Another is in Richmond on November 6th.
"College 4 U will be held Saturday, November 6, 2010 from 10 AM-2 PM at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Parham Road Campus, 1651 East Parham Road in
Richmond, VA. "
"This annual event provides information for college bound students with disabilities and their parents/families."
see more at:
College 4 U
"College 4 U will be held Saturday, November 6, 2010 from 10 AM-2 PM at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Parham Road Campus, 1651 East Parham Road in
Richmond, VA. "
"This annual event provides information for college bound students with disabilities and their parents/families."
see more at:
College 4 U
2010 State of the Art Conference on Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
From Tina - I just read about a wonderful conference later this month (October 28th, 29th) in northern Virginia. Think College and other leaders in the field of postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities will be presenting. I really wish Daniela and I could go, but we have a prior event in Richmond on the evening of the 28th, so logistics would be very difficult to manage. The agenda sounds fascinating. I think we would have a really difficult time choosing between breakout sessions if we did attend. I would especially love to meet the people from Think College as they have really helped us so much this past year.
If you are a family or professional who is interested in learning more about students with ID attending college, this sounds like it would help you immensely!
http://www.sscsid.org/ Click on draft Agenda to see the different sessions
If you are a family or professional who is interested in learning more about students with ID attending college, this sounds like it would help you immensely!
http://www.sscsid.org/ Click on draft Agenda to see the different sessions
Monday, October 4, 2010
VIsiting my former classroom and and high school teachers!
Today My mom and I went to my old high school. I wanted to tell my teachers the good news about my getting into Shepherds College. Some of them already knew because they had read my blog and some of them have already emailed me. But I still wanted to go tell them myself. They were very happy and proud of me that I got in. They told me they can't wait to hear how it goes for me when I'm away at school. My teachers helped me so much when I was in high school. I'm going to miss them all when I leave to go to school, but I will stay in touch with them. ( Maybe we can visit on Skype!)
I am going to see if I can do some volunteering in Ms. Shaw's class this year to help her new students. They really liked the cake I baked for them!
love,
Daniela
I am going to see if I can do some volunteering in Ms. Shaw's class this year to help her new students. They really liked the cake I baked for them!
love,
Daniela
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| making a cake for my teachers |
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| visiting with Ms. Guy and Ms. Elks |
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| sharing my good news with Ms. Wilson |
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| saying hi to Ms. Taylor (Ms. Joyce) |
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| getting a hug from Ms. Shaw (It was crazy hat day!) |
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Australia likes Daniela's Journey!
From Link Disability Magazine in Australia!
http://www.linkonline.com.au/free-articles/2010/August/widen-your-net.pdf
http://www.linkonline.com.au/free-articles/2010/August/widen-your-net.pdf
Friday, October 1, 2010
South Africa appreciates Daniela's Journey!
I just googled Daniela's name and found a reference to her from this web-site in.........South Africa?! Her blog is reaching far and wide - over 1000 people have looked at it in the past two days. Here's the South African site:
Aspire South Africa
http://aspiresa.tumblr.com/
Welcome Aspire South Africa! It looks like you are doing great work for children with disabilities!
Aspire South Africa
http://aspiresa.tumblr.com/
Welcome Aspire South Africa! It looks like you are doing great work for children with disabilities!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Oh my goodness!!
From Tina,
I knew that we have had lots of visitors since our announcement, but I couldn't believe it when I checked our visitor stats just now. We have had 742 visitors to the blog since last evening!!!! AND we had 342 NEW visitors within that number!! How crazy is that?
Amazing!!! Daniela is so thrilled. She keeps running out of her room, saying "Mom I got another email!!"
Check below on the last post about the missing states for the blog. We only need 6 more before we have all 50!
Thanks to all of our visitors and welcome to all of you who are new. You can become a follower through Face book or google ( on the side page of the blog) so you'll know when we have posted something new. I promise Daniela and I will have lots more interesting and, hopefully, helpful posts in the coming weeks!!
love, Daniela and Tina
I knew that we have had lots of visitors since our announcement, but I couldn't believe it when I checked our visitor stats just now. We have had 742 visitors to the blog since last evening!!!! AND we had 342 NEW visitors within that number!! How crazy is that?
