Clemson Life

The ClemsonLIFE program is an amazing program that is brand new here. They had a trial run last Spring, and we are now in our first full year. We have 11 students: 3 guys, 8 girls. There are 4 LifeCoaches (Amy, Jason, McKenzie, and Tiffany). We are living in two different places. My group and Amy's group reside on campus in the Lightsey Bridge II apartments. The other two groups live off-campus (but not too far from campus) in the Tillman Place apartments. The LIFEcoaches simply help out in daily tasks, are around in case of emergencies, and help coordinate with volunteers.

The LIFE in ClemsonLIFE stands for Learning Is For Everyone. And it's true. The mission of the ClemsonLIFE Program is to provide a coordinated course of study that includes career exploration and preparation along with self-awareness, discovery, and personal improvement through a framework of courses, job internships, and community participation.

It is a great program geared towards individuals with Intellectual disabilities. From my first-hand experience, everyone involved in the program truly has a desire to see these students grow and gain some experience in hopes that they will one day be able to succeed as adults in everyday society. Most every student in the program has learned a TON so far.

You may be thinking that these students can just live at home and take some classes on independent living, life skills, etc. and learn just as much. I will tell you no. Not at all. The amount of time spent with others and the number of people met while living on campus is tremendous. This has the greatest impact and really makes the whole experience worth while. Every day my guys come home talking about the volunteers (buddies as they call them) they hung out with at lunch or dinner. They will mention what homework is due the next day, but most of the conversations deal with the people they meet.

It truly is a great program. As someone who is going into teaching, I can see how this program will succeed and have a lasting impact. I am loving hanging out with my guys. It truly is a blessing and I am looking forward to the rest of the semester and year.