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Summary: We would like to recognize Jasmine Marks as Student of the Year at Sonoma Valley Adult School for 2008-2009. Jasmine is a student in the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program; attending two nights per week at the adult class on the high school campus, as well as five days per week at the Becoming Independent (BI) class site.
We would like to recognize Jasmine Marks as Student of the Year at Sonoma Valley Adult School for 2008-2009. Jasmine is a student in the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program; attending two nights per week at the adult class on the high school campus, as well as five days per week at the Becoming Independent (BI) class site.
Jasmine has been participating in our Adults with Disabilities (AWD) program at BI since 2002. She initially started out in the Community Living Skills class at BI. Currently, she is enrolled in ABE, Employability and Life Skills classes on both sites and receives instruction, assessment, and evaluation through our CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System) observation exams.
Although Jasmine was born with cerebral palsy, she leads a productive life and continues to explore all opportunities to the fullest. She feels that it is critical to educate others about people with disabilities and takes an active role in doing so. Her drive to succeed and to demonstrate that people with disabilities can lead healthy, normal lives is inspiring.
Jasmine is involved in a support group for people with disabilities, as well as People First of California, a political grass-roots organization for people with developmental disabilities who are learning to work together on how to find their voice. She enjoys giving tours of the BI program to interested parties, and has served on the Becoming Independent Board of Directors.
Through the Becoming Independent program, Jasmine has worked for Mary's Pizza Shack in Boyes Hot Springs on a morning set-up crew, as well as at the Parkpoint Health Club one afternoon per week. She is dedicated to her work and is a long-time employee. Jasmine participates in many learning activities in the local community, and is able to utilize the community effectively (i.e. riding buses, meeting friends, shopping, etc.)
While Jasmine enjoys working, she has always had a dream to speak to high-school age students about people with disabilities. Her particular interest lies in providing information and answering questions about what it is like to be a person with a disability in the school system.
Recently, Jasmine had the opportunity to speak to approximately 100 students at El Molino High School during their "Unity Week". After her presentation, the students sent letters to Jasmine thanking her for talking with them. They were inspired by her ability to work, to have friends, and to have a boyfriend-in spite of her "difference." The high school students also commented that they "appreciate life more" after hearing her speak.
Jasmine has a desire to have more speaking opportunities and has requested to work more on her writing skills, and to learn how to use "flashcards" to organize a speech. She feels that outreach to others is important and is striving to acquire skills that will allow her to have more of these types of opportunities. Jasmine is truly an inspiration to all.