Amazing!!! Daniela is so thrilled. She keeps running out of her room, saying "Mom I got another email!!"
Check below on the last post about the missing states for the blog. We only need 6 more before we have all 50!
Thanks to all of our visitors and welcome to all of you who are new. You can become a follower through Face book or google ( on the side page of the blog) so you'll know when we have posted something new. I promise Daniela and I will have lots more interesting and, hopefully, helpful posts in the coming weeks!!
love, Daniela and Tina
Thanks, Thanks, and Thanks! ( and Daniela needs 6 more states!)
From Tina - This is just a quick post to thank the HUNDREDS of you that have visited the blog since Daniela made her big announcement yesterday. There were well over a hundred new visitors to the site as well! Besides the comments on the post itself, she and I have received many emails expressing their good wishes and congratulations. Many of Daniela's future classmates took the time in class today to write comments welcoming her to the college. That was so sweet of them and for their instructor to organize it. A number of people have expressed interest in learning more about Shepherds College. Please email them. I'm sure they would be happy to tell you more about their wonderful program and all they have to offer. I'm also happy to assist in any way possible (at: tinagold@cox.net).
We'll be sharing more about the college in the next week or so. Right now, we are just trying to answer all the emails!!
So many people helped get Daniela to this point in her life: her family, of course, and our friends, but also the wonderful professionals in her life. She wouldn't be where she is today without the many great devoted teachers in her life. Her doctors, case managers, and therapists also made a huge impact. She will be taking a little piece of everything you helped her with when she goes off to school next year.
So on Daniela's and our whole family's behalf - Thank you all many times over!
One other quick note- the number of states and countries visiting the blog has really shot up this week, which is so exciting to Daniela. 36 countries, 44 states and the District of Columbia have now visited us here. The only states missing are Hawaii, Mississippi, Louisiana, Nebraska, Idaho, and West Virginia. If you have family or friends in any of these states who you think might enjoy the blog, tell them to come visit us! Daniela's goal is to have visitors from all 50 states - since we are getting so much traffic to the site, I'd love to help her reach her goal. ( you can check out the states and countries and keep track of them for yourself by clicking on the visitor sites towards the bottom of the blog).Thanks so much in advance!!
Tina
We'll be sharing more about the college in the next week or so. Right now, we are just trying to answer all the emails!!
So many people helped get Daniela to this point in her life: her family, of course, and our friends, but also the wonderful professionals in her life. She wouldn't be where she is today without the many great devoted teachers in her life. Her doctors, case managers, and therapists also made a huge impact. She will be taking a little piece of everything you helped her with when she goes off to school next year.
So on Daniela's and our whole family's behalf - Thank you all many times over!
One other quick note- the number of states and countries visiting the blog has really shot up this week, which is so exciting to Daniela. 36 countries, 44 states and the District of Columbia have now visited us here. The only states missing are Hawaii, Mississippi, Louisiana, Nebraska, Idaho, and West Virginia. If you have family or friends in any of these states who you think might enjoy the blog, tell them to come visit us! Daniela's goal is to have visitors from all 50 states - since we are getting so much traffic to the site, I'd love to help her reach her goal. ( you can check out the states and countries and keep track of them for yourself by clicking on the visitor sites towards the bottom of the blog).Thanks so much in advance!!
Tina
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Breaking News!!! Daniela Goldstone Shepherds College Class of 2014
Finally my dream has come true! Today I found out I was accepted to Shepherds College in Union Grove Wisconsin!!!! This is where I am going to go to college starting next August!
A couple of months ago I applied to this college because my mom told me about it and it sounded like a really great school. Two weeks ago, my mom and I went to visit the college and go to their open house. I also had an interview and some tests. I went to different classes and had lunch and dinner with the students. I got to stay in an apartment with the students too. It was really cool. The classrooms and the housing are really neat. My mom got to stay in a suite on campus too. I loved the staff and the students and everyone was really nice to me. I made many new friends. Some of the students have already called and written to me on Face Book.
