Tell us about yourself.
"After graduating from Pal-Mac, I went on to obtain Bachelors of Science degree from RIT, and a DVM from Michigan State. During that time I traveled all over the U.S. and then Australia playing soccer, and later on, I spent time in India working in a professional capacity with domestic and wild animals (mainly elephants). After graduating from veterinary school, I moved back home and started a family with my high school sweetheart. I bought my childhood home and am enjoying the hobby of farm life once again. I am a small animal veterinarian at Walworth Animal Hospital
and love working in my own community."
How did Pal-Mac help you achieve your goals?
"At Pal-Mac I was able to thrive in a small town setting. Being deaf wasn't a big deal, and I was able to succeed in academics and athletics. I also formed close friendships and it's wonderful (and a little mind-boggling) to see my children playing with my friend's kids! "
What advice would you give to current Pal-Mac High School students?
"Enjoy the games, the bonfires, the late night revamping of art projects and plays. You'll remember the words to the corny musicals and poems later on when you're trying to rock your baby to sleep or get your dog to hurry-up-and-do-it's-business outside. You'll remember the friends who you've gained and lost- and if you're lucky you'll stay in touch with some of them. Treasure your good teachers and coaches- the ones that push you the most are shaping your future in a very real way.
Adult life will be hard, it will require you to shed your angst and easily-won triumphs in order to really succeed. High school, for better or worse, will be long gone before you know it...so have a bit of fun and don't make any permanent mistakes (though the temporary ones are essential for good stories later).”
"After graduating from Pal-Mac, I went on to obtain Bachelors of Science degree from RIT, and a DVM from Michigan State. During that time I traveled all over the U.S. and then Australia playing soccer, and later on, I spent time in India working in a professional capacity with domestic and wild animals (mainly elephants). After graduating from veterinary school, I moved back home and started a family with my high school sweetheart. I bought my childhood home and am enjoying the hobby of farm life once again. I am a small animal veterinarian at Walworth Animal Hospital
and love working in my own community."
How did Pal-Mac help you achieve your goals?
"At Pal-Mac I was able to thrive in a small town setting. Being deaf wasn't a big deal, and I was able to succeed in academics and athletics. I also formed close friendships and it's wonderful (and a little mind-boggling) to see my children playing with my friend's kids! "
What advice would you give to current Pal-Mac High School students?
"Enjoy the games, the bonfires, the late night revamping of art projects and plays. You'll remember the words to the corny musicals and poems later on when you're trying to rock your baby to sleep or get your dog to hurry-up-and-do-it's-business outside. You'll remember the friends who you've gained and lost- and if you're lucky you'll stay in touch with some of them. Treasure your good teachers and coaches- the ones that push you the most are shaping your future in a very real way.
Adult life will be hard, it will require you to shed your angst and easily-won triumphs in order to really succeed. High school, for better or worse, will be long gone before you know it...so have a bit of fun and don't make any permanent mistakes (though the temporary ones are essential for good stories later).”