By sharing your own story, you begin the journey of your own self-discovery. We cannot possibly begin to understand the disability experience of someone else unless we can examine our own experiences with life. Everyone’s story is unique, and yet, we all struggle with life’s challenges and we all care about issues that are meaningful to us. This experience of storytelling can bond us together in our diversity. To write and share your story is to grow in who you are and at the same time, gain a more profound understanding of the people who will share their stories with you.

You are required to write a 3-page summary sharing the story of your life. The story of your life is a network of intersecting stories: the story of your family; your community; the story of your friends and acquaintances – and how all of this, along with your own internal story, made you who you are. Some of you will feel more comfortable with writing a timeline of your life so far – dividing your life into periods. Others may want to describe your life thematically, or perhaps allegorically. You get to choose how you share you story.

Your story is considered confidential and will not be shared with anyone other than the instructors and the Teaching Assistants (who assist with grading during the semester). You are not required to include parts of your story that you are uncomfortable sharing. However, sometimes sharing or exploring challenging areas of our life can be a step in pressing through.

In addition, please include a photo of yourself that is current, identifiable, and appropriate! This picture may be inserted within your summary. If you are not comfortable including a photo you may choose a picture that reflects your interests/hobbies.

Requirements: 

– Please try to limit your summary to 3 pages.  (Points will NOT be deducted if you write more. We ask to limit your paper since we have many students).

– 12-point font; double-space

This is disability study class, so try write something relate this field and requirement.