I knew when we left the school that this was the college I want to go to. It felt very safe and a place I could feel at home. I have been waiting every day to find out if I was accepted. Finally today, was the day! I will write lots more about the college soon. Right now I want to go call people and email them to let them know the good news. Here are a couple of pictures from today and my visit. I'll share more of those soon as well. My mom is going to write more about everything below the pictures. I am very, very excited!
love,
Daniela
From Tina,
What an exciting day at the Goldstone house! This is a day Daniela has been working towards for almost 2 years. When we found out this spring that Daniela was on the waiting list at Clemson, we decided it would be a good idea to look at some other schools in case a spot never opened up for her.
I had looked at Shepherds College back in the beginning of the search for programs, but decided it was might be too far away. It was brand new at the time, but did look very promising. I decided to give it a second look and wrote the admissions director with some questions. We started an ongoing dialog and we were very impressed by the time and attention they took with every one of our queries. Their program is quite unique ( look at the earlier post I wrote about the college). The organization Shepherds Ministries has been working with individuals with disabilities for over 50 years. They are some of the earliest and most pro-active leaders in the field of providing opportunities and independent living for individuals with disabilities. The college program is now in it's third year. Though further away than other programs we applied to, there are direct flights from here to Chicago ( an hour south of the college) so getting there is in some ways easier than some of than other programs. We decided to move forward with an application.
Our visit 2 weeks ago was absolutely wonderful. They treated us and the other visiting families like family. They even have a few really lovely suites available that families can reserve to stay in while visiting (for which they only ask a donation of whatever you can afford). We felt so welcome and at ease. I have never seen Daniela as excited about anything before. All she kept saying was, "This is amazing!"The students were like Daniela in so many ways - friendly, hard-working, and engaging. They were wonderful hosts to both Daniela and myself. The more senior students mentor the new students. Students come from all over the U.S. and overseas. I went to a couple of classes with Daniela. They were so fun and interactive. Daniela even felt brave enough to raise her hand and answer some questions. The first year is basically academic and pre-vocational. The second year, the students pick one of two majors and focus on vocational training. The third year students intern in their majors in the rural surrounding area. Everyone receives classes in independent living, religious studies, and other skills all three years.
The housing is so well-thought out. The first year the students live in dorms (to be completely renovated this year) like typical college students, though they do have cooking opportunities. The second year the women and the men each live in a separate home (brand-new!) housing 8 students, with more opportunities to cook and live independently. The third year, the students live in apartments with one other student, with a great deal more responsibility. The progressive growth in the students was obvious. The third year students were incredibly mature and responsible. They would measure up very well with the best of their "typical" peers.
We knew for sure when we left that we had found "the" program for Daniela. It has just the right mix of academic, vocational, and life skills classes that we were looking for. The housing situation is ideal. The level of support is remarkable (to not only students, but for the families as well.) Shepherds College is only in it's third year, but the long history of Shepherds Ministries in the field of intellectual disabilities has given the staff a vast depth of knowledge in every aspect of the program. Their program should be a model for others around the world. This program is faith-based (interdenominational). The founders, board, and staff are practicing Christianity in the very best sense of what it means to be a Christian.
I'm in the process of writing an article, with Daniela's input, about Shepherds College and our visit to the program for Exceptional Parent Magazine. In it I will give many more details about the program and it's history. Christianity Today Magazine also has an article coming this fall about the school (not by me!)
The world is taking notice of this ground-breaking program. It is truly changing, and will continue to change so many lives. I'm just so very proud and happy to say one of them will be my daughter Daniela!
A very excited Mom!!!!
Tina
A couple of months ago I applied to this college because my mom told me about it and it sounded like a really great school. Two weeks ago, my mom and I went to visit the college and go to their open house. I also had an interview and some tests. I went to different classes and had lunch and dinner with the students. I got to stay in an apartment with the students too. It was really cool. The classrooms and the housing are really neat. My mom got to stay in a suite on campus too. I loved the staff and the students and everyone was really nice to me. I made many new friends. Some of the students have already called and written to me on Face Book.
