My name is Rebecca Parten. I will be a freshman at the University of Michigan: Dearborn in the fall of 2007. I will major in “electronic and visual communications” and possibly pursue a career in the field of desktop publishing. If this doesn’t work out I may pursue a career as a writer. I have been active in various activities within my high school and the community.

While in high school I was a member of National Honor Society, and Business Professionals of America both for my junior and senior years. In my sophomore year I was one of two students to attend Student Congress. Being inducted into National Honor Society was awesome and I participated in various community service projects and fundraisers. Being a member of Business Professionals of America is an experience I am going to remember forever. I have learned many things from that club and I am so glad I joined it. My junior year I was on the web site development team and we placed first at the regional level advancing us to states. We didn’t place in states. My senior year I participated in desktop publishing. I was able to attend states again because of other student’s inability to attend. I did my best, but again I didn’t make it to nationals. I was also a part of the link crew leadership program. Two upperclassmen were assigned a group of incoming freshman and played games, and showed them around school. This helped the students feel more confident about transitioning from middle school to high school.

Within the community I have participated in Power Soccer, Wheelchair Hockey, and various community service projects. Power soccer is for power wheelchair users. We use an oversized soccer ball and push it with our wheelchairs. I play wheelchair hockey through the Wheelchair Hockey League of Michigan. I am also on the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living Youth Council.

I am fun loving, compassionate, caring and live life to the fullest. I try to not let my disability limit what I do and I am constantly overcoming the challenges faced with having it. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want to get in touch with me.