'04 Ambassadors
DO-IT Ambassadors are pursuing postsecondary studies and careers. They share their experiences with DO-IT Scholars and Pals, encouraging them to pursue their goals in college and employment.
Hey guys! My name is Andrew. I have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a learning disability in reading and writing. Accommodations, like extra time on tests, are helpful. My favorite subjects are theater and music. I am a senior at Western Washington University (WWU) where I am majoring in musical theater. I have aspirations to be on Broadway someday, so keep your eyes and ears open! I have participated in WWU's mainstage production of Evita, and traveled to Europe with my choir.
My name is Laura. I suffered a traumatic brain injury in the 7th grade in a car accident. Although the accident left me blind in my left eye, I most identify with other students with disabilities who might be struggling with learning issues, like losing vocabulary, trouble with memory, and difficulty making connections. I have attention issues that are treated with medication. I am majoring in secondary education and math at Seattle University.
Hi. I am Lukas. My birth condition is called amyoplasia arthrogyposis multiplex congenita. I attend Whitworth University, where I study speech communications and leadership studies. I love performing! I always have music playing. Outside of school, I enjoy playing chess; playing my instrument; and spending time with my family, friends, and my mentors; and making people smile.
Hi. My name is Kathleen. I attend the Science and Engineering Institute at Washington State University–Vancouver. I have a double major in engineering and biology. I am interested in the medical engineering field and in studying abroad. I have attention deficit disorder (ADD).
Hey all! My name is Carrie. I recently moved to California to attend Music Business School in Hollywood. In this program, I am effectively learning all of the aspects of the music industry. I plan to graduate with a certificate in October. Also I am interning part-time in the Film and Television Placement Department at Chrysalis Music Group. I still do not know what the future holds for me, but I do know that I'm thoroughly enjoying what I'm doing right now.
Hi. My name is Tracy. I have taken classes at South Puget Sound Community College for culinary arts. One of my favorite hobbies is playing pool. I am married and have a two-year old son. I have a learning disability that makes reading and spelling difficult.
My name is Amanda. I am attending Central Washington University to become a special education teacher. In my free time I create artwork about disability. In the future, I hope to be teaching young children about the joys of art.
Hi. My name is Daniel. I am dyslexic, diabetic, and a high achiever. I will be a senior at Western Washington University majoring in physics with a math minor. I am a member the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and have earned a position on the President's list. I plan to pursue a master's degree in mechanical engineering and become a mechanical engineer. This summer I will be an engineering intern at the University of Washington through the AccessSTEM project.
Hello to all!!! My name is Julie. I was born with spina bifida and use an electric wheelchair as my mode of transportation. I enjoy hangin' with friends, talkin' with friends all over the U.S. on my computer, music, reading, bingo!, and being with my family. I graduated with honors from Cascade High School in Everett, WA. I am now twenty-one years old and am seriously (finally!) considering college and what I want to do with my life. DO-IT is an AWESOME experience...enjoy!
My name is Meg. I have cerebral palsy, which affects my mobility and depth perception. I attend Western Washington University.
Hello, my name is Maryann, I have cerebral palsy. I am working on my associate's degree in business at Shoreline Community College. My goal is to transfer to the University of Washington to study disability law. I am actively involved with the Arc of Snohomish County and Disability Rights Washington—organizations that work to advance the rights of individuals with disabilities. I enjoy river rafting, water skiing, and snow skiing. I have been active in Special Olympics, competing in volleyball, bowling, basketball, track-and-field, and swimming. I live life to its fullest and my philosophy is "where there's a will, there's a way."
Hi! My name is Alex. I am a student at Cascadia Community College. I am still unsure about my major but am interested in focusing on something that will allow me to share my experiences with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and Social Security Income (SSI), as well as additional programs to educate others about government assistance systems for people with disabilities who have graduated from high school.
My name is Makenna and I live in Bellingham. I have cerebral palsy, which affects me cognitively and physically. I am volunteering to gain job skills and new experiences. I am involved with the Arc of Whatcom County by attending meetings and helping with projects. I am a volunteer receptionist and office assistant at the American Museum of Radio and Electricity. I am part of a Future Search Conference, a year-long conference that addresses the need for strengthening services and support for children with special health care needs in Whatcom County.
Hi there, I'm Katie! I attend Western Washington University where I am working toward a career in special education. I have attention deficit disorder (ADD) and dyslexia. Consequently, I have trouble with reading, writing, and spelling. My thought process jumps from one idea to the next and things take me longer to figure out and communicate. I have a great family and a bundle of supportive friends. I am an art freak. I'm Catholic and have gone on three mission trips to Kolkata, India. I have a passion for music and adore kids.
My name is Ashley. I am currently attending community college in Florida. I like to volunteer at my local animal shelter (especially caring for and feeding all the cute cats), read, surf the web, talk on the phone, shop, dance, and listen to music. I have Asperger's syndrome.
My name is Vishal. I am attending Cascadia Community College and am taking a course on American popular music, which I enjoy. I completed an internship with the UW Athletic Department/Women's Crew. I like to play video games, watch TV (especially sports!), email, talk with people, and surf the Net.
Hi. My name is Bud. I have had a visual impairment since fourth grade. I graduated from Gonzaga University in Spokane, with degrees in economics and math. This fall I will be starting a Ph.D. program in finance at the University of Southern California. I have interned at Boeing in the cost management department, as well as NASA and NOAA. I like sports, sailing, chess, and politics.
My name is Russell. I have Duchenne muscular dystrophy and use a wheelchair. I earned a degree in history from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. In my spare time, I enjoy watching Mariners baseball, drawing, reading, playing video games, and spending time outdoors and with my family.
My name is Michael. I attend Everett Community College. After I earn an associate's degree, I would like to attend the University of Washington and earn a Ph.D. in engineering. My career goal is to be an engineer involved in the use of nuclear fusion as an energy source. I enjoy computer, math, science, and band classes. I am a computer and console nerd—I love video games. I also like fishing, watching Mariners games, swimming, camping, being with my family, and playing golf. I have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which means I have trouble sitting still and focusing on the task at hand. I also have motor disabilities, so I have a difficult time writing. DO-IT helps me be more independent and find creative ways to type out homework, such as math and physics problems.
My name is Blanca. I attend Columbia Basin College and plan to transfer to Eastern Washington University. I am thinking of becoming a child psychologist because I enjoy working with children. I love to read, watch TV, and play on the computer. I was in an accident where I suffered a spinal cord injury. One of the things I enjoy about DO-IT is meeting people with similar and different disabilities who have gone on to do creative and interesting things with their lives.
My name is Jessica. I received my associate's degree from Olympic College. I currently am enrolled in the early childhood and family studies program at the University of Washington. I hope to have a career in education, possibly as a kindergarten teacher. I enjoy being with my family, playing with animals, and babysitting.