First year OLS Bellevue College students completed their year-end culminating project, the Dream Print presentation, for their Self Determination course. In class, they worked on the creation of a Powerpoint presentation where they discussed their good experiences, dreams, goals, strengths, and hopes for the future. They did this in the context of assignments that led to the creation of SMART goals and advocacy statements. Students presented their presentations on one of three nights in Zoom. Students were allowed to invite their “Dream Team,” the people who support them in reaching their goals. Students directed their advocacy statements at a member of their dream team in attendance, and meeting attendees had the opportunity to ask students questions about their presentations and overall experience here at OLS.
Students gained skills in multiple performance indicators including self-determination, participation, advocacy, and adaptability during the creation and presentation stages of the project. Students had a chance to practice their presentation skills through an online format in small groups. Students practiced with their small groups for weeks before the presentation night and had a chance to give each other feedback.
Students participated in deep self-reflection about goals in areas such as independence, education, social life, and future careers. Presenting builds confidence and self-advocacy skills which can be translated to multiple areas of life.
Students receive a chance to demonstrate their hard work and growth to their families and friends at the end of the year.
Here’s what some of the students had to say about the experience:
“I enjoyed speaking about my experiences and my goals. I enjoyed reflecting on my goals and answering questions because I could process my thoughts. I loved learning how to write an advocacy statement because it was a new technique for me to ask for help.” ~Ella Mae
“I really enjoyed being able to present and share with people because I worked hard on the presentation so I was able to share with people a little bit about me and who I am and get to introduce myself. I learned a lot about how to work better with people, and I learned a lot about working together, technology, and being a self-determined person. ~Ryan
“From what I’ve made from the Dream Print Presentation; the one thing I liked was how I’ve grown into the slides of my presentation, it made me think back of all the years that I’ve pushed through and made it this far in life.” ~Jullian
“The Dream Print was a big experience. I liked the interactivity with the questions being asked and answered. I felt ready the moment I started as I was in the moment during my presentation. I learned that I have more help for potential career paths than I thought I did. I’ve learned again to consider my options. I grew through the course and adapted to new circumstances.” ~Franky
“Something that I liked about presenting is the great detail that I added to my slides. I felt like I learned more about my passion and I feel more clear in what i want to do. One thing I’ll mention though is that I slipped up my words a little when I tried to adlib so I felt bursts of nervousness but overall it went pretty good!” ~Kenassa
“What I liked about the Dream print was how much fun it was. The lessons I learned about how to write down what my dreams are was very eye opening. I had a great experience presenting.” ~J
“I’ve learned a lot of new methods of being determined and life management. I liked the fact I got to show my style of life and how I plan to manage it for the very future. Now I can look forward and start making new Independents, Social, Education, and Career experiences.” ~Clayton
“The dreamprint presentation was a very exciting moment this year for me. I got a little nervous before the presentation but was confident in how I presented. I did practice it a few times before the presentation.” ~Sydney
“I was really anxious but after I presented, I felt very proud of myself” ~Hailey
Self Determination is one of the many courses OLS Bellevue College students take to obtain their associate degree from OLS. More information about our curriculum is available on our website. To learn more about our program register for an upcoming Information Session.
[ssba-buttons]Last Updated July 16, 2020