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Calais 2021 graduate Rory S. attributes his success in his freshman year at college to his 10 years at Calais, which helped prepare him for the experience.
Rory is a freshman at Misericordia University in Pennsylvania where he studies sports management and runs for the university’s cross country and track teams. He is a resident of Westfield.
“Calais means a lot to me,” Rory said. “It helped me become a good student. I made a lot of friends there and the teachers and counselors are really helpful. Whenever I was feeling down, everyone would always cheer me up.”
Rory said he did not know anyone at the university before he arrived for his freshman year but has made so many friends. “I have always been outgoing and liked meeting new people,” he said.
“There are so many things I love about college,” Rory said. “I like the people, all the events, practicing with my teammates and attending sporting events. I am loving every bit of it.”
Although his classes can be a bit stressful at times, his professors have been very supportive. ”Everyone wants me to succeed,” he said, noting he made the honor roll with a 3.3 grade point average last semester.
With all his classes, practice five days a week and meets on weekends, Rory stays pretty busy, he says. He did fall cross country and winter track and has just started spring track, he said. One of the big differences in college is cross country, he noted. “You are running an 8K instead of a 5K,’’ he said. “Running such a long distance takes time to get used to.”
Rory credits most of his success at college to Calais because “they explained everything about college, what it is like” and prepared him for the experience, he said, adding that ”I was ready for it.”
He also loves the independence of living on his own at college, he said.
Later this spring, Rory hopes to return to Calais to visit his old friends and all the staff and counselors who mean so much to him. He also wants to share a message for all his friends at Calais. “Whenever you are struggling with a lot of things, whatever things are stressing you out, don’t be afraid to ask for help,” he said. “Everyone will be there to help you. This includes fellow peers, professors, your advisors. I always took advantage of that and in college, you can do that. That’s what my advice would be-to reach out to people you know and trust to help you. Do not be afraid to ask for help. It is a good way to become successful in life.”
Rory was also a recipient of the Joe Gorga, Connections for the Future $1,000 academic scholarship from the Alliance of Special Education Schools of New Jersey, a not-for-profit organization of special education schools and agencies. Calais Counselor Michelle Primiano, Rory’s counselor, said she is excited for Rory. “Rory’s motivation toward success in his academic and extracurricular pursuits are beyond measure,” she said. “In addition to this, his positive outlook on life brightens all those who surround him.”
The 2020/2021 School Year marked Calais’ 50th year serving students with special needs! The Calais Foundation & The Calais School thank students, parents, staff & faculty, and friends of Calais for playing an integral role in our past, present and future. The #MyCalaisStory campaign was created as a platform to share stories and build a deeper connection among our community members. If you would like to share your story, please contact Ashley Soleau at ashley.soleau@thecalaischool.
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