Fresh Air 2011
College Bound
Kari's face lights up when she thinks about going to Eastern Kentucky University's (EKU) campus for orientation this summer. On orientation day, Kari Marissa Taylor will join hundreds of others to find out more about her life as a college student.
An excellent pupil, Kari still has some concerns about how it will all work out. That's pretty understandable since she may be the only EKU student who is dependent on a ventilator to breathe.
Kari is limited physically as a result of a car accident in 2000, but she does have some movement in her hands and arms. Kari was able to stay at home for six years with her mother's help. Then she moved to the Respiratory Care Center at Rockcastle Regional to receive the medical and rehab support she needs.
That's part of the reason Kari will be among the growing number of people taking courses over the Internet rather than on campus.
"I'm thinking a lot about how I'm going to handle it and how it will work out to do it on the computer," said Kari, who attended public school most of her life. "I think it's easier to learn stuff if you're actually in the classroom."
The former Jessamine County resident was able to graduate from high school while at the Respiratory Care Center through the facility's education program with the Rockcastle County School system.
"Kari made Honor Roll every year, and never received a grade lower than a B," said Lora Beth McKee, social worker. "She qualified for the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) and received the Scott Henderson Memorial Scholarship."
Kari admits she experienced a slight case of butterflies before going on stage to receive her diploma at the high school graduation ceremony in May.
"I was nervous. I had to do everything perfectly. When I went up the ramp to receive my diploma, my wheelchair rolled back! But, I just kept going forward," she said, adding, "It was tough putting the cap on because I have so much hair."
Like everything else she's faced in her 19 years, Kari found a way to make her cap work.
She's recognized around Rockcastle Regional for knowing what she wants and going for it. She selected Eastern Kentucky University and filled out the paperwork herself. The acceptance letter arrived before she picked up her high school diploma.
Kari used her graduation money to buy a computer that will be fully dedicated to her education - quite an amazing decision for a young lady who loves to shop. Kari is working closely with Teresa Belluscio, EKU Disability Office director and Roxanna Robinson, Vocational Rehabilitation counselor with the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
"Kari is a good role model for other students. She is very determined and knows what she wants. She has been emailing us to make sure she is doing everything she needs to do," said Teresa. "She has good communication skills and is prompt."
Teresa said Kari and other students with disabilities show the possibilities that have opened up for people with significant limitations to get a college education.
Kari may stand out in terms of the obstacles she's had to overcome, but in most respects, she's very typical of a college student. Her living quarters are a great example of that.
Kari's room at Rockcastle Regional looks every bit like one in a dorm. Her personal computer lets her download music to her iPod and stores some of her books. Bandanas and other colorful hair bands hang on a hook for easy access. Posters of handsome "Twilight" and "Vampire Diaries" stars fill the walls.
But anyone who knows her will agree that will change. At least some of those posters eventually will have to go to make room for a college diploma.
Rockcastle Regional Hospital and Respiratory Care Center Copyright © 2009
145 Newcomb Avenue - Mt. Vernon, Kentucky 40456 Ph: (606) 256-2195 E: info@rhrcc.org
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