Graduation!

Hey Everyone!

How's everyone doing? I hope the weather isn't too bad for you. It's been going up and down (warm and cold, mostly cold) for me. It's the end of May and some days are still in the 50s. Crazy! Alright, I'm not here to discuss the weather even though that would be a great conversation to have.

Anyways, I'm here to tell you that I have officially graduated from Kean University. Yes, I know I posted a post earlier this year about me receiving my degree in the mail. But this past Thursday (May 19th), was the 2016 Commencement and I walked (wheeled) with the rest of my class.

It was a great day. Our commencement speaker was Brandon Stanton (Founder of Humans of New York) and he the main thing that I got out from his speech is if you have a plan now, do it now rather than when you think the plan will be "perfect" because there will never necessarily be a "perfect" time for the project and it may turn out differently than it should've been. Something like that.

The overall day was great even after needing to wake up at 5 am to get ready so that we can be at the Prudential Center by 7 am. It commencement started at 8 am and lasted about 3 1/2 hours which wasn't too bad (considering having about 2,900 graduates).

Here are some pictures:



It was definitely worth the wait to take part in the Commencement and it was very accessible and everyone worked together to make sure that I took every part in the Commencement like my classmates. The ramp to the stage was useful and thank you to those who helped me to get up and down the ramp.

I also want to thank some of my fellow graduates who helped move the chairs so that I can get through the row to get to the other side for the line towards the stage. It was very helpful (especially since I didn't even have to ask)!

Always surround yourself with the right people and go to the right school that you feel is right for yourself. I am proud to call myself a Kean University alumni. Wow that sounds crazy after 4 1/2 years of taking classes there.

I want to thank my parents, family, friends, professors, classmates, and others who have helped form me who I am today and stood by through the years at Kean University! It was a great ride and I'm glad that I had every single one of you to be involved.

Now you're probably wondering - what's next? Job? Graduate School? Well I can tell you for sure that I will not be going to graduate school and I am job searching at the moment. There's also other things going on through my head that you may hear about soon? Who knows?

I will also be trying to update my blog more often.

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Update

Hey Everyone!

So, it's been awhile since I have updated what has been going on in my life. Now, usually I would separate them in different sections (education, sports, writing) but instead, I'm just going to write.

The only big thing that has really happened is I have finished all my classes! 4 1/2 years have come and gone. I should be receiving my degree in the mail next month and then will be walking (wheeling) with the rest of Class 2016 in May.

I can't believe that it's over. It's crazy. Feels like I just graduated high school. But now that I have finished with school (not planning to go to graduate school), I am looking at different jobs to apply for (have applied at a few places but no reply yet) and I'm also working on a writing project (that I used for my senior writing project).

Another thing that I did this year was in January where I spoke to a group of high school students (you can see that video on the side bar to the right [under social media]). I spoke about high school and transitioning into college with a disability. Check it out!

I feel confident that 2016 is going to be a successful one and we'll see how that goes as the year continues.

Now is there anything else going on besides being done with classes and working on my writing project? Hmm not necessarily except the sports season will be starting soon which will be my first one as an adult athlete.

Again, I will be participating in field (shot put, discus, javelin), table tennis, and archery as an adult. I will not be doing track as I've decided that last year would be my last season on the track. It is going to be weird that I won't be on the track but it's a decision that I had made.

So basically what I'm doing with my life is this: looking for a job, writing (and blogging), and preparing for a new season of sports.

Make sure you keep on coming to Wiki-Wheelz as I'm continually writing on here (as you can see I've written more this year than I have in the recent years together).

If anything big happens this year, I will be sure to update you all again!

(By the way - how do you like the new layout and template??)

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Adaptive Sports Programs Needed in Schools

Hi Everyone!

Back so soon? Yep. Well, I have written something for sports writing class that I thought would make a great blog post so I have decided to put it on here. I was going to put it next week but today is International Day of Persons With Disabilities so I thought it would be best to post it today. 

For one of my writings, we had to write a column and I wrote it on getting adaptive sports programs in colleges which is something that needs to be addressed (it has already but there needs to be more). I hope you enjoy this and feel free to share! 

