SEEK

This blog post is from Jess Ward, co-founder of a new club on the University of North Georgia campus. I had the chance to sit down and talk with Jess and Amanda (the other co-founder of the group). It was almost like talking to myself 16 years ago! It’s surprising and amazing to hear how similar this experience is to my own as a student at North Georgia. I’m so excited to partner with this group on campus to help build relationships in the community during their time in the Dahlonega area. After the kick off picnic on October 30 (see more below), SEEK plans to have weekly get togethers to build friendships, have a good time and share talents. Thank you SEEK for making our community better! – Jacque

Mahatma Ghandi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This is a quote I’m sure most of you have heard at some point or another in your life. It is quite a popular quote and is used often to market volunteer opportunities. This is because it has a tendency to inspire our thoughts. It’s optimistic, full of hope and faith in charity. Before working with people with special needs, this was simply a sweet, encouraging quote, like many others that I’m sure we all have pinned on Pinterest or painted on a canvas (because that’s apparently the thing to do these days). However, after my experience working with people with special needs, I found a new, refreshing truth within this ever so commonly used quote.

When I started college at the University of North Georgia, here in Dahlonega, I had a difficult transition. I missed my family, my friends, and, of course, my students. In high school, I was a student aide in our adapted classroom for students with special needs. Additionally, I interned at Clearwater Academy, a private school for students with learning hardships. I missed this community of loving, grateful people. I missed the sweet smiles on the faces of my students. I missed their openness, individuality, and authenticity. Until you have worked with people with special needs, it is hard to understand how unique and incredibly talented they are. It is even harder to comprehend the impact they can have on your life.

After a year of seeing these students every day, my heart yearned for them when I started college. I knew I needed to become involved in the special needs community in North Georgia however, I quickly realized that UNG did not have a single club geared specifically toward working with people with special needs. Luckily, I discovered Connectability and found an outlet within them. My first respite event was the Halloween Party last year and I had a blast! This sparked my passion again and I knew I needed to be more involved. Luckily, my roommate, who attended the Halloween respite event with me, was having similar withdrawals; as she, too, had interned with a private special needs school and worked as a student aide in her high school. As I discussed this with more and more people, I realized just how many college students shared my passion. This was the beginning of the formation of the club now known as SEEK.

SEEK stands for Students Encouraging Exceptional Kids. Many people take for granted their ability to freely pursue a hobby, to make their own decisions, and to attend social activities. Very often, people with special needs do not get to experience these privileges. Our intent is to create an environment where people with special needs can experience these freedoms in an environment where students are acknowledged for their individual talents and abilities, instead of their disabilities. We will be offering a weekly program in which committed participants can come to develop their artistic, athletic, and social skills while hanging out and having fun with UNG club members. We want to build relationships by working one-on-one with participants as well as in groups. SEEK also focuses on raising awareness in the community for different disorders and special needs.

SEEK’s first event of the year is a Picnic in the Park at Yahoola Creek Park by the new adapted playground. This will take place on Sunday, October 30^th from 4 to 6pm. Our goal for the picnic is to begin building relationships with members of or community and further explaining our weekly program. Sign up online here. Refreshments will be available. We hope to see you there!