Achieving Your Dreams

Monday, January 28, 2008, by Leigh Anne

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I am a proud Mama! You see, my sweet, high school daughter has been ACCEPTED TO COLLEGE! Now believe me I am in no rush for her to leave home, in fact for the last year I have been tearing up at the thought of it. As you know, I already have two sweet college boys (yes - we will have 3 in college at the same time next fall - yikes!$!$!) so we have been through this before. But this sweet daughter’s journey to this point in her life has been a little different than my boys.

You see Cali was born with speech and learning disabilities. Through her educational journey she has always had what is called an IEP (Individual Education Program) this has allowed her special services (resource room, speech therapy. etc.) . Learning has never come easy for her, she has had to work twice as hard at it as most people do. But Cali’s spirit, spunk and determination have brought her to today - where she has received her first college acceptance and she will be graduating with an Honor’s Diploma (which means she has taken Advanced Placement courses and completed an involved service project as well as other things)

What an amazing experience it is to see your children struggle with challenges, overcome those challenges and achieve their dreams! I have learned a lot from being Cali’s mother. I marvel at her strength, her determination not to give up and her ability to stay the course. I know that because of these traits Cali will be successful at whatever she undertakes in her life, that she will be able to overcome whatever challenge is placed in her path.

Each of us has our own set of challenges whether in business or in life. One thing Cali has taught me is that if you want something bad enough and the desire is strong in your heart you can overcome!

Being the Proud Mama that I am I wanted to share with you Cali’s college essay - it describes Cali’s journey and personality so well and I know that Cali’s spirit and determination will take her far!

“I don’t do time and money,” stated a spunky little girl-me-to her resource room teacher. But this spunk and determination helped me to overcome my learning disabilities and challenge myself in all aspects of life.
From day one, it was a challenge to speak. This brought on numerous ear surgeries and years of speech and language therapy. My late start and struggle in school with reading, talking, and understanding brought an adventure.
During elementary school, I went to the resource room. Some kids cruelly called it “the retarded kid’s” room, but I found it a safe place. In this protected space, I felt comfortable learning without being intimidated by other student’s speed of learning.
In middle school I wanted to prove that having a learning disability doesn’t equate with the label, “stupid.” I spent hours doing homework and studying. Even though I wasn’t getting straight A’s I was achieving excellence by performing at a quicker pace.
I now have the goal to graduate with an honors diploma. Even though it’s a struggle, I enjoy the challenge. With four AP classes I have learned that I am capable of new and bigger things.
My determination has helped me overcome obstacles in more then just academics. I aspired to land a leading role in a high school musical. After numerous rejections, I achieved this goal after hours of preparation and positive thinking.
Another one of my goals has been to attend BYU. I know this won’t be easy, but by overcoming my disabilities I am prepared to take on the challenge of being a BYU student. There is no greater feeling then achieving your dream after you have worked for excellence.

I love you Cali!

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4 Responses to “Achieving Your Dreams”

What an incredible article. I love the story, and the background about Cali. We have watched her and your other children for many years now, and I would never have known Cali had any difficulties in school.

As a grandparent, I have hopes that all of our grandchildren will not have to face many challenges, dissappointments, and heartache, even though I know that one learns and grows from those types of experiences. I hope that, as they face their trials, they will do so in the manner in which Cali has done.

I thought that when your children become adults and marry that the worries were over. Not so!!!!! We want the best for each one of them and their children, and for all of them to be happy, well-adjusted people. Sometimes means having to face adversity, resist peer pressure and temptation, work harder than ever, and stand alone for what one feels is right.

Our family has enjoyed watching Cali in many musicals and plays at Westview. No matter what part she has, she is the highlight of the performance. Your other children are also very talented, and we had the opportunity to watch them too.

I am thrilled to hear that Cali will be going to BYU. What a wonderful opportunity. No wonder you are a “proud Mama”. Your family is such a good example for us all. Thank you so much.

Way to go Cali! You are one wonderous gal. To even think about anyone of any age overcome any disability to be able to attend college is remarkable, but for someone who has a learning disabliity calls for a real celebration. When ever you are feeling down about a problem, please look back on your original plan for your life. Rest a bit and go on with your plan, you may need to ‘tweek” it a bit. That is something all of us need to do too. My son was always on an IEP as well, in fact he will be all his life. I know the challenges of being in a Resourse Room, having other kids make fun of you, and be totally misunderstood by others, sometimes even family members. Any handicap is a hard cross to bear. I am so proud of you that you are going foward with your life and going to college. I have never known anyone from the Resourse Room to attend college, in fact most do not get a traditional diploma either. May success always be with you. Congratulations Cali! Your Mom will always be your biggest fan. She also has had challenges to face, please remember that as you go along with your day to day activities.

Wow! I love your spotlight on Cali and the essay that she wrote! I am very impressed with her. We are going to miss having her around next year, too! Our oldest daughter, Christina, spent a lot of time in the Resource Room, too, and had an IEP, as well. Cali is a high achiever with tremendous potential. Much of that potential has been realized already. What a beautiful, fun and talented woman!

Leigh Anne, what an incredible article! It is so refreshing to see people write/speak of their children with respect and honor. It seems that so many think it is funny to talk about their kids in such a condescending manner, especially teens. Thank you for highlighting your kids with love and support. Not that I’m surprised, since you are such a wonderfully loving woman.

And way to go, Cali, for doing what YOU want to do, whether the other kids think you can or not!

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My number one priority
has been and will always be
my family.
But I also feel strongly
that it is possible
for women to incorporate
all their interests,
goals and ambitions
into a balanced life.
I love working with women and helping to inspire them to achieve their goals and dreams while still maintaining motherhood and family as
their number one priority.

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Achieving Your Dreams

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