Lessons From a Brother

Kiley Christian knows a lot about children with special needs. For the senior, majoring in special education, much of that knowledge has come from her time in the classrooms of Collings Hall.

However, her "education" began long before she ever stepped foot on the Norman campus. It began with the birth of a younger brother Kiley spent many nights hoping would arrive.

"I was so excited, because I had prayed and prayed for a sibling," she remembers. "Finally, I had one and I loved and cherished him. When we learned he had Asperger's Syndrome, I decided I wanted to be a special education teacher."

Asperger's Syndrome, found in the autism spectrum, is marked by difficulty with social interaction and atypical responses to the environment, similar to those in autism. Unlike in autism, however, cognitive and communicative development are within the normal or near-normal range and verbal skills are usually an area of relative strength.

"Growing up with my brother and learning about all the things that are involved with a disability has been a good thing," Kiley says. "It's given me a family perspective so I know how to better deal with families and how upsetting it can be to find out that your child has a disability."

What she has learned as the sister of a brother with a disability has been complimented by her experience in the College of Education.

"Since I've been in the program (special education), it's helped me learn more about him and what he is going through," she says. "And, he has learned more about his disability. The two of us learning together has helped him become more of a self-advocate."

The journey of discovery Kiley has embarked upon has been made possible, in part, by the fact she has been a regular recipient of College of Education scholarships, funded by alumni and friends of the College. She graciously recognizes such assistance has allowed for more time in the classroom and being involved in campus activities.

"Getting the scholarships has helped so much," she explains. "I don't have to work as much during the school year. I make better grades. I'm less stressed out. I just do a better job with school because I don't have to worry so much about the financial aspects.

"I can worry about whether I'm getting the most I can out of a project, whether I'm studying enough, whether I'm involved enough with the College. It makes me really appreciate the scholarships."

Involved is a good word to describe Kiley. In addition to having served on the College of Education's Dean's Advisory Council, she has been an active member of the Student Council for Exceptional Children, and finds time to play the flute in the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band. All possible, she believes, in part due to the generosity of the College's supporters.

"Not having to work as much has allowed me to be involved in those things and experience more things," Kiley says. "I think the people who support us really show they understand what we go through as students and that they appreciate the work we're doing and the work we will be doing. They appreciate teachers. For people to support us means a lot."

Her experience in the College of Education, it's easy to sense, has always meant a lot to her, especially when she reflects on the lessons learned in the classrooms in which she has student taught, and the journey she has made with that brother for which she prayed so hard.

"He has made a world of difference in my life," she explains. "His views on things, his joy of life. He's taught me a lot. I know being around people with disabilities has enhanced my life and will continue to, probably more than I do their lives.

"I want to be there for them, and for me as well."

To discuss establishing a scholarship, or contributing to an existing scholarship fund, contact John Cougher, Director of Development, at (405) 325-1826, or jcougher@ou.edu.