Reflections
As part of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center's 50th anniversary celebration, families, researchers, staff, trainees, and others shared their reflections. View a sample below, and select "more" to view additional comments.
| A reflection from a family |
 | The Center has meant a great deal to me and my family over the years. I am a Next Steps alumnus. We have great programs here and wonderful students who love being here. We made a video on You Tube and it is called “I am going to college—Even with my disability.” Because of the programs I have been involved in here I am now working two jobs….I have voted in every election here since I turned 18. Will McMillan - Next Steps at Vanderbilt alumnus 2013 See More... |
| A reflection from a trainee |
 | The VKC has become a home to my family in the few short years since my daughter’s birth. We’ve benefited in countless ways from its research, professional training (I was a LEND Family Trainee), workshops, and other community programs. I also have the opportunity to learn and give back to the Center as part of the Community Advisory Council and the Public Policy Committee. The VKC has been an incredible resource to me as a parent but has also been critical in my development as a professional, helping me to become a voice for other families through special education advocacy. From both perspectives, I cannot overstate the importance of the Center’s role in creating more meaningful and productive lives for people like my daughter, and I am proud to be part of an organization that continues to lead this charge both locally and nationally. Christine Sartain - Parent, LEND Trainee, and Disability Advocate See More... |
| A reflection from a professional |
| I was introduced to the Kennedy Center in 1975 when I was an undergraduate at Peabody College, now Vanderbilt University. It changed my life, and set me on my career path. I left as a graduate, and I came back for graduate studies. And I work in disability and I still count on the Kennedy Center every day. Carol Westlake - Tennessee Disability Public Policy Advocate See More... |
| A reflection from a researcher |
| One of the reasons I love working in academia, especially within the field of clinical research informatics, is the opportunity to see real-world examples of impact from our work on a regular basis. It is most rewarding to think that the work our teams are doing today might literally provide service or contribute to research that will make a difference in the lives of people we strive to help tomorrow. By focusing energy and attention on rare disease and developmental disabilities research, we have the potential to help communities that are most deserving and in great need of assistance. I began collaborating with Kennedy Center teams several years ago and quickly grew to appreciate the culture and professionalism of faculty, staff, and volunteers. Working with the Kennedy Center has been transformative. Paul Harris, Ph.D. - Biomedical Informatics and Biomedical Engineering See More... |
Submit your reflection here