Graduation Week a Great Success!

May 14, 2018

After an exciting, jam-packed week, the very first Transition Academy participants can now call themselves graduates! Last Wednesday, the graduates were honored at a special convocation ceremony and lunch at GateWay Community College in Phoenix. Thursday was the actual graduation ceremony. The week wrapped up on Friday with a leisurely, delicious brunch at 29 Palms generously provided by First Watch. Family members, friends and SARRC and First Place staff gathered to mingle and reminisce. The big take-away was everything they learned over the last two years on their way to living more independent and joyful lives. Great things await our graduates!

A few graduates took the time to share their insights when asked to weigh in on the following:

1) Someone you know is interested in attending the Transition Academy and is asking you questions about your experience there. What advice would you give that person to get them started?

"I would tell them to be yourself. It’s not scary to make new friends. It’s also really important to budget and manage your money."

"First of all, you need to know how to maintain your apartment. And then you also need to know how to budget to meet your needs."

"It’s OK to be nervous at first, but it gets better when you get started and get used to the other students and staff. And never be afraid to advocate for yourself and ask for help because everyone is always willing to help you."

"Have fun! And it’s OK if you don’t progress right away, at the same level as your peers. You can go at your own pace."

2) Tell us about one of your most special memories from the past two years.

"My special memory is of me, the staff members and all of First Place going bowling with Denise on Saturdays. It’s really exciting! Denise buys us pizza there. I’ve bowled 3 spares and 10 strikes!"

"I got to take the light rail to downtown Phoenix to Lucky Strike Bowling Alley. I also learned how to live more independently. The best part is that you can prepare your own meals. I like to make bratwurst—with spicy mustard!"

"I really liked living with two other students. The first year I was with Joanna and it was a really cool experience. I now live with Amelia. I like the experience of living with roommates."

"My proudest accomplishment from the two years at the Transition Academy is my job. Both of my supervisors care and I feel like we’re friends. If I have a question, they always help. They’re still learning about me and I’m still learning about them. But it’s a fun, out-of-the box experience—we’re like family!"