When MICC graduate Dinah ‘24 first arrived on campus, she was hoping to learn independent living skills, but also to find a community that feels like home! Dinah shares, “I didn’t have any friends in high school, or pretty much all my life. When I came to MICC, it was easy to make friends because they all have disabilities so we can relate to each other.”
During her College program years, Dinah enjoyed her social skills classes, where instructors led team building activities to teach participants how to collaborate and be more resilient. Connecting with the other participants has led to a feeling of belonging and a support network that helps her get through tough times. Dinah recently has struggled with her family dog becoming ill, and her friends have helped her process her grief by giving her hugs and advice. Dinah says, “[My friends] so much fun. They all make me who I am, regardless of how moody I can be sometimes. They pull me out of it by making me laugh or smile. We’re all like a family here.”
After graduating in 2024, Dinah got a job at Lunds & Byerlys and moved into an apartment on campus with roommate Gaby ‘21. She and her other friends in the Community program frequently hang out on campus playing games or making art. They also like to go out to Southdale Mall and Mall of America for shopping and restaurants, or they participate in MICC excursions to fun places like Sustainable Safari or The Salt Cave.
Reflecting on how her friendships have helped her grow, Dinah says her friends are great role models and have had a positive impact on her life. She says, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of my friends. They are my biggest cheerleaders!”
In the future, she hopes to grow even closer to her friends. During tough times, she says, “Even if I try to push them away, they won’t let me. They won’t give up on me.”
What does she recommend for first-year participants navigating new friendships on campus? “Branch out even if it’s scary. Don’t give up! Be resilient.”
Learn more about campus life and friendships at MICC on our website: https://www.micc.org/bulldog-life/
More photos of Dinah’s life at MICC: