Empowering Success: HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Alumni Eric’s Journey with ARC Broward

Empowering Success: HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Alumni Eric’s Journey with ARC Broward

Eric, a former HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. student, came to share his post-secondary journey with the class. Eric’s decision to defer his graduation and enroll with ARC Broward School of Higher Education has proven to be an excellent experience. Through this program, Eric has not only grown socially but has also found meaningful employment. His visit to the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class brought valuable insights and encouragement to the students, showcasing the possibilities that lie ahead. 

ARC Broward’s School of Higher Education offers a comprehensive program designed to empower individuals with developmental disabilities. Eric highlighted the Community-Based Instruction field trips as a key aspect of the program, enabling participants to receive valuable job training with the support of dedicated job coaches. These trips expose students to various workplaces, equipping them with the skills necessary for success in the job market. 

Eric emphasized the many opportunities provided by ARC Broward. Participants benefit from exposure to job fairs, mock interviews, self-advocacy training, workplace etiquette, water safety classes, and engaging social outings. This holistic approach prepares individuals to thrive in a professional environment while also fostering personal growth and self-confidence. 

Currently employed at Burger King, Eric shared the pros and cons of working at a fast-food restaurant. One of the main challenges he faced was navigating the intricacies of the cash register, particularly locating certain items like kids’ meals and ice bags. However, with the support of his colleagues and manager, Eric persevered and learned to navigate the register effectively. His dedication and resilience are a testament to the transformative power of ARC Broward’s program. 

Eric spoke about the most rewarding aspect of his job at Burger King: receiving a paycheck. The financial independence he has gained through employment enables him to meet his needs and allows him to indulge in purchasing his favorite items. Eric’s excitement resonated with the students, serving as a reminder of the possibilities that await them beyond their time at the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program. 

Kaitlyn, one of the students in the class, took a moment to express her admiration for Eric’s public speaking skills and encouraged him to be proud of his accomplishments. Her heartfelt words reflected the impact Eric’s visit had on the students, motivating them to believe in their own potential and the possibilities that lie ahead. 

The students expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Eric for taking the time to share his post-secondary experiences. His visit served as a beacon of hope, proving that with dedication, perseverance, and the support of programs like HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and ARC Broward, they, too, can embark on successful post-secondary journeys. 

B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students learn about the Immersive Technology Program at Broward College

B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students learn about the Immersive Technology Program at Broward College

Today, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed attending a presentation by Robert Diaz, the Senior Director of the Title III HIS STEM ACCESS Project Grant at Broward College. During the session, Robert introduced the students to the diverse range of programs, degrees, and classes in Immersive Technology offered at Broward College. 

Robert brought two virtual reality headsets for the students to experience to enhance their understanding. The first was the familiar Oculus VR headgear, while the second was the Microsoft Halo Lens2. The students were captivated by the immersive experiences offered by the Halo Lens2, which enabled them to explore a whole new realm. 

Robert also shared with the students about the widespread applications of Virtual Reality in various industries, such as medicine, construction, and energy management, including handling radioactive waste. He emphasized that these VR Headgear were no longer solely regarded as gaming devices but as valuable tools employed in different fields to create informative content that greatly benefitted those industries. 

Each student had the opportunity to use both the Oculus and the Microsoft Halo Lens2. They collaborated and supported one another whenever someone faced challenges. Ryan, for instance, assisted Vincent in maneuvering a virtual plane using the Halo Lens2. Many students expressed keen interest in this technology and engaged Robert in further discussions regarding the Immersive Technology Program at Broward College. In response, Nicolas inquired about the program’s requirements since he was interested in pursuing this after high school graduation. 

Robert gladly shared with the students that Broward College is an Open Access College, meaning applicants are not required to take the SAT examination. This information heightened the excitement among the students, who eagerly anticipated learning more about the program at Broward College. In the coming year, the teachers plan to arrange a half-day field trip to provide the students with a more immersive experience at the college. 

A heartfelt thank you to Robert for graciously sharing the information and the equipment with the students. His visit has undoubtedly sparked curiosity and enthusiasm within the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. community. 

HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S Enjoy a Day on the Freedom of the Seas Cruise Ship!

HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S Enjoy a Day on the Freedom of the Seas Cruise Ship!

Last week, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students embarked on a thrilling Community-Based Instruction field trip to the renowned Port of Miami. The highlight of their excursion was an exclusive tour of the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Freedom of the Seas. The students were so excited, and it was clear that this opportunity was going to be a day they would remember. 

The adventure began at the Viking Crown Lounge, located at the very top of the ship. From there, the students had a chance to explore various attractions and amenities aboard the ship. They visited the Sports Court, where some students could imagine engaging in friendly matches and tournaments. The Rock-Climbing Wall, Splash Away Bay, and the mini golf course captivated the students’ interest. One of the most exhilarating moments came when the students were given access to the helicopter landing area. They felt the excitement of the possibility of a helicopter that would be able to land on the ship’s deck. 

However, the tour’s highlight was undoubtedly the visit to the Bridge, where the students had the privilege of meeting the ship’s Captain. The sheer magnitude of the control center left them in awe, and the captain’s warm reception made them feel valued and important. This encounter opened their eyes to the possibility of a career in the cruise industry, as they saw firsthand the exciting work behind the scenes. 

To conclude the remarkable tour, the students were treated to a feast at the Windjammer Cafe, where an extravagant buffet awaited them. The cheerful atmosphere and camaraderie among the students created lasting memories that will be cherished for years. 

After this unforgettable field trip, one student expressed a newfound career track. Inspired by the experience, he wanted to pursue a career with a cruise line. The exposure to the ship’s inner workings and the chance to meet professionals in the industry sparked a passion within him, highlighting the immense impact such field experiences can have on young minds. 

As the day ended, the students unanimously agreed that this was the best field trip they had ever participated in. The excitement, education, and personal discovery made it an unparalleled adventure. The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students returned home so thankful for this experience on the Freedom of the Seas. 

The Port of Miami field trip served as a reminder of the power of experiential learning and community engagement. Through immersive experiences like this, young minds can discover their talents, nurture their aspirations, and pave the way for a future full of promise and fulfillment. 

HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Practice Life Skills

HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Practice Life Skills

Leading up to Mother’s Day, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teachers designed the lesson plans to teach their students valuable life skills and prepare them to surprise their mothers with thoughtful presents. The lesson involved buying a card, a box of chocolates, and a plant to give to their mothers on Mother’s Day. In addition, the students had the opportunity to practice several essential skills, including budgeting, using gift cards for payments, visiting the post office to mail out their cards, shopping, and caring for plants.

First, the students headed to Publix for their Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trip, where they bought Mother’s Day cards for less than $7.00 each. After purchasing the cards, they returned to class to write and sign personalized messages. The next day, the CBI took students to a nearby post office, where they mailed the cards via the U.S.P.S.

The following day, the students went to the mall to buy a box of chocolates. The students were given a budget of $18 each to select chocolates they thought their mothers would enjoy the most. For the final CBI session of the week, the group visited Home Depot. Each student had a $20 budget to buy a flowering plant as part of their Mother’s Day presents. During this activity, the students learned about the plants’ specific requirements, such as their need for sunlight or shade, and had to decide which plant would suit their home best.

Throughout the week, the students’ enthusiasm kept growing. They were so excited as they eagerly anticipated presenting the gifts they had personally selected and bought for the most important woman in their lives – their mother!

On this Mother’s Day, we extend our warmest wishes to all the mothers of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S., College Mentors, and Social Activities Program participants.

Happy Mother’s Day!

 

A Canvas Without Limits

A Canvas Without Limits

For this week’s Career Series, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students were delighted to have the opportunity to connect with Digital Artist Mike Spring via Zoom. Given the students’ keen interest in pursuing Digital Art as a career path, Liz Falk, HDS Foundation Program Manager, secured a visit from Mike to share insights on his journey toward becoming a successful Digital Artist. 

During his presentation to the students, Mike shared his passion for drawing as a child, but he never imagined it would lead to a career. However, when working at an engineering firm, he transitioned from sketching bridges, runways, and roads to utilizing computer software. During this transition, the world of digital art was revealed to him, and he became fascinated. 

He shared his diverse experiences in Digital Art with the students. This included working for Disney, television, movies, gaming, and much more. Mike is a professor at the LA Film School, where he educates aspiring artists about the world of Digital Art. His work captivated the students, and they asked excellent questions during the presentation. 

Q&A: When asked about his favorite job, Mike explained to Matt that his previous jobs had brought unique aspects to his work, making it difficult for him to choose. Similarly, when Kaitlyn asked about the typical salary for a Digital Artist, Mike responded that it varies depending on one’s experience level in the field. 

The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students were grateful for Mike’s willingness to share his journey and incredible work with them. We look forward to having Mike join us for another presentation next year during our Career Series. 

 

Teachers & Mentors Appreciation Week

Teachers & Mentors Appreciation Week

As part of the 2023 Teacher & Mentor Appreciation Week, the HDS Foundation team is honoring the dedication of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and College Mentors Program teachers and mentors, who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to ensure the success of our...

Teachers & Mentors Appreciation Week

Celebrating Student Achievements

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iCode – Empowering Future Innovators

iCode – Empowering Future Innovators

Today, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students embarked on their weekly Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trip to iCode, an interactive STEM Education Learning Center that provides coding and STEM instruction led by instructors for children from kindergarten to 12th...

HDS Companies Software Developer

HDS Companies Software Developer

During this week's HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S Career Series, Alejandro Clavelo, a Software Developer at HDS Companies, shared his career path from college to employment with the class. Initially aspiring to become an astronaut during his youth in Cuba, he dreamed of one day...

Dedicated Service Through Teamwork

Dedicated Service Through Teamwork

The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students headed to the local fire department for their Community Based Instruction (CBI) field trip.  This CBI gave the students the opportunity to learn about what it entails to work in this field of helping others in the community when in...

Discovering the Beyond

Discovering the Beyond

During their Career Series this month, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students were able to connect with special guests, Sean Dunne, who serves as the Resources Management Officer (RMO) in the Exploration Research and Technology Group at Kennedy Space Center, and Dean Reges,...

HDS Foundation Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month

HDS Foundation Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month

More than 50 years have passed since the first National Autism Awareness month was observed in the United States in April 1970. This month's events are meant to increase understanding of Autism and promote the inclusion of those who fall within the Autism Spectrum.  ...

A Special Guest Visits the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students

A Special Guest Visits the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students

HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S.  students and facilitators warmly welcomed Kate Gilson Miranda, a Junior Board Member of the HDS Foundation, who served as a guest speaker during the Career Experience Series. Kate was delighted to tell them about her personal journey, from high...