In February, we (Mindy Lingo and Clare Papay) visited inclusive postsecondary education programs at the College of the Florida Keys, the University of Kansas, and the University of North Texas to capture footage for our upcoming "Think Higher. Think College" public awareness campaign. During our jam-packed days at each school, we met with fantastic staff, instructors, students, and administrators. We are so appreciative of them opening their doors for our film crews, and we can’t wait for you to see the final result.
Pictured in the graphic above are just some of the people we met on our visit. Going clockwise from the upper left corner are the students and staff from UNT who made filming possible, from left to right are Gary Payne, Brenda Barrio, Lauryn Woolfolk, Isaac Rodriquez, Jaylen Walker, Heather Noel, and Pam Trocki-Ables; student Alyssa Juracek at University of Kansas going through the video pre-check prior to her interview; and the film crew setting up for College of Florida Keys student Derrick Medina to be interviewed by Clare Papay.
Here are some behind the scenes highlights from our visits to each school:
University of North Texas - ELEVAR, by Mindy
During the visits to the campus in Denton, I got the royal treatment with an escort to each filming location via an enclosed golf cart and personal guides from the University Brand Strategy and Community Team - I felt so fancy. The day was planned down to every detail thanks to Dr. Brenda Barrio, Dr. Pam Trocki-Ables, Heather Noel, and Gary Payne who had to repeat the efforts two weeks later due to a record-breaking winter storm that shut down all of Texas. Yes, you read that right - Texas shut down for snow and ice. We were worried about our visit to Kansas in February, we never thought it would be the weather in TEXAS that would halt filming! Despite the hiccup, the team was able to make our trip an enjoyable experience filled with thoughtful planning, great conversations, and many laughs. In addition, the students made me feel welcomed by including me in their Bowling Night, where I got to witness some high-level bowling skills and hear the students share their personal experiences related to college. While these experiences vary by student, they all agree college is something they would recommend to others because THEY LOVE IT and it is helping them reach their goals!
College of the Florida Keys - Project ACCESS, by Clare
Snow and ice were NOT a problem for filming at College of the Florida Keys in February, as you might expect. In fact, sunscreen was in order for filming our outdoor scenes and interviews! The day started early with an 8 am class taught by instructor April Allen who skillfully included all students in a group activity (so well that I would not have known which was the student with intellectual disability if April hadn’t pointed him out before the cameras started rolling). Assistant Director Geraldine Darius (in her signature red dress, which you might spot in some campaign b-roll) was a big help in showing the film crew and I around campus and introducing us to everyone along the way. I’m certain that Geraldine knows everyone at the college! The students were well-prepared for their interviews and so patient when I asked them, “Could you repeat that one more time?” After the filming day, Geraldine sent me an email saying, “We all enjoyed ourselves so much we want to be in front of a camera talking all the time now. When I meet with the 3 students, they want me to video them!”
Kansas University - Transition to Postsecondary Education (KU-TPE), by Mindy
“Rock Chalk, Jayhawk” the chant is still running on a loop in my head after the visit to Lawrence, where school pride is front and center. This was apparent from my first night on campus as I was treated to a very “Lawerency” experience, as requested, for dinner at a well-known local establishment with the BEST onion rings. Dr. Dana Lattin and the KU-TPE program staff - Nathalie Weissman, Brendy Latare, and Jordan Swartzendruber, were amazing hosts who allowed us to witness the everyday life of a KU college student and how the staff keeps everything running smoothly. It was also very impressive to see Dr. Lattin, hail a bus to score just the right shot for our campaign footage. The KU staff and students knew how to make a great impression. According to the students, there are three things on campus that are “LIFE CHANGING” - basketball games, mocha lattes at a local coffee shop, and the KU-TPE program. I wholeheartedly agree about the KU-TPE program but did not get a chance to witness the other two, so I now have a great excuse to return to KU to check out a basketball game and a mocha latte!
Again, thank you to the program staff, the students, and their colleges for giving us a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes action of college life and helping us raise awareness on college options for individuals with intellectual disability.
Join us for our upcoming Think College Awareness Week, April 24-28, 2023, where we will have live events with guest speakers, resources, and expert guidance on college access for individuals with intellectual disability, and we will also have the world premiere of the highly anticipated “Think Higher. Think College” video to start off the week starring these amazing students.
About the post authors: Mindy Lingo is a training developer for the Think College Inclusive Higher Education Network, a position she just started in October 2022. As a former program director, Mindy knows firsthand the importance of the support Think College provides to students/families, programs, colleges, and policymakers across the country and is passionate about contributing to that effort for increased awareness and college access for individuals with intellectual disability. Clare Papay (she/her) is Senior Research Associate/Project Manager at Think College. Clare is the Evaluation Coordinator for the National Coordinating Center for the TPSID model demonstration program and the co-Principal Investigator for the Think College Inclusive Higher Education Network.