Last time I shared with you all the inspirational story of Emily, a recent TLA graduate who’s gone on to do great things. Today I’d like to do the same; this time with Sterling, an incredibly artistic student who graduated in 2019. Sterling interned at Arts4All Florida, a local nonprofit that promotes artists with disabilities. As with most, she had a great time at TLA, and her internship helped prove to her that art is for everyone, regardless of disability. She even got to explore her true passion of graphic design, working alongside a professional graphic designer who served as a mentor during Sterling’s time at Arts4All.
After graduation, she took the professional and personal skills she acquired and got a job at Staples, where she’s been working as a print/copy associate. It’s a great job for her, as it goes along with her field of study. The interview process was a challenge, but she persevered and nailed it using the skills learned in class. As she is adjusting to the routine of a new job, she’s also made many new friends and even bought her own phone! That’s a huge milestone for someone transitioning into the “adult world.” While she’s working, Sterling is also attending Hillsborough Community College (HCC), where she’s pursuing graphic design as her full-time career. She may attend USF at the St. Pete campus in the future. Planning, confidence, organization: these are some of the skills Sterling learned at TLA and she’s applying them in the real world.
Of course, no story is complete without some difficulty, and Sterling is no different. She was diagnosed back when Asperger’s was still separate from ASD, and like so many of us growing up she felt the struggle. Sensory issues, anxiety (both general and social), problems with coping… Sterling struggled with these things before attending TLA. However, it wasn’t all bad; being on the autism spectrum has also made her highly focused, passionate, and hardworking towards achieving her goals. As she’s grown older and experienced more of life, she’s come to accept and celebrate ASD as a part of herself. To quote Sterling: “anything is possible no matter the challenge. So ASD gave me a new perspective on life and made me stronger.” That’s an attitude we hope everyone who graduates TLA can have.
In the future, we all know Sterling is going to great places. Graphic design is a majorly sought-after profession right now, and with her mindset and (I’m sure) talent, I have no doubt she’ll make her dreams a reality.
-Gage Sosso
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