My parents worked hard to foster independence in me when I was younger, and it really helped prepare me for living beyond home. College is where I really learned to be independent. The college I picked was in an old building, and the dorms were not up to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards at all.

The first year, I was in a dorm on the fifth floor. My chair barely fit through the bathroom door, and I had to rely on an old elevator that was breaking down at least once a week. I had the phone number of every RA in the building readily available. But despite all the shortcomings, the school was extremely helpful. You just have to adapt, be patient, and be an advocate for yourself. By the time my sophomore year started, the college had constructed four brand-new ADA-accessible dorm rooms on the third floor, and guess who had first pick? It’s still the best living arrangement I’ve had, even compared with my childhood home.

I realized if I wanted to be completely independent, I needed a job that I would be able to do with my limitations and succeed. I would never tell someone to let their limitations restrict them because I never would, but it does help to be realistic. I knew my dream of being an astronaut wasn’t too likely, and I had to have a career. We live in a wonderful time when technology has opened so many doors for disabled people! I wanted to be where that technology was, and I was already pretty computer savvy. I chose to study graphic design and computer animation.

All throughout college, I was involved with my local department of rehabilitation. I had an IEP in high school, and when I graduated from high school, it led right into this post–high school program. I was given assistance attending college and any extra things I needed. I did not receive much tuition help because I decided to go out of state for school (even though I could see my home state from the top floor of the school—it was literally right over the Mississippi River). After I graduated from college, the next step in that program was securing a job. My caseworker with the state periodically sent me job listings, but otherwise I was mostly on my own.

Attendance was always my issue in school. Doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, and just general sick days always made school tough. I made up the all the work and kept good grades, but I had this fear that a job wouldn’t put up with that. There are laws against workplace discrimination, but discrimination can still happen. This was my biggest fear going into the workforce. I applied to a few jobs and nervously went through a few interviews until I was hired as a web designer. I remember going into the second interview with the head of the department. I was very straightforward with him, explaining in my interview that I would need time off for doctor appointments, and sometimes I couldn’t always give a detailed reason. His response will always stick with me. He told me, “Everyone gets sick; everyone needs days off.” He was right!

It might feel overwhelming and as if you are the odd person out, but don’t feel worried. I’ve been at my job for almost two years, and my boss has been nothing but accepting when I tell him I need a day off. I make sure my work is done, and we both have this mutual understanding. From college to the workforce, I’ve found that the key is communication. You can succeed quite well in whatever profession you choose. Just don’t be scared—and do fight for what you need.