Students from The Arc Jacksonville’s?On Campus Transition Program (OCT) at The University of North Florida are interviewed for this month’s Mission Moment. Our OCT program serves young adults 18 and older who have completed high school course work. ?The program’s focus is on academic enhancement, career development, university life, health/personal growth, independence and community life. Students are encouraged to become self-advocates while enjoying the college experience.
Maggie Knause
How long have you been a part of the OCT program: 3 years
What have you learned since being a student in?the OCT program:?I’ve learned how to make new friends.
What do you enjoy most about OCT: Being able to go to the game room on campus.
What do you like to do in your free time: Hanging out at LGBT (a club at UNF) where I feel comfortable and many of my friends are there as well.
How has OCT helped make your life better: I’ve been able to get better grades, more freedom and independence.
What are your plans?beyond completion of the?OCT program: I would like to work at Bealls or as a Police Dispatcher.
Johnny Creatura
How long have you been a part of the OCT program:1 year
What have you learned since being a student in the OCT program: I?ve learned how to do more things on my own, how to be accountable for my classes and more focused on what I?m doing.
What do you enjoy most about OCT: Being able to meet new people, both in the OCT program and outside of the OCT program.
What do you like to do in your free time: I hang out with my friends in the game room on campus.
How has OCT helped make your life better: I?m more independent. I?ve learned how to do things on my own. I?ve also learned about skills to get a job.
What are your plans for after you?ve completed the OCT program: I plan to work ?hands-on with animals.
Gentry Riner
How long have you been a part of the OCT program: 2 years
What have you learned since being a student in the OCT program: I live on my own and do my own thing.
What do you enjoy most about?OCT: Being around the different people and learning to be more independent.
What do you like to do in your free time: I like to do puzzles and watch TV.
How has OCT helped make your life better: It?s helped me gain more freedom and independence.
What are your plans beyond completion of the?OCT program: I plan to find a permanent job and maybe live independently.
We would ?like to congratulate our recent OCT graduates: Andy Cox, Cara Stieglitz, Hayley Hess, Lamar Thompson, Nathaniel Brackett and Sean Hall. The Arc Jacksonville wishes you much success on future endeavours.