Here it is:

Did you know that there are about 49 million people with a disability in the United States? If the numbers are so high then how come there aren’t more adaptive sports programs in colleges? Well that needs to change.

In the past few years, there has been a great deal of need of adaptive sports programs to be added to colleges and universities. In 2009, American Collegiate Society of Adapted Athletes was formed to spread awareness towards creating adaptive sports programs to help disabled athletes have somewhere to go when they graduate high school. Right now, there are only 23 colleges/universities that offer adaptive sports and there are more than 4,800 colleges/universities overall. See the problem here? It’s time that more schools start offering these sports programs as the number of disabled athletes too is growing.

            Ok, I can see why you’re going to say ‘uh why? Why is it really necessary for adapted sports programs?’ How many athletes are really going to be going to the school and will take part in the program? How exactly is the school going to pay for the new program? There will need to be money for salaries (new coaches), equipment (even though many athletes have their own), and whatever else that will be needed for the programs. Well honestly, every single question can be answered and yes, it is necessary for these programs to be formed.

            Now before I go into why adapted sports programs in colleges are necessary, let me tell you what my search for college was like. First, I am an adaptive athlete and do the sports of track & field, table tennis, archery and at one point, fencing. When I was looking into colleges, I was looking for schools that had sports programs whether adapted or open to adapted but do you want to know what I found? Nothing. At least nothing in New Jersey. So I decided to stick with focusing on education and continue being a part of the Children’s Lightning Wheels but even that has to come to an end at some point. What’s next?

            Do you know how much more diversed sports would be if colleges/universities included adapted sports? Athletes would get to know one another and learn about each other’s sports and how those athletes do their sports. Isn’t this country all about diversity and getting to know different cultures? Well this is exactly the same! A baseball player can get to know a disabled field athlete. A wheelchair track athlete can show a non-disabled track athlete how they use their arms instead of their legs. It gives everyone growth and it will lead to more diversity in other areas of sports, not just college.

            Hello! Can’t you see there will be many more opportunities open for people with disabilities? It’s time that people with disabilities get the same recognition as other groups. I mean, we are the biggest minority group in the world. Did you know that? Of course not. Why would you? We’re the last group people think about. But there are 49 million people in the United States alone that have a disability which is 20 percent of the country’s population. Shocking huh? Well if colleges bring adapted sports programs to their schools, people will start seeing people with disabilities as people and might actually consider looking more into how to better equality for those.

            Now having these sports programs in colleges will lead to more across the country like in public school (middle and high schools) and programs like the Lightning Wheels which will lead to more athletes. More athletes means more students and that could bring the tuition down because more students equals less to pay. Sounds like a plan to me. Don’t you agree? Also, these athletes will no longer be “hidden” away in their homes and take part in the world which could lead to a better economy. Don’t we all want that?

            You still don’t agree? All right then, how about this? Why don’t colleges allow people with disabilities take part in the sports programs that are in session now? Like if a school has a track team, let a wheelchair track athlete be on the team and create a wheelchair division, you know like how the high schools do it. If numbers rise in the amount of disabled athletes then the school can create a separate sports program for the adaptive sports. But I’m telling you right now, it might just be easier to create the adaptive sports program right off the bat. 

Well there we go. What did you think? Feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts! 

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3 

Where Have I Been?

Hey Everyone!

How is everyone doing? It's been awhile hasn't it? Seven months. I don't know if you're interested in wondering where have I been or what I have been up to but as you are my readers, I'm going to say that you are and I will let you all know. Now let's see what should be first? I'm going to set up the post like I usually do and break it up in sections (below). 

But before I do so, I would like to say that I am definitely considering to bringing back the song, movie, and TV show of the week back. I know I only did one week of it (two for song but the same song) but at the time, I don't think I could keep up with it. Now I do. At least I might in about three to four weeks (you'll understand after reading Education section). I'm not going to be 100% on board with it until I do about three weeks (which will show that I can keep up with it). I might not start those posts until after four weeks from now. 

Anyways, here we go. 

