Meet Ben: From Transition to Triumph

TRANSITION TR UMPH from to

success story:

Meet Ben

Ben’s story is a journey of resilience, self-discovery, and a deep commitment to personal and professional growth. He is studying Nonprofit Leadership and Management at the University of Georgia (UGA).

Ben’s transformative experience at Transitions offered him the opportunity to develop skills needed to thrive in college and beyond. Throughout this newsletter, you will see that he inspires others through leadership, advocates for himself, and has an unwavering commitment to making a difference.

A Thoughtful Start to Higher Education

At Winston Transitions, Ben focused on developing academic, social, and employability skills. After graduating in 2020, Ben volunteered in his local community, helping organizations such as Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Manna House. These experiences ignited his passion for community work and ultimately led him to enroll at UGA in 2022.

At UGA, Ben is a full-time student taking two classes per semester. His coursework includes Intro to Social Work, where he studies case management and social issues, and Intro to Global Issues, where he participates in a simulated United Nations program as a journalist representing China.

Ben at the University of Georgia (UGA)

Experiential Learning: Internships & Advocacy

Ben has enriched his college experience with internships at organizations affiliated with UGA, including Archway Partnership, Experience UGA, and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

His involvement in Destination Dawgs, a UGA post-secondary inclusive program for neurodiverse students, is also significant. Through this initiative, he engages with neurotypical peers and receives mentorship, which helps him navigate academic challenges while fostering independence.

Ben’s journey has also led to public speaking engagements, where he shares his experiences with UGA students, faculty, and leadership. One of his most profound moments was receiving a standing ovation when speaking to the Board of Trustees and the University President.

Building Essential Skills for Success

Using the skills he developed at Transitions, Ben is focused on building relationships, applying himself academically, and demonstrating professionalism in all engagements. Some key essential skills include:

Communication • Active Listening • Self-Advocacy

Collaboration & Adaptability • Problem-Solving Looking Ahead and Advice for Others

While Ben is still in the early stages of networking and career planning, he aspires to work as a mentor for incoming freshmen at UGA post graduation, helping them navigate the challenges of college life just as others have helped him.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Ben offers valuable advice for neurodiverse students and individuals transitioning from high school into adulthood:

“Take your time. There is no single timeline for success.” (The average age of a college graduate is 27 years old, nationally)

“Gaining experience, volunteering, and internships help build confidence and professional skills.”

“Embrace self-advocacy. Learn to navigate challenges, ask for help, and advocate for yourself in academic and work environments.”

Do you know someone who would benefit from the Transitions Program in New York or San Francisco? Please forward the information below to help them start their journey.

Winston Transitions is an individualized day program for students ages 17 to 21+ with learning differences, who need more time prior to launching into higher education or the workforce. Transitions provides flexible programming tailored to each student’s learning profile, social-emotional needs, and future goals.

Want to learn more?

Contact John Civita, Director of Transitions Programming, jcivita@winstonprep.edu or visit our website.