Unlike many traditional measures of success, grit is not tied to intelligence, luck, or talent. Grit is a supportive attribute when it comes to challenging experiences and college is often a challenging experience. According to research, individuals who obtain an associate's degrees are, on average, more hardy/gritty than those who get bachelor's degree.
During my first two years of High School, I was notorious for procrastinating and going to great lengths to avoid work — even going to the extent of throwing away my math homework, so my dad would not know that I wasn’t doing it.
Things that are normal for CLE students to do can be challenges for them and thus they need the structure and support of their schedules to accomplish them and maintain their lives. Through this structure, a CLE student can work their way to not only independence but also towards living a full and successful life.
This game isn’t normal. It isn’t played on a board. There is no high-definition screen. Zero athletic ability is required. To play this game you must envision a character, a fictitious alter-ego, equipped with fantastical abilities that will help you survive attacks of the Dungeon Master.
We spent time in a couple of our groups here at CLE Costa Mesa discussing the neurodiversity paradigm and Neurodiversity Movement, and its impact on individual identity from the students’ perspective.
It goes without saying that being unique is sort of a brand, it’s fashionable and perhaps the new norm. In an interview with CLE staff and students I found it’s really the simple, everyday things that makes us all truly unique. Here’s a little profile of what makes us all stand out.
Am I “cool”? I used to know I was back in the day…when I was young and filled with adventure, edge, and possibilities. And I still think, I’m “cool” but I have to acknowledge that my definition of that word has changed over the years.
Scott and I talked about how our student socials have evolved over the years, and how they reflect our larger goals of fostering friendships and independence outside the walls of the center.
Students often come to me or their CLE mentor with their questions about sex because they do not know who else to talk to; it’s too uncomfortable to talk to mom and dad about it, and their peers may be struggling with the same questions and limited knowledge they have.
Living with a “Learning Disability” comes with its own set of preconceived notions, assumptions and expectations. I asked students in my CLE focus groups and individually the question, “Are there things you avoid talking about in the disability community?” Here are some of their answers