Education: 
I am currently in my final semester in college. It will be 4 1/2 years in school. My final class will be in a few weeks (the week of December 16th) and I will be walking (wheeling) in graduation in May of 2016. I am looking forward in doing so. I have worked on my graduation papers this semester and felt a relief when I completed the papers needed for graduation. Now what am I learning this semester? A lot!, I know that. The following are classes that I am taking: Accounting, Social Media, Interpersonal Communication (a class I believe everyone should take), Sports Writing, and Senior Writing Seminar. In each class, I have learned so much more that I thought I would and will be looking to take what I have learned in these classes and previous classes with me as I move into the real world. Three weeks. That's all that's left and there is so much left to do - papers, tests, group projects, etc. So this is why I said, above, when I might update my blog next. But after that, expect reading many posts from me. 

Writing:

So as you know, from the previous post, I have finished one of my books and was looking into querying agents with the book but I have taken a break from that. But have no fear, I am still writing. I am not focusing on my senior project which I hope will turn into the book that I am going to definitely work on. I have not given up on the other book but I feel my senior project is something that I will be able to focus on more and have more of a chance with. I actually have a better feeling with this project but I'll always go back to the other one, possibly revising it once again. You (I) can never be finished with revisions!

Sports:
Well the 2015 sports season is coming to a close which also means that my career as a junior athlete is coming to a close. 17 years. 17 years with the Children's Lightning Wheels and I will never forget any of the time that I had with sports, teammates, coaches, parents, officials, competitions, etc. This year, we hosted the 2015 National Junior Disability Championships (NJDC) and it was a blast. We won 2nd place for the Large Team division and it was great getting to compete in front of friends and family. Thank you to those who came out and supported all the athletes. It was a great turnout and I hope that the future NJDC continue growing. It was also a bittersweet week as it was my final junior nationals and the final time in a racer (track). Thank you to all my coaches, teammates, parents, competitors, officials and anyone who I have met over the years for giving me a great ride and I will gladly take everything that I have learned from you with me as I move forward with my athletic career. I am looking forward to moving on to the adult word of sports, as well as helping coach archery with my junior team. Bring on Season 2016.


Well, I believe that is everything that I have done since my last post. I could be missing something and if I am, you will be the first to know! So like I said, I will be more involved with my blog starting in the next few weeks and I am looking forward to being more conversational with you all!

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Update!

Hey Everyone!

How is everyone doing? I hope you all made it through that rough winter that we had. Boy, wasn't that a rough one? Well it's in the past now and we are in the process of having some spring weather. Today was in the 70s and it felt great!

So anyways, I'm sure you all can tell that I haven't update my blog since January. It's been awhile. I have failed that whole weekly plan thing that I wanted to do. I had a feeling that I would. There is still a chance that I might bring it back up. We'll see. But back to this post, I thought I should update one what has been going on in the last few months.

Education: 
I am currently in spring semester. So far, this semester seems to be going well. There is only about a month away. The classes that I am taking this semester are advanced journalism, history of New Jersey, U.S. History 1877-Present, public speaking, and film history. I am happy to say that I have registered for my final semester (still waiting for one class) which will take place this Fall and I will be finished this December, as an Undergrad. It feels like I just graduated high school which was four years ago and now I'm thinking about my final semester in college. Crazy.

Writing:
I have finished my book that I was working on. I am currently in the process of sending query letters out to different agents and so far, nothing as come about from that BUT just because one thing doesn't go the way I plan doesn't mean that I am going to stop. I am always editing the book and query letter so if it's meant to happen, it will. I believe that. Remember you can follow me on my social media accounts (you will see them at the right of the screen).

Sports:
The new season is now in session! This marks my final season as junior athlete which is crazy. 16-17 years with the Lightning Wheels. I am planning to enjoy this year. I will continue to do sports as I enter the adult division. Also more news about the season this year - the National Junior Disability Championships (NJDC) will be held in NJ this summer. You can get more information here ---> NJDC2015NJ. It should be a fun one!

Well right now, I think that's everything. I am going to try and update this blog more often and as the spring semester comes to a close, I will have more time to do so (maybe). I hope you all enjoy the spring weather and have a great day, night (depending when you're reading this).

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3

Updates!

Hey all!

