Holly Finds Confidence and Independence Through College Navigation

Like most college students, Holly juggles a busy schedule. Besides attending Greenfield Community College (GCC), she lives independently, maintains a job, and is an artist. While she is thriving and on her way to graduation in the spring, there was a time when she wasn’t sure how she would get to this point.

When she first started attending GCC, Holly knew she needed assistance to succeed and was unsure how to find it. Having been diagnosed with autism, a learning disability that affects her reading, and anxiety, she received special education accommodations and services that ended when she graduated from high school. Although those services do not continue in postsecondary education, she started with the GCC Disabilities Services Office.

The GCC Disabilities Services Office was amazing. In addition to providing support like coordinating accommodations across campus and encouraging Holly to participate in college activities, they also connected her to the Easterseals Massachusetts College Navigator Program.

College Navigators Zoe and Tucker began working weekly with Holly to set initial goals around time management, scheduling, and managing her planner. She also established key study habits to help her succeed in her classes. Most importantly, she developed a system for managing her schoolwork and learned how to advocate for herself in accessing campus resources.

Holly’s true passion is art. Although shy and quiet, she happily shows her amazing artwork from her sketchbook when she gets to know people. Art gives her the space to be creative and most importantly be herself without any judgment. Zoe and Tucker realized this was a great tool for expressing herself freely.

Beyond academics, the College Navigator Program helped Holly grow her confidence and independence. Now she has the confidence to do what is needed to help manage her anxiety, like bringing her art supplies and stuffed animals to school. One of her proudest accomplishments was having her artwork displayed in the college art gallery, something she had been working toward for years. She is also active in the GCC Neurodiversity Club.

Holly is also passionate about advocating for individuals to be tested for intellectual disabilities and autism at an early age. She wishes that anyone with a disability receives support and resources in the school setting. Recently, she was a spokesperson for ESMA to inform Massachusetts Legislators about the importance of College Navigator Program grant funding so that other individuals with disabilities can follow in her footsteps.

Now preparing to graduate from GCC, Holly is excited for her next step transferring to UMass Amherst to continue her education. Although transitioning to a new school can be scary, she feels far more prepared than when she first started college. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges how much she has grown academically and personally.