MSU program for students with special needs celebrates first to earn bachelor's degree
In the Plaster Student Union one day before graduating from Missouri State, Hanna Smulczenski listed many of the friends, family, teachers and others who supported her goal of earning a high school diploma and — the morning of Dec. 15 — a bachelor's degree.
She had an inkling what she was capable of, and so did they.
"It was my family — my parents, my sister, my aunts, uncles, both grandparents," said Hanna, 28. "I also had support through my education career, starting in kindergarten."
Not everyone had Hanna's back. Her mom, Kelly Smulczenski, recalled a difficult comment she heard years ago from a classroom teacher.
"The teacher told me 'Hanna doesn't need to know how to spell, she is not going to make it too far in life,'" she said.
Hanna said she grew up knowing certain goals might be harder to accomplish. But, she refused to use that as an excuse not to try.
"I didn't give up on my education," she said.
Hanna was born 23 weeks premature, arriving March 4 instead of the expected July 4, and spent months recovering in a neonatal intensive care unit.
She was diagnosed with autism, asthma and a mild form of cerebral palsy. Her vision impairment, which includes no peripheral vision, has grown worse.
"I literally have tunnel vision," Hanna said, adding she may soon need a service dog. "Have you ever looked through a kaleidoscope? It is like that. You just see the pretty colors and everything else is black."
Hanna's schooling started in the St. Louis area but her father, who is part of the Cardinals organization, took a job in Springfield.
She graduated from Kickapoo High School in 2014. Three years later, she earned an associate's degree from Ozarks Technical Community College.
Hanna wanted more education but didn't have a specific direction and was unsure what options were available.
"So I took a year and a half break," she said.
Her mother, an administrative assistant at Missouri State, learned about a new program at the university called Bear POWER. It provides an entire system of support for students with intellectual or development disabilities to pursue higher education.
Students who enroll have the option of living independently on campus. They take courses, for credit or not, learn job-readiness skills and complete internships.
They have the guidance of program staff and Bear POWER Ambassadors, a team of trained student volunteers, who help the participants navigate campus life.
"They're going and getting their degree but are involved in the program and also giving back to kids like Hanna and giving the support," said Kelly Smulczenski, Hanna's mom. "She has had some wonderful ambassadors."
Hanna joined the program for the spring 2020 semester but only lived on campus for 2-1/2 months because of the global pandemic.
"One of my goals is to eventually live independently," she said. "But at the same time I know I'm going to need help from services."
She stayed the course, taking one class after another — all for college credit.
"I will admit there are some times I did have a few meltdowns, especially between doing the Bear POWER program and regular classes," Hanna said. "It got overwhelming."
She said "pep talks" with the program staff and ambassadors kept her on track. "They were great when I just needed an ear to listen."
Asked about participating in campus events and activities, Hanna said that was limited but mostly because she was focused on her studies.
"I had to sacrifice one thing to achieve another," she said.
The Bear POWER program is typically five semesters, including one summer session, and participants who finish earn a non-degree certificate.
Since its inception in 2019, 14 students have completed the Bear POWER program and earned certificates including this year's graduates: Madison Stamps, Jacob Lackey, and Paul Broske II.
Hanna earned that certificate but didn't stop. She is the first Bear POWER graduate to also earn a bachelor's degree in general studies, with an emphasis in history and religion.
April Phillips, director of Bear POWER, said each student enters the program with different goals, She said staff then come alongside students to "keep them moving forward and helping them."
Phillips turned to Hanna, in the interview, and said: "You are showing the proof that hard work and that desire to do more can make things happen."
Caleb Hatz, program coordinator for Bear POWER, said pride about what Hanna achieved gets him "teary-eyed."
"She is really breaking down barriers and breaking down stereotypes. She is a goal-setter and she goes out and gets what she wants and that determination is amazing to see in our students," Hatz said.
Hatz said programs like Bear POWER are needed because they help students with special needs who may not be able to access higher education through traditional routes.
"It is shining a light that just because you have a different ability level, it does not stop you from achieving your goals," he said.
Through the program, Hanna completed an internship with the Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium. She wants to find a job that marries her love of history and working with animals.
"I know this will help me further with whatever career I want to do," she said.
More: Inclusive MSU program opens doors to students with intellectual, developmental disability
Kelly Smulczenski said some of Hanna's friends with special needs attempted to go to college but gave up because they did not have the supports available through the Bear POWER program.
"Had they had the right resources, they could succeed. Just because someone has a disability doesn't mean you should treat them any different," she said. "You have to figure out their strengths and weaknesses and how they can contribute not only to society but to their community."
Claudette Riley covers education for the News-Leader. Email tips and story ideas to criley@news-leader.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: MSU program for students with special needs celebrates first graduate