So it's been a few months since I have written a post. I am sorry! I really did mean to write more but life has gotten in the way but I am hoping to write more as the time goes on now, especially now that the new season has begun and I have a feeling all great things are to come this year! But that's for another time. Right now, for this post, I thought why not catch you up with what I have been up to since December (my last post). What do you all think about that? Great? Good. And so we're off!

• January marked the beginning of my second semester of my third year in college. Can't believe it's been three years already since I graduated high school in 2011! This semester, I am taking interesting classes that will help me further my writing skills, computer skills, and knowledge. I am taking the following classes this semester:

1. Disabled Person in American Society
2. Media Journalism
3. Writing Fiction
4. History of Rhetoric in Writing
5. Writing for Cyberspace
   
• So far, this semester is going great and I have already learned so much! There is still about a month and couple of weeks left of this semester and I am looking forward to what else I will learn. For my Writing for Cyberspace class, I am working on a group blog with two of my friends in that class called Bark. and it is all about dogs (how to take care of, treats, food, parks & beaches, etc.) so I was wondering if you all could go check that out! You can click here - Bark. and also for this class, I am working on a Paralympic Movement website so I hope you check that out when I have it done!

• February marked the beginning of a new sports season! I have been going to the gym with my team since around October but now all the sports have started up again! February 27th was our team's opening dinner which brought most of the members of Children's Lightning Wheels back together, as well meeting new teammates/friends. Then March 6th was our first indoor practice = we're off! Some of the members of the team had a swim meet on the Saturday after our opening dinner and did very well. Archery is plan to start this upcoming Monday, and as planned this Thursday will be our first outdoor practice if the weather agrees with us!  I have a feeling this season is going to be another great one and I am looking forward to meeting new people, enjoy the sports that I have, help new members learn new things, and reach my goals that I have set out for myself for this season!
  
• Oh also, I have started a newsletter for my team which helps all the members and non-members keep up with what we are are doing and if you would like one, please let me know through twitter, instagram, Facebook message (if we're friends), or even on YouTube. All links to my social media sites are on the right  side bar -------->

• Raise your hand if you watched the Paralympics, last month, on television! (How many of you actually raised their hands? lol) How awesome were the Paralympians and sports? Awesome right! I know a lot of it was in the middle of the night, that's what happens when the country is about 11 hours ahead of us, but anyways it was still awesome that they were LIVE on television. United States won two gold (one of them being the US men's sled hockey team beating Russia), seven silver medals, and nine bronze medals. This was a great step towards the Paralympic Movement especially when I saw many comments from people who want even more television cover for the Games and also the great support the sled hockey teams got from Olympians and NHL teams, here in the U.S. This was a great experience, getting able to watch these sports on the television and hopefully there will be more hours to come. Remember to keep a lookout for 2016 for the Rio Summer Paralympics for some more amazing athletes and sports in the summer! :) 

So that's basically what I have been up to lately, also working on some side things with my writing that I hope you all will be seeing soon and I have a good feeling that you will. What stuff am I working on? Well, time will tell because I don't like ruining surprises. So, I hope you all have a great start to the Spring, especially after that crazy Winter we had, and have enjoyed this updated blog post. I promise my next one will not months and months away. Thank you!

Until Next Time

CGoerlich <3 

End of the Semester

Short Blog Post:

Well, it's finally the end of my Fall 2013 semester.  Am I relieved?  Very much so.  So far this was one of the longest/hardest semesters of my college career but I believe it was well worth it.  I think it seemed long and hard because of how many papers, we had to write but like I said, it was well worth it.  Why? Because I learned a lot more than I thought I would this semester.  Here is a short list of what I have learned:

1) How to do my own research without using other's work.
2) How to analyze my own and others' writings.
3) How to write news (Journalism class).
4) How to write scenes for a play.
5) Health issues, people deal with every day.
6) The Earth (Earth Science class)
7) Writing a paper with more than eight pages is not at all that terrible (lol).

Like I said, that is a short list of what I have learned. Now that this semester is over, I am definitely looking forward for winter break, could use a break before next semester.  I hope all my fellow college students had a great semester and have a nice relaxing winter break! Also for other students, I hope you enjoy your winter break as well before you return to school after the Holidays. :)

Until Next time

CGoerlich <3