Throughout the week we are highlighting students who are completing their degrees this month. Today we introduce you to Heather Patrick.
Heather Patrick's journey to an Onondaga Community College degree began in 2018. It concludes this month when she completes her American Sign Language (ASL) degree. "There have been moments I wish I could just freeze them forever. This is one of them. I feel like I finally made it. It's been a long hard journey, so these moments are beyond special for me."
Patrick grew up with a series of health-related issues. It wasn't until she was diagnosed with Autism at age 16 that she felt like she had a clear path in life. "Before that, I had so many problems. After that, I felt like 'now we have answers to all of these things.' Living with Autism became easier."
She graduated high school at age 21, started college in her home state of Massachusetts, and eventually made her way to Central New York and OCC. She began in the Humanities & Social Sciences program, but an ASL class changed her academic focus. "My professor, Rebecca Dadey, was amazing. Near the end of that semester, I switched my major to ASL."
She excelled in her coursework and earned membership in the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, eventually becoming the organization's Vice President of Fellowship. "Being a part of this means more than I can express. It's an extra super special honor for me."
Patrick credits OCC's Office of Accessibility Resources with playing a large role in her success. "They put a plan in place so I could take all of my tests at the Testing Center. I wouldn't have been able to make it into PTK without those accommodations."
Her contributions to the college included starting the Autism Club, serving as Secretary of the ASL Club, and becoming OCC's Student Disability Ambassador to SUNY.
Finally, at age 33, her journey to her degree will be complete. She hopes to one day work as an aide or assistant in a Pre-K or Kindergarten Special Needs classroom. She would also like to work for Autism Speaks, which is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism. "When I was diagnosed they were one of the few organizations that had information for families. I'm grateful they were there and would like to help people with Autism."
