This week’s Volunteer Spotlight is Abbey, who has been volunteering as an Educational Coach for three semesters now. When she isn’t spending time with TOPS, she is studying Health Sciences and Disability Studies. She is also involved with Kappa Alpha Theta, CHAARG, Future Buckeye Physician Assistants, and Campus Outreach. Abbey loves Ohio State football and is an enthusiastic Buckeye fan. She first got involved with TOPS because she has a passion for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. So far, her favorite class that she has helped with as an educational coach is Theatre. She said, “It was so fun to watch all of the students perform and also it was very interesting to learn about, too!”
Abbey’s favorite part about her college experience has been volunteering with TOPS, explaining that it has had a positive impact on her. “It is also such a unique program, so it is fun to explain it to other students/non-OSU people who don’t know what it is,” she said. She also enjoys the inclusive atmosphere that TOPS provides, saying that she always finds herself smiling when at events.
“TOPS has impacted my life in a multitude of positive ways- from lifelong friends, to new educational skills, but must importantly it has taught me how to make the most of each day. When I go to class with TOPS students, they are always so eager to learn whether they are extremely invested in the subject or not, and that has opened my eyes to learning in so many different ways. It is so awesome to be so excited about learning, and it helps with retaining the information as well.”
Abbey, thank you for your commitment to helping students succeed in the classroom – we appreciate you!