Curtis is a role model. He just doesn't know it. And he doesn't try to be. He just is. Curtis is courageous in a way that doesn't present a front of aplomb but by choosing to do and be more outside of his comfort zone, which takes courage.
Curtis is an upperclassman at WKU and a member of KAP. Last November, Curtis gave a speech at KAP's annual Alliance Awards. Speeches can be daunting. After all, public speaking is America's #1 collective personal fear. Death lags several spots. And it was Curtis's first. He was too nervous even to attend the year prior. But Curtis committed to the effort, crafted his presentation, donned his sportcoat, and delivered a thoughtful, personal message to a room of attendees including the President of WKU. The applause was well-earned. And I think he would agree that this was unlikely to have occurred without the support of KAP.
Curtis is a role model.
Curtis will graduate at the end of the year. He's a carbon-based Civil War encyclopedia and he hopes to work in the field of historical research and archiving. Perhaps even on campus at WKU.
This is the first of many profiles of the people who are KAP and make KAP what it is. As we will do with others, let's conclude by hearing more from Curtis.
Q: What year are you at WKU and what is your major?
Curtis: I am currently a senior at WKU with a major in history.
Q: Where are you from?
Curtis: Louisville, Kentucky
Q: Why did you select WKU?
Curtis: It has a friendly atmosphere unlike any other college that I have seen. I joined it primarily because of the Kelly Autism Program.
Q: What are your biggest challenges with college?
Curtis: My biggest challenge was adjusting emotionally to where I was in my life. I learned over the course of my college years to be at peace with myself. Although I have struggled with my anxiety I have gotten better each year.
Q: What does KAP provide for you?
Curtis: For me KAP was my family. A lot of students who are admitted to the Kelly Autism Program don't always think of it that way but for me KAP was my family, my emotional support, everything that I enjoyed in college was the result of the Kelly Autism Program.
Q: What do you want to do with your education after you graduate from WKU?
Curtis: I plan to work in a library or museum. Anything that deals with history would be good for me.
Q: What are your hobbies and favorite things to do?
Curtis: I love swimming and reading. I also love watching The Lord Of The Rings trilogy.
Q: What do you want potential supporters of KAP to know?
Curtis: I want them to know that KAP is more than an educational outlet. It's also a family. I emphasize that word a lot when it comes to the Kelly Autism Program. They have provided me the emotional and intellectual support that I needed through college. I also want potential supporters of KAP to know that this is a journey in life that is worth going through. I have been transformed in many ways, some ways I have struggled, but overall I have been changed by my experience at KAP. To all those who are thinking about becoming involved with KAP, remember that this is a life-changing experience, there are going to be be times that are going to be tough, but out of this experience you will have a great college experience.
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