This winter, Haley Frenkel graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development & Family Science (HDFS) through the College of Education & Human Development at the 推荐杏吧原创. After transferring from Colorado State University in 2021, Frenkel found their home in the welcoming and supportive Human Development and Family Science Department, shaping their passion for advocacy and future internship experiences.
Frenkel’s academic journey has been marked by resilience and determination. In 2019, they faced a challenging surgery mid-semester, and in 2022, they learned of an autism diagnosis they received as a child in the early 2000s. Despite moments of discouragement and doubt within the University setting, Frenkel persevered.
Reflecting on their journey, they recalled being told, “You should be able to do this by now; maybe college just isn’t for you.” Yet, this winter, they celebrate their accomplishment by graduating with their bachelor's degree.
In their final semester of their undergraduate degree, Frenkel completed their internship with two organizations, Newton Learning Center and Path to Independence. Frenkel worked to create a nurturing and inclusive environment within each of their internship sites.
At Newton Learning Center, a non-profit school providing learning disabilities programs for grades K-12, Frenkel worked with students aged 14–18, helping them succeed in English language arts, science and math.
“As a student within the public school system and one who struggled with math, seeing all of the students at Newton Learning Center being helped where they are and having individualized plans is incredibly healing for me,” Frenkel said.
Frenkel also thrived at Path to Independence (P2I), an inclusive, two-year, non-degree certificate program offering a college experience to students with intellectual disabilities. “I absolutely adore working with P2I,” Frenkel shared. “It feels amazing to give back to the disability community.”
When asked about the individuals who made a difference in their education, Frenkel highlighted the impact of their long-time tutor, Ms. Elaine. Ms. Elaine fostered a love of learning and offered accommodations to Frenkel before their dyscalculia or autism was formally diagnosed.
“She really inspired my love of learning and was the first person in my life to accommodate me regarding my difficulties with my dyscalculia and autism, even though neither of us knew about these diagnoses at the time.”
Frenkel also expressed gratitude for mentors like Jenna Dewar, who played a key role in their success. Frenkel explained, “It really feels like Jenna had believed in me since the beginning, and it felt like a breath of fresh air.”
Frenkel explained, “Everyone in the HDFS department was incredibly accepting and supportive. Samuel Ehrenreich, Ph.D. and Jenna Dewar both worked to help me succeed. Professors asking questions about what I needed rather than assuming what type of accommodations were needed really helped.” Frenkel also discussed that a person-first language was vital to their feelings of inclusivity: “I’m really proud of my autism, and while my autism does impact me, I feel that people don’t often see me first.”
As advice to future students, Frenkel emphasized the importance of community and building a support network, “When I started college, I was very independent, and I felt that if I asked for help, people wouldn’t think I was worthy of being here … (NRAP) and various professors on campus really helped me feel like I belonged.”
After graduation, Frenkel will join the Little Gems of the Sierra, a Waldorf education school in Truckee, as an assistant preschool teacher. Working with toddlers, Frenkel will teach lessons and serve as a positive role model for the children.
Haley Frenkel exemplifies resilience and outstanding perseverance, which embodies the core values of The Wolf Pack Way. Their journey reflects determination and an unwavering commitment to success, serving as an inspiration to the 推荐杏吧原创 community.
