All the Trappings of Success

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 15:59:33 +0000

All the Trappings of Success BBENSON@bridgew.edu Fri, 02/02/2024 - 10:59

EXCEL students gain work experience with Bear Trap food stand

February 6, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

When Bob Donahue is on duty at the Bear Trap convenience stand, be sure to ask for his special flavor of smoothies.

On a recent Tuesday afternoon, he doled out strawberry banana versions of the popular drink while greeting passing students with a smile.

“It’s caring for people and making them feel special,” Bob said of working at the convenience stand in the Tinsley Center lobby.

Bob is one of the first students in Bridgewater State’s EXCEL program to staff the Bear Trap through a new internship. EXCEL provides an inclusive postsecondary experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The partnership with food service provider Sodexo helps Bob and his peers gain important job skills. Working alongside Sodexo student employees, four EXCEL students participate in all facets of running the stand, from taking inventory to making smoothies to serving customers.

“It gives me the opportunity to learn more new things and learn more about myself,” Bob said.

The initiative breaks down barriers people with disabilities face in the job market because it provides experience students can show prospective employers, said Dr. Jon Cash, EXCEL’s interim director.

“The Bear Trap allows students who see point of sale operations management as their future to come to ɫ��Ƶ, experience college, and have an outcome of their choice that will help them find competitive employment,” Cash said.

Sodexo and EXCEL launched the pilot program in the fall semester. Organizers hope it becomes a model for dining programs at other universities.

“Sodexo is a company that’s invested in our diversity and inclusion,” said Staci DeSimone, general manager of ɫ��Ƶ Dining. “Piloting this program helps to explore what Sodexo can do for all people.”

The partnership has proven beneficial for everyone involved.

“I really, really like working with this population,” said psychology major Sierra Cummins-Remington, ’25, who runs the stand alongside Bob. “I learn more from them than they learn from me.”

Sierra, who is minoring in special education and works as an education coach for the EXCEL program, appreciates the hands-on experience as she aspires to become a life coach serving people with disabilities.

Bob, who is attending a principles of management class this semester, also sees a connection to his career goals.

He hopes to one day open a food truck with his father. But he knows he has already pleased his parents because of his growth as a Bear.

“I’m making my mom and dad proud and showing them that I can be like them,” he said.

Do you have a ɫ��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

(Working at the Bear Trap) gives me the opportunity to learn more new things and learn more about myself.

Bob Donahue

Learning to 'EXCEL'

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 09 May 2022 14:23:46 +0000

Learning to 'EXCEL' HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 05/09/2022 - 10:23

Program opens new worlds to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities

May 10, 2022

Heather Harris Michonski

Even when he’s wearing a mask, it’s easy to tell Cullen “CJ” Buckley is smiling when he talks: his eyes light up and his infectious enthusiasm gives him away.

He’s also very proud.

“I want to inspire more people, thousands of people,” said CJ, who has Down syndrome.

CJ is enrolled in ɫ��Ƶ’s EXCEL program, a fully inclusive postsecondary program for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Through EXCEL, students have the same experience as their college-aged peers in academics, socialization, career development, and independent living. Students are also paired with a peer mentor for additional support.

“We are a fully inclusive program, that’s what sets us apart. Our students are part of the fabric of the community, fully included in classes alongside all Bridgewater students,” said Christina Raeke, EXCEL program director.

When Raeke traveled to North Attleboro two years ago to interview CJ as a potential candidate for the program, she knew immediately after talking with and observing him, he’d be a good fit.

“I was having a particularly stressful morning and I have to tell you, he turned my entire day around. Watching him in his art class, he was so passionate and engaged in his learning. I knew we were going to take him,” she said.

CJ has brought that energy to ɫ��Ƶ, where he’s taken a variety of classes, including yoga and theater. He particularly likes yoga for a very specific reason.

“I’m very double jointed,” he said.

His theater classes have also helped define a possible career path.

“I love music, I love to act. I want to perform,” CJ said.

Hip hop is his favorite genre, and he’s not afraid to break out and rap for an audience.

He prefers to perform songs he’s written himself. Some are about a variety of topics, including living with Down syndrome, love, and being there for others, especially those with disabilities.

“For some people it can be hard to understand Down syndrome. I like to try and help them. The fact I have Down syndrome, it helps me teach others,” he said.

When he’s not taking class or rapping, CJ interns in the ɫ��Ƶ mailroom where his responsibilities include receiving, scanning, and labeling packages. His favorite part of the job though, is interacting with people.

“I get to deal with a lot of people. I get to greet them. It fits right in with my personality,” he said.

CJ currently commutes to ɫ��Ƶ but plans to live on campus next semester.

“I want to see new people, have more independence, and gain that experience,” he said.

Raeke has no doubt he will adjust just fine and looks forward to seeing more of him on campus.

“He has a beautiful spirit, he’s a wonderful young man to be around. CJ represents the type of student we want to see at our college,” she said.

Do you have a ɫ��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

I want to inspire more people, thousands of people.

Cullen "CJ" Buckley