Career Prep/Career Placement Program

A Success Story 

by Ashley Barup

My name is Ashley Barup. I was born July14, 1985 in Burlington, Vt.  When I was born I had a hole in my lung the size of a quarter and could barley breathe on my own. My parents (Harold and Theresa Barup) were told that I would be fine once the hole had time to close. Soon later my parents brought me home to my big sister Erica. At the age of 6 we had two more people join the family, Ida and Festus who are my oldest siblings.  We had one thing in common we shared the same father. It took a little getting used to, but we got through it. In the 2nd grade my parents and I found out that I had a learning disability. I didn't think much of it then.

Two years later I was diagnosed with tourrettes, it was then we started noticing my learning disability. It took me longer in school then others.  Every year got worse, then in the 7th grade I was put in one mainstream class but failed. In the summer before starting high school I would sit in my room thinking of different reasons to not go to school, but none of them worked. I started high school in August of '99. I hated school so much.  I never wanted to go. I failed my freshman year. Sophomore year I took classes I failed freshman year and classes I needed for that year.  I just barely passed my classes. I realized that summer that I wasn't going to graduate and got into a bad crowd. I started getting into trouble with them and my parents...they told me that I'd end up like my sister who dropped out of school because she had a baby, a gorgeous one, I might add!  So, I told myself I need to try as hard as I could in school if I wanted to make something of my life.

At the end on my junior year I was making A's & B's in school and had a good idea of what I wanted to do for a career. Now I'm 23 days from graduating high school with honors. I learned about the cosmetology program at the tech center from being in Mrs. Moulton's Career Prep class. Second semester I started attending cosmetology classes and will graduate from that program in December! I'm on Mrs. Moulton's work program. The work program has made me learn about what it's like to work and be on my own. It made me realize what life is going to be like when I graduate.  And two months later I will be married. You never know what's going to happen as long as you try. I'd say I'm a success and there's more to come!

(NOTE:  Ashley, I'm soooo proud of you -- Janet Moulton, ESE Work Coordinator, Forest High School)

PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK BEFORE YOU LEAVE

PHPF collects information from outside agencies and sources and via internet research.  The information contained on this website is selected by level of interest, importance and its relevance to parents and families of children with special needs.  PHPF does not necessarily promote or endorse agencies, approaches or information contained on this website.  The material is provided to you for informational purposes only and as a courtesy to other local agencies.

  Copyright © 2003 Parents Helping Parents of Florida, Inc. All Rights Reserved