After High School: Marika’s Perspective (Part 2)
March 16, 2022
“Lazy, Crazy and Stupid”
March 29, 2022
I got a couple of part-time jobs. One was a Zumba Fitness Instructor. I taught 8 classes per week. To get my second job, I walked into town desperately looking for any stores that were hiring. I went into almost every store; there were about 70 of them. Nobody was hiring. I did another lap, this time going into stores I didn't think I was qualified to work in. One of them was a kite store. I went in, and said, “Are you hiring? I am available all day, every day, including weekends. I had perfect attendance in high school and I am very reliable.” The manager responded, “When can you start?”
After a few years, I ended up managing the store. It reminded me that I am capable of learning and I could go back to school and graduate if that’s what I wanted. And boy, was that what I wanted! I enrolled at a community college and got my associate’s degree.
By this time, most of my friends in Cincinnati had already graduated with bachelor’s degrees. There was nothing I wanted more than to be done with school, except a bachelor’s degree. I wanted that so badly! When it came time to apply to another school to get my bachelor’s degree, so many things went through my mind. (Where to apply? Will I get in? Wait, did I send that application deposit in? Where is that receipt? Should I go visit there? Executive dysfunction overload.) I applied to around 5 schools and one stuck out the most.
I love my family and I loved living with them in California but ever since we moved I felt like something was missing. I realized I wanted to be back in Cincinnati, closer to my grandparents and my friends. I decided to apply to the University of Cincinnati and when I was accepted, it was a no-brainer. I packed my things and started summer school a few days after I moved back.
After graduating from UC
I graduated from UC with a degree in communication and a public relations certificate.
Life is not straightforward. You have to zig and zag. I am so thankful for every zig and zag that got me to Springer, and every zig and zag after that because it led me to where I am today.
Today, I am back at the school that helped make all of my dreams come true. I am the Social Media and Alumni Relations Coordinator at Springer School and Center. My job is to reach the struggling kids and families that need Springers’ help. And as the Alumni Relations Coordinator, I am able to build relationships and work with other alumni who are also passionate about Springer.
And by the way, I am engaged to the man of my dreams, who I met when we were students at Springer. Fittingly, our wedding reception will be at Springer School and Center.
Springer Alumna Marika with her fiance, Alumnus Nick
2 Comments
Hi Marika! I’m your old next-door neighbor in Madeira. I’ve enjoyed reading about your experience and wish I’d known more about it back then! They did not have the label “A.D.D.” when I was going through school, but I have since been diagnosed and could relate to a lot of your struggle. Especially the “zigs and zags.” I had seven majors at three universities over 5 years before I graduated! But I found my way and am so happy that you found yours! With happy memories of you and your family, I wish you all the best!
Hi Mrs. Schneider! Thank you so much for reading my blogs. I am glad you were able to get a diagnosis because it allows us to better understand ourselves. Springer continues to educate through various programs. If you’re interested in learning more, this link has some great webinars. https://www.springer-ld.org/center-webinars/ Keep on zigging and zagging! Marika