When attending Bakersfield College back in 2019, I wanted to be known as an ordinary student, especially after graduating from High School. Though I wanted to be in “general” classes when back in high school, my teachers and counsellors there directed me to take classes where I could get extra support, but I never got to learn there.

When I attended this campus, the staff and counselors at Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) said there was no problem registering in any classes; they said they could help students like me (students that have special needs) make extended appointments with writing assistants, for example. Taking English was the most difficult course and a challenge because I went to school in all 12 grades without learning how to write a proper composition.

It was a great experience to meet staff and counselors offering me help in every possible way to make sure I can succeed as a student no matter what disability during most of my lifetime I had. This program has a group where you can make friends and be grateful to meet people by creating friendships with people who become like family. The staff there have supported me no matter what the circumstances. Even though I did not want this much to concern my parents, I made sure that I could change into a better student who took courses seriously by learning everything.

My family first discovered the DSPS program when I was in my senior year of high school, thanks to my principal there. When my mother specifically tried her best to support me and my decision to enroll at Bakersfield College, she had to bring in my accommodations and records. The staff there saw that due to my history, I was always a good student, but I needed more support, the support that comes from DSPS.

Programs such as DSPS are essential to help students who are just like me or have other needs or accommodations.