Impact Stories
Our Student Impact Stories give you a glimpse into the real experiences of student scholars with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who are part of inclusive college programs across California. In their own words, students share what college means to them—building friendships, exploring independence, gaining skills for future careers, and finding a true sense of belonging on campus. These stories celebrate student voices and remind us that inclusive higher education opens doors to opportunity, growth, and community.
Student Spotlights
Mateo Zelaya
College: San Francisco StateProgram: Art and Design
What advice do you have for future students? The advice for future students is: If you don't understand what to do in class, don't be afraid to ask questions. Sometimes it was hard for me to understand a question or how to answer a question. You can ask professors to repeat the question to make it clearer. I learned this from my peer mentors.
Sammi Tam
College: San Francisco StateProgram: Comic Studies
What do you like most about being in college? A class I really liked was about Comics. I liked doing group activities, drawing comics, and making designs on the computer. I like learning how to use Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. In a Digital Design class, I enjoy looking and different parts of design pictures and what things stick out more. I also enjoy learning the different types of fonts of words and the different shapes of objects, like knowing there are a lot of different types of fonts and shapes. I really enjoy my Comic Studies and Digital Design classes.
Darien Badakhsh
College: Pathway at UCLA ExtensionProgram: Specialization in Learning and Life skills
What do you like most about being in college? I like spending more time in Los Angeles, this was my first experience in Los Angeles and living away from family. It was hard at first, but I made time to talk to family, when I felt I needed them. I learned how to divide and balance my time with friends, family and my responsibilities.
Gabrielle Shapiro
College: Pathway at UCLA ExtensionProgram: Specialization in Learning and Life skills; Early Childhood Education Certificate
What do you like most about being in college? I have really enjoyed having the college experience and meeting new friends. I have been able to challenge myself to pursuing my early childhood certificate while at Pathway and although it was hard at first I now feel good about it. I feel I am more confident in taking these classes, having my ed coaches help me review the assignments before I start on them has helped me be a stronger student.