- Featured, Student Profiles
Joe, a CIP Bloomington student, is pursuing a degree in Media Studies. He hopes to work in the entertainment industry, or a field that makes a decent wage because he enjoys traveling. He currently has an internship with Blue Line Media, a local media design firm. Joe, among many tasks, shoots and edits photos while at work.
“It is the perfect internship for me because of my degree in Media Studies. I have become a better photographer because of working there.”
Since he began attending CIP, he has become independent in managing his own finances; a skill he attributes to the advising department. “They understand me at CIP. It’s a learning center designed specifically for people with learning differences.” He also now manages his own schedule, a skill that the Academic department helped him to develop. His social skills have grown significantly with support. “I have become a people person since I came here. I do a really good Super Bowl party. I have developed skills with interacting with diverse roommates and am now really comfortable inviting people from the community over to hang out. I have been getting out into the community a lot more. I go to football games, I got to see IU’s Little 500 race, I’m just proud that I’ve been able to live a college life since coming to CIP.”
Joe now serves as CIP Student Council President and Ambassador. He is excited to be able to share his story with prospective students and families.
“I have proven that anything is possible. I am in charge of hearing what goes on at CIP...I hear what the students and staff want and represent that. Becoming president shows how far I’ve come since I started the program. People shouldn’t stereotype people with Autism...they can cook, they can travel, they can work, they can form relationships.”