My experience with Tartan TOPS has been one that I will never forget for the rest of my life; from the tutors that have guided me to the instructors that taught me to never give up no matter what situations that arise. They are one of the reasons why I even applied to be a student with Tartan Tops in the first place. Without them I would not have been where I am today, a student enrolled in college and writing stories for The Clarion.
Even though juggling two jobs at one time can be difficult, I make it work because of the work ethic and productivity I have due to being the fun, trustful, friendly, talented and smart individual that my parents have guided me to be. I am proud that I have people that care about how I want to be respected and treated or how they give me the chance to speak about what is on my mind.
Tartan Tops first started five years ago as a program to help students with disabilities like myself. Tristan Chaput is the production coordinator for Tops while Lori Spivey serves as the program director. Both have been with the program from the start and continue their mission of helping provide young adults with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the modern workforce.
Even though my first year of college has been challenging, I have nonetheless loved meeting new people and learning skills that will be essential to my future career in broadcasting. Tops is one of those programs that continues to provide students with disabilities with the opportunity to succeed in their career of choice.
My life has been forever changed by all of the connections I have made along the way, and I plan on attending Sinclair after my graduation from the Tartan Tops program to receive my associate and bachelor’s degree in multimedia broadcast journalism.
Kyle Mounce
Staff Writer