Michael A. is thriving at Muhlenberg College

Michael A. has come a long way since he was a first grader and his school did not know what to do with him. Then, he was accepted at Churchill. Today Michael, a junior on the Dean’s List at Muhlenberg College, is pursuing a double major in Political Science and International Business. Much of his success at college comes from attending Churchill, his mother Lisa K. said in a recent interview at a bistro near Union Square.

During his junior year at Churchill, Michael started attending Churchill career evenings and alumni nights to learn about life after Churchill. At one of these events he connected with two lawyers who were Churchill alumni, which triggered an interest in the law that eventually may lead to law school. He also explored different career opportunities including a summer internship with a law firm.

“He is open and he jumps right into things with a positive attitude,” Lisa says. “He got that from Churchill and it is being reinforced at Muhlenberg.”

At college, Michael takes advantage of the Learning Center, which he visits on average twice a week. In addition to his academic adviser, he has a Learning Center adviser who communicates with his regular adviser to ensure necessary support. Accommodations include unlimited time and a special room when taking tests.

“It’s a hard school and you have to be self-motivated,” Lisa says. 

The decision to attend Muhlenberg came late in the college process. Initially Michael applied to 11 schools and was accepted by six. Then, someone suggested Muhlenberg. They visited and immediately felt like it would be a smooth transition from Churchill.

“When we had lunch at the dining hall he had this big grin on his face,” Lisa recalls. In addition to great academics and a supportive environment, the opportunity to play on Muhlenberg’s hockey team also tempted. Michael managed to get all his application material together and was accepted. 

“At Churchill, Michael learned how to advocate for himself,” Lisa says. At the start of each class he walks up to his professor, introduces himself and explains about his learning style. He knows he learns differently, that he has to work harder than most other students and, most importantly, how to utilize available support. Last year, overwhelmed by a heavy work load, he temporarily went back on medication for his attention issues. When he stopped taking medication while in middle school, his Churchill adviser counseled him that he may need medication at some point in the future. Because of this preparation, Michael knew that at this point medication was the appropriate tool.

“My son left Churchill proud of what he is and has no fear asking for help and getting the tools he needs to succeed," Lisa says.