Empowering Student Success

Empowering Student Success Through Program for Individuals with IDD

At Johnston Community College (JCC), students are not only gaining academic knowledge but also discovering their strengths, overcoming challenges, and carving paths to successful futures. Among them is Emily Pickens, who is turning her dreams into reality despite the challenges of Autism and ADHD thanks to the Access to Achievement (A2A) program.

Emily is currently pursuing a career in cardiac sonography, a field that combines her love for science and technology with her desire to help others. Her journey at JCC has been enriched by her work-study position in the college’s library Makerspace—a creative hub that provides students and faculty with access to cutting-edge tools like 3D printers, sewing machines, and Cricut machines.

In her role, Emily has taken charge of promoting the Makerspace, organizing engaging events, and assisting others in exploring the world of 3D printing. From designing flyers and creating promotional materials to fulfilling 3D printing requests, she has become an integral part of the space. “I oversee promoting the 3D printer and the Makerspace,” Emily explains. “I create events, design flyers, and upload information to the library website. I also take requests for 3D prints and create custom designs like earrings, mouse ears, and more.”

Through these projects, Emily is not only enhancing her technical skills but also learning valuable lessons in creativity, organization, and leadership.

While Emily’s journey is filled with achievements, it has not been without challenges. Managing time effectively and overcoming procrastination have been hurdles, particularly due to ADHD. Initially, she struggled with organizing events and meeting deadlines, but through proactive planning and self-discipline, she has found ways to stay on track. “At the beginning, I would wait until the last minute to plan events. But I learned that I need to give myself more time to get approval and ensure that everything is ready in advance,” she shares.

Another challenge Emily faced was patience—especially when working with the 3D printer, which requires time and precision. However, she has learned to appreciate the process and take pride in the final products, understanding that quality takes time.

The JCC community has played a crucial role in Emily’s success. Her supervisor, Dr. Cara McConnell, director of Academic Enrichment at JCC, has been a source of guidance and encouragement. “Dr. McConnell is always there to support me,” Emily says. “She believes in my ideas and helps me bring them to life. It’s made a huge difference in how I approach my work.”

Dr. McConnell says, "Emily has been a wonderful addition to our team. She is responsible, communicative, proactive, reliable, and fun to work with. The JCC Library is lucky to have her."

The Access to Achievement (A2A) initiative is dedicated to helping students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) achieve academic and career success. The program provides personalized support, resources, and accommodations to help students, like Emily, navigate their educational journey with confidence.

Logan Runyon, the program coordinator, works closely with Emily to ensure she has the tools and accommodations needed to thrive. “Logan has been with me from the beginning, making sure I have the resources I need to succeed in my classes and in life,” Emily says.

With Logan’s guidance, Emily has been able to create a strategic academic plan to enter the cardiac sonography program, giving her the confidence to pursue her goals. The A2A program has not only provided her with essential academic support but has also fostered an environment where she feels empowered to grow and succeed.

Emily’s time so far at JCC has been a transformative experience, shaping her into a confident and capable young professional. She has learned to navigate challenges, harness her strengths, and take charge of her future.

“My work-study job has helped me feel more confident in my abilities and shown me that I can succeed as myself,” Emily says. “It’s made me realize that I am capable, and I’m excited for the future.”