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"Academically, I was behind. I was the only student in my High School class who had a disability. I have a reading and language disability. It was hard for my public school teachers to teach me. My teacher knows about my disabilities. She adapts what I need to learn so that I can understand.
I am working on my diploma and have the credits I need to graduate but I also need to learn and experience working and need to get ready for applying to colleges. My mom and the staff at Crotched Mountain are there to help me through this experience.
This place is a wonderful place. It will help you overcome bad feelings of being different. I have confidence. I advocate for myself. My health is better because I am able to have therapies that I need. I am a stronger person.
I have a best friend who has since graduated. We talk and email each other all the time. She has come back to visit. My girlfriend got me into adapted dance. I have a goal to walk on crutches. I want to use my whole body when I dance. I would like to be an instructor and I am now looking into schools. Before coming to here, I did not even think that I would be able to go to college.
I can do things like other teenagers. I just need the equipment to do so. Believe in yourself, your goals and your dreams.
I am the Crotched Mountain School Ambassador for Special Olympics as well as a Global Messenger. I did not know about Special Olympics until I came to Crotched Mountain School . I have traveled and met with many people."
-- Chelsea Fernendes
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