Through hard work and collaboration, dreams can truly be achieved--no matter how unfeasable they may seem. IC Autism Awareness is living proof of this fact. After a year-long period of inactivity (throughout the 2014-15 academic year), supporters of Autism Awareness' cause all joined forces to bring the student organization back to life. This past Fall semester, it was officially revived.
Junior Hillary Nguyen was the main force behind this movement, as she conceptualized and organized the re-recognition process. Nguyen was a general body member of Autism Awareness during her sophomore year, and was very satisfied with the tremendous opportunities the student organization offered. "It was always really nice to do some good," she said. "You could always learn so much and help debunk connotations that are associated with Autism spectrum disorders." Nguyen felt that it was very sad that the student organization just died out, and wanted others to continue learning about what she feels is a very important public health issue.
Nguyen stated that it was very difficult "getting the ball rolling", and that she "had to become a leader really fast." Therefore, she began reaching out to friends she had met through the student organization that might be willing to help. She reached out to former presidents who helped Hillary navigate some of the land mines of getting re-recognized, such as getting funding from SGA. This was especially difficult since the student organization did not receive any of these funds the previous year. Through a team effort, IC Autism Awareness was brought back into the student organization realm--just in time to plan its signature event this semester, Walk for Autism.
On April 2 at 10:30a.m., over 50 students, faculty, and supporters gathered on the Campus Center quad to participate in a 5K walk circling around IC, which Nguyen led. She guided participants around the circle apartments, through the natural lands, and all the way back to Campus Center.
"It was great to see everyone so involved," she said of the work the volunteers were doing at the stations they set up on the quad. "One of the activities [that we did] was trivia. One of the parents brought their child with autism, he was really excited to participate."
Nguyen made sure to vocalize how the walk, just like so many other projects that IC Autism Awareness has worked on, was a team effort. She got advice from alum Ashley Chantley on how to contact CCES and complete Public Safety risk management forms. She worked with the creator of the first Autism Walk, Meredith Sager, to brainstorm ideas for walking routes and setting up different stations. Additionally, she reached out to Professor Joanie Groome, a supporter of Autism Awareness and a Program Coordinator at the Ithaca Youth Bureau--an organization with support services for kids and adults with autism. The IYB received all funds raised by the walk and other fundraisers run by the student organization. Lastly, Nguyen mentioned that her e-board has been fantastic and supportive, noting that they "have her back" whenever she needs assistance.
For the rest of the semester, Autism Awareness members will be watching ted talks and having discussions on autism in society at their general body meetings every other Tuesday at 7p.m. in Friends 208. They will also be selling cupcakes in Campus Center on April 18, and will be giving all profits to the Ithaca Youth Bureau. And, in yet another example of great teamwork and collaboration, many Autism Awareness members are now working with IC Bigs to sponsor little brothers and sisters who live with autism.
Nguyen said of new members who might want to support the cause, "you don't have to know about autism to join. We're all here to learn."
For more information on IC Autism Awareness, check out their facebook page or OrgSync portal!
To hear more about student organization check out the latest issue of Club Hub:
