He’s Been Here Before: Alumnus Has New Role

The first two weeks have been buzzing with math, reading, and writing along with STEM, pottery, and chess, and of course plenty of time for active games and movement.

Teachers are enjoying every minute with this year's summer students!

Making up our friendly crew of employees are some familiar and some new, including one particular young man uniquely suited to his job. He understands first-hand what it is like to be an energetic child with learning challenges. Patrick, or Mr. Rogers in this setting, attended Springer from 2009 to 2016.

He has just completed his third year of college. “I’m studying Special Education at Muskingum University and I’ll be student teaching in the Spring. I wanted a great internship and a good opportunity to have that first-hand experience.” He’s experiencing Springer in a new way while providing whole-day support during Adventures in Summer Learning.

Mr. Rogers isn’t shy about sharing his personal story. “I have ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and…AWESOMENESS.”

His confidence and enthusiasm are familiar too, because those are qualities that many Springer alumni share. It comes in part from an understanding of himself, gained through supportive family and school environments, and specialized education.

“I understand what it’s like to shut down when you don’t want to read or when you get too nervous to work on that really big, long word program. I was also encouraged when I came here to learn different strategies so that when I want to shut down I can still perform at my best ability.”

Mr. Rogers also touched on his experience after leaving Springer in the eighth grade. “High school was tricker, but college was a bit easier once I had things figured out. Where I go to college they have a great program and tutoring services and if you need accommodations you can get those.” He also keeps in touch with several of the friends he made at Springer.

Being at Springer has brought things full circle in a way. From his time as a student to being part of this year’s staff, he can now see things from a different perspective. I asked him if being here brings back any memories.

“Oh, yes, one hundred percent!” He says, “See that bench over there, I was one of the first to sit on that when it was created!”

He also has a perspective that comes with maturity. “There are some kids I can see myself in. Now I understand what my parents felt when they had to say, ‘Ok, Patrick, calm down. You’ve got this!’”