For me, it was really difficult to decide what I wanted to do for my career.  Everybody has gone through something like this. However, my disability was going to make this more challenging. I was pretty surprised when I made up my mind to go to college for cinematography. Come on a journey back a few years with me!

When I was in my last year of high school at BHS, I met with Vocational Rehab. They recommended I go to Anne Carlson Center for a couple evaluations.  I was just thinking that it was going to be same old things, but I was really wrong!  I met with Mark C for an evaluation, and he knew that I might have some dreams.  Mark talked to me about Eilks Camp Grassick, he invited me out there for that summer.  I was really interested in going to the camp. (While I was at Camp Grassick, I found out that I love to make movies.)  After my evaluation with Mark, I came home and just thought that he was a nice guy.

A few years went by, I still was going out there to help with videos and the campers. It came into “my job”,  but it was only once a year. So, I just accepted that I wasn’t going to do anything with my life. I didn’t believe in myself, I was thinking that I could not do anything except sit at a day program and watch TV.  That time was not good for me, a lot of people told me that “I would not amount anything” and “I could never get a job “.  I didn’t have much hope for my life. I went through a very dark and trying time.  I am not proud of it, but I feel it help me to accept my disability.  With the help of some wonderful family and friends to talk with, and their support I got through my hard days.  I believe that I was trying to figure out myself as to what I wanted to be doing the rest of my life.

Mark and I came into being good friends, and he is a big part in my life.  He and I always been able to speak freely to each other.  We had a lot of talks about everything under the moon (I am so grateful for FB), One day, out of the blue I got the text from Mark asking “do you want to go to school at Full Sail University for Digital Cinematography?”  I said “yes”.  I was so excited about that!  I had to write a little autobiography,  and then wait for their acceptance.  It was a very long time before I heard anything about my scholarship.

After 6 months or so, Mark asked me if I could come to the Anne Carlson Center for an interview with him. I was thinking nothing about my scholarship.  It was a nice day outside in February, when I got there, Bill F and Laura H were waiting for me. They were doing the interview on Mark and me.  We were getting ready for it, I was noticing that they were talking very quietly, but I wasn’t thinking anything of it.  Mark and I were talking, while Bill and Laura were filming us,. I got my surprise of my life! Mark told me that I got the scholarship to Full Sail University!  That was a big shock to me! Everybody knew about it accept me.  What an amazing day! I am so thankful to know you, Mark.

Sady P.

Here is my video!