Calais School seniors were inspired to pursue their dreams in a special program presented by Novartis  on October 27.

The program showcased people who overcame their disabilities and succeeded in their fields. The students enjoyed a pre-program with DJ Robbie Wilde who performed musical compositions in his at-home studio. Students later learned that Robbie overcame nearly complete hearing loss to build a career in the field of mixing music as a disc jockey.

“We’re all human,” Robbie told the students. “Discouragement and doubt come around and tap you on the shoulder to say you can’t do it. I’m a perfectionist. I have OCD and ADHD, trying to be as perfect as possible has been my biggest issue.”

Robbie also spoke about the challenges of working in music with his disability. “Music theory important – especially since I am deaf and hard of hearing, you need to understand each key; how they start in each octave; which ones to combine together to sound correctly. I have all the keys set up for each song…”

He also shared what he said was an important message for students. “Surround yourself with people who inspire and encourage you, stay positive, believe in yourself,” he said. “Just because directions were written by someone else, doesn’t mean that manual is written for you. You are allowed to rewrite it.”

Joshua Leonard, a character designer, also spoke to students about his love of drawing. He told students that he was evacuated from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and was homeless. He worked hard and was accepted at the Art Institute of Atlanta where he graduated at the top of his class with a degree in Media Arts and Animation, all while working full time and raising his daughter.

He shared how he continued to pursue his dream of becoming an artist as he dealt with homelessness and serious car accident. He is the creator of Team Supreme, characters who have special needs or disabilities, which double as their superpower.

“People are afraid of what they don’t understand,” he said. “We can show them what’s really important, normalize being different.”

The next part of the program featured a college and career session with three people who specialize in helping people with disabilities access careers and higher education.

The program ended with remarks from Wanda Sims, Director of Diversity & Inclusion at Novartis, who works with disability inclusion. “We hope that you have the courage and inspiration to pursue your passions and create a world where all are empowered to contribute their gifts and talents,” she said. “I know I speak for all Novartis associates when I say that you truly are our hope and inspiration for the future!”

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