CIP Berkeley rookie Aaron Samuels has participated in Special Olympics in Santa Clara county since high school. A year round athlete, he has gold medals in bowling, tennis, basketball, softball, swimming, power lifting and floor hockey.
He earned a silver medal September 6th, 2008 at the Special Olympics Northern California championship as the starting catcher for the Southside Dragons.
Life is totally strange for me right now. I feel as if I have a million things running through my head right now. I start a 3 week home heath aide program on Monday, which, I am not looking forward to.
I feel as if I’m just here, not engaged at all, just here, because I have to be, going through the motions. Doing what I have to do, just because I know I have to, or else, I’ll get hounded by staff if I don’t. Going thorugh the motions, without feeling emotion.
I just can’t wait for the three weeks to be over! I’d rather be in bed, not worrying about a scary world, me feeling as if I’m heading straight for a black hole, emotionless and zombie-like.
On the Issues, 2008 Presidential Election
Not sure where the presidential candidates stand on specific issues? Check the links below to learn more.
Feel free to add you own comments.
By Karen Noel, Admissions Coordinator, The Berkshire Center
The Berkshire Center in Lee, MA has a diverse population of students that all come together to form one close-knit community. Our 52 pupils hail from 15 different states including Texas, Georgia, Michigan, Virginia and Ohio. The socio-economic status also varies a great deal and again has our students coming from very different worlds, having diverse experiences.
With role-modeling and an environment that fosters not only acceptance but appreciation for the many differences we all have, this group of students, many who have never met before, come together to form a family that supports and cares for one another and gives every one a chance to shine!
By Jonathan Jacobson, Brevard Center Sophomore
I was on a plane. This was not a normal plane. It was a plane that would transport me into a new dimension of thought, time and experience. I remember the times before this plane ride, the times I had in Hoboken. I was an extremely unhappy boy. I was fighting physically and verbally with my mom every day.
A Diverse Addition to Bloomington
Bloomington Center’s newly hired Academic Coordinator, was born outside Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Northwest Indiana before relocating to Bloomington, IN in 2004. Prior to returning to college, he was a musician, worked in retail management and founded a successful computer consulting firm.
Joi Cox, Residential staff at the Berkeley Center and professional dancer, recently traveled to Sweden with Joshua Klipp, a vocalist which she does backup dancing for.
Besides being a veteran residential staff member, Joi teaches a dance class for students at the Berkeley Center which includes hip/hop, jazz and ballroom dance themes.
Visualizing the Bloomington Center
Bloomington is starting off the school year with a variety of visual prompts and posters that have been developed to better aide students with executive functioning.
Also new for this year is VSM or Video Self Modeling. Students and staff will participate in the production of group video projects that focus on learning successful behavior at college, in residence and on the job.
Trying Bloomington On for Size
By Adria Nassim, Bloomington Student Reporter
When I arrived in Bloomington, IN two months ago, my first thought was that I had boarded some imaginary plane and mysteriously crash landed in a small version of New York. I identified myself with Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz clutching her dog Toto for dear life and saying, “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.”
Summer in Berkeley is Really the Place to Be!
Starting 2009, CIP is having a summer program for high school students in Berkeley, California.
Located within the University of California, Berkeley campus, students will have access to brand new facilities including furnished 1 or 2 bedroom suites, an award winning cafeteria (vegetarian and vegan friendly), a workout room, lounges, computer lab and much more.
June 19th - July 3rd, 2009
Come join us for a great summer adventure! www.collegeinternshipprogram.com/summer