I knew when we left the school that this was the college I want to go to. It felt very safe and a place I could feel at home. I have been waiting every day to find out if I was accepted. Finally today, was the day! I will write lots more about the college soon. Right now I want to go call people and email them to let them know the good news. Here are a couple of pictures from today and my visit. I'll share more of those soon as well. My mom is going to write more about everything below the pictures. I am very, very excited!
love,
Daniela
 |
| September 29, 2010 the day I found out where I'm going to college!! |
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| Sept. 15, 2010 the day I saw Shepherds College - Here are some of the Staff. Tracy Terrill is the college director on the very left. Chris Wright is the Admissions Director on the very right. |
From Tina,
What an exciting day at the Goldstone house! This is a day Daniela has been working towards for almost 2 years. When we found out this spring that Daniela was on the waiting list at Clemson, we decided it would be a good idea to look at some other schools in case a spot never opened up for her.
I had looked at Shepherds College back in the beginning of the search for programs, but decided it was might be too far away. It was brand new at the time, but did look very promising. I decided to give it a second look and wrote the admissions director with some questions. We started an ongoing dialog and we were very impressed by the time and attention they took with every one of our queries. Their program is quite unique ( look at the earlier post I wrote about the college). The organization Shepherds Ministries has been working with individuals with disabilities for over 50 years. They are some of the earliest and most pro-active leaders in the field of providing opportunities and independent living for individuals with disabilities. The college program is now in it's third year. Though further away than other programs we applied to, there are direct flights from here to Chicago ( an hour south of the college) so getting there is in some ways easier than some of than other programs. We decided to move forward with an application.
Our visit 2 weeks ago was absolutely wonderful. They treated us and the other visiting families like family. They even have a few really lovely suites available that families can reserve to stay in while visiting (for which they only ask a donation of whatever you can afford). We felt so welcome and at ease. I have never seen Daniela as excited about anything before. All she kept saying was, "This is amazing!"The students were like Daniela in so many ways - friendly, hard-working, and engaging. They were wonderful hosts to both Daniela and myself. The more senior students mentor the new students. Students come from all over the U.S. and overseas. I went to a couple of classes with Daniela. They were so fun and interactive. Daniela even felt brave enough to raise her hand and answer some questions. The first year is basically academic and pre-vocational. The second year, the students pick one of two majors and focus on vocational training. The third year students intern in their majors in the rural surrounding area. Everyone receives classes in independent living, religious studies, and other skills all three years.
The housing is so well-thought out. The first year the students live in dorms (to be completely renovated this year) like typical college students, though they do have cooking opportunities. The second year the women and the men each live in a separate home (brand-new!) housing 8 students, with more opportunities to cook and live independently. The third year, the students live in apartments with one other student, with a great deal more responsibility. The progressive growth in the students was obvious. The third year students were incredibly mature and responsible. They would measure up very well with the best of their "typical" peers.
We knew for sure when we left that we had found "the" program for Daniela. It has just the right mix of academic, vocational, and life skills classes that we were looking for. The housing situation is ideal. The level of support is remarkable (to not only students, but for the families as well.) Shepherds College is only in it's third year, but the long history of Shepherds Ministries in the field of intellectual disabilities has given the staff a vast depth of knowledge in every aspect of the program. Their program should be a model for others around the world. This program is faith-based (interdenominational). The founders, board, and staff are practicing Christianity in the very best sense of what it means to be a Christian.
I'm in the process of writing an article, with Daniela's input, about Shepherds College and our visit to the program for Exceptional Parent Magazine. In it I will give many more details about the program and it's history. Christianity Today Magazine also has an article coming this fall about the school (not by me!)
The world is taking notice of this ground-breaking program. It is truly changing, and will continue to change so many lives. I'm just so very proud and happy to say one of them will be my daughter Daniela!
A very excited Mom!!!!
Tina
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