Student Accessibility Support (SAS) Fellows
The Student Accessibility Support (SAS) Fellows support their peers in their adjustment to college life, both academically and socially. SAS Fellows are current Brandeis University undergraduate students who have had experience effectively navigating campus resources.
The SAS Fellows Program works to create a welcoming, stigma-free environment that promotes disability awareness so that all students have an opportunity to flourish and embrace differences. Students who identify as having a disability(ies)/condition(s) may benefit from meeting with a SAS Fellow. By having a conversation with someone who has been in a similar position, students will be able to relate and seek meaningful guidance.
Meet for peer support during office hours on many topics including but not limited to:
- Accessing campus resources
- Discussing accommodations letters with faculty
- Time management skills
- Using the Accessible Transportation Services
- Competing assignments and more!
Additionally, SAS Fellows help with student engagement efforts, hold assignment accountability hours and disability-specific affinity groups, and collaborate with student groups.
For more information on SAS Fellows peer mentoring drop-ins and appointments, please go to the Peer Led Supports webpage.
Student Accessibility Support (SAS) Fellows
Intended field of study: Biology and health, science, sociology and policy (HSSP); minor in chemistry (pre-med track)
If you could go back to yourself in your first year in college and offer a piece of advice, what would it be? I would tell myself to live in the moment more. I spent so much time preparing for the next few years and not enough time enjoying the time I was spending with the amazing people around me.
Fun fact: I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa when I was 14, and I started my own business when I was 16.
Intended field of study: Politics; minor in legal studies
If you could go back to your first year in college and offer a piece of advice, what would it be? I would tell myself not to be afraid to ask for help. Whether it is an accessibility issue, a hard class or any other struggle, there are tons of resources available to support students (like SAS, BUGS tutors, the writing center, etc.). These resources are there to help you, so don’t be afraid to use them.
Fun fact: I play a sport for the blind called Beep Baseball.
Intended Field of Study: Health, Science, Society, and Policy (HSSP)
If you could go back to your first year in college and offer a piece of advice, what would it be? I wish I could tell my first year self that "a support network may not come as quickly as you'd like, but that doesn't mean you're incapable of growing it." At first, I had extreme trouble socializing on campus due to academic stress and difficulty adjusting to campus. It was isolating for a while, but I eventually pushed myself to attend more events on campus and schedule to meet with more friends. Now, I look forward to my time on campus! Despite this, I know from experience that it's all easier said than done, so I aim to support those who might be struggling in a similar way.
Fun fact: I'm a fan of most animated shows, all things bird related, and many K-pop groups.
Intended Field of Study: Politics; minors in Legal Studies and Music
What is one thing you would like to say to other students with disabilities who are navigating higher education? One thing I would like to say to other students with disabilities who are navigating higher education is that you belong. YOU deserve to be here, and disability does not invalidate your presence in higher education spaces. Rather, your balancing disability and the pursuit of knowledge despite structural ableism and other systemic obstacles attests to your resilience, work ethic, and the pride you take in both your education and yourself.
Fun fact: I play bass guitar in a jazz trio, and we composed, recorded, and produced an entire studio album in 5 months!
Intended Field of Study: Psychology; minor in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Studies
If you could go back to your first year in college and offer a piece of advice, what would it be? I would tell my first-year self that advocating for your own accessibility needs will never have a payoff worse than not doing so, even when external support or acknowledgement of your own disability looks sparse. Help is always there, but you are also always your own first and greatest advocate for getting the accessibility help you need!
Fun fact: I write and draw my own webcomic for fun.
Intended Field of Study: Health, Science, Society, and Policy (HSSP) and Sociology
If you could go back to your first year in college and offer a piece of advice, what would it be? I would remind myself that it's never too late to try something new and that life exists at the end of our comfort zones.
Fun fact: I've been bungee jumping, paragliding, and parasailing (skydiving is next on my list)!