Sheryl Meeuwsen’s college career started with such promise — a scholarship to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
“It went downhill from there,” she says. “I ended up failing out. Moved in with an aunt and uncle in Colorado Springs. Failed out of Pikes Peak Community College. I had no idea there was anything wrong with me.”
Program helps those with Asperger’s syndrome
By Jennifer Nessmith Hometown News, Staff writer
Original article appears in Hometown News
The word “autism” probably sparks a negative connotation in most people’s minds, due in part to limited, and often atypical, portrayals in television and movies.
Until about 10 years ago, little was discussed about the disease, and many people were largely misdiagnosed. In fact, Asperger’s syndrome, often described as a “mild form of autism,” didn’t appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV until 1994.
Over the years I have learned a great deal from all my friends, staff and coworkers. I look back and remember my first year when I had some difficult times. When I first came to the College Internship Program (CIP), I was afraid to try new things and was not ready to get a job, I refused to try an internship because I had no experience and it was hard for me to do things on my own.
Spring Convocation is one of my favorite events. CIP students, parents and staff gather to recognize the remarkable contributions made by students, staff and the Melbourne community over the past year. We laugh and cry during the ceremony as we reflect on what an outstanding group of people makes up our CIP family.
The College Internship Program at the Berkshire Center celebrates it’s 25th Anniversary this year with a wonderful Awards Convocation and Graduation. Many staff members were honored for their 10 and even 15-year service awards.
When I first came to the College Internship Program, I felt like it was a going to be a prison sentence. I didn’t know anyone and, to be honest, I was scared. My roommate and now best friend, Andrew, made me feel a little better the first day we met. He was, and is always, willing to help me out with anything I need.
It is a magnificent late spring afternoon at Tanglewood in the Berkshire hills. The sky is heartbreakingly blue and a gentle breeze wafts a heady mixture of fragrance from the blooms of lilacs, peonies, and irises through the air. The temperature is a perfect 72 degrees. The ancient oak and ash trees are resplendent with their fresh translucent leaves filtering the sunlight and giving the day a surreal greenish tint.
I will never forget the day I got my Driver’s License, November 21, 2007. I hurried into the lobby of the Berkshire Center, where I am a student, and proudly held it up to Program Director Gary Shaw.
I stood there with a bright, beaming smile on my face. This day marked a turning point in my life because it was a passage into adulthood, which I was finally achieving at the age of 21 years.
Dr. McManmon, Founder of the College Internship Program, explains his role in the creation of the program and what it has evolved into in the past 25 years.
Sheryl Meeuwsen’s college career started with such promise — a scholarship to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
The word “autism” probably sparks a negative connotation in most people’s minds, due in part to limited, and often atypical, portrayals in television and movies.
Over the years I have learned a great deal from all my friends, staff and coworkers. I look back and remember my first year when I had some difficult times. When I first came to the 
Spring Convocation is one of my favorite events. CIP students, parents and staff gather to recognize the remarkable contributions made by students, staff and the Melbourne community over the past year. We laugh and cry during the ceremony as we reflect on what an outstanding group of people makes up our CIP family.
The College Internship Program at the 
I will never forget the day I got my Driver’s License, November 21, 2007. I hurried into the lobby of the Berkshire Center, where I am a student, and proudly held it up to Program Director Gary Shaw.
