Senior, Miranda Matarrita, Plans to Help People with Disabilities
Class of 2022 senior, Miranda Matarrita, from York, PA has received motivation and structure from her teachers since enrolling last year. As a busy teenager who has already joined the workforce as a local restaurant assistant manager, Miranda has benefited from academic and emotional support that has sparked her dedication to helping people with disabilities and special needs.
“My parents and I chose PA Distance because my previous brick-and-mortar school was not the right fit for me,” Miranda explained. “I love the support from the teachers at PA Distance. They are all very dedicated and attentive. Overall, my school work has been much easier with their support and motivation.”
“I also work full-time as an assistant manager at Smoothie King. Work is very fun, though I have a lot of responsibilities. PA Distance helps me manage both well,” she added.
Miranda hasn’t even graduated from high school (yet!) but already has solid goals for her future that were outlined and developed during her 11th-grade Career Project. During this Project, Miranda had to research a particular career path and create a detailed report.
“The PA Distance Career Project helped prepare me for my future because I learned more about pursuing a position in social work and special education,” she said. “I am excited to graduate and plan to attend Harrisburg Area Community College (HACCC) to major in the human service field and be an advocate for the disabled and those with special needs.”
“Miranda’s project was all that we could hope for! She thoroughly researched the field of social work and what it takes to get the job of her dreams, as well as potential post-secondary school options,” high school English teacher and Career Project Coordinator, Mrs. Johnston explained.
As a part of her Project, Miranda shadowed employees at The Arc of Pennsylvania chapter in Lemoyne, PA. The Arc of Pennsylvania was started 70 years ago by parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities who fought against society’s expectation that their children be sent to state institutions. Thanks to their work and the current work at The Arc, life for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families is far better than it was in the early 1950s.
“Miranda worked with her school counselor, Mrs. Mihoerck, to earn an in-person job shadowing opportunity directly related to her field of interest, which helped solidify Miranda’s desire to work with people with disabilities,” Mrs. Johnston added. “Once her research and job shadowing was complete, Miranda delivered an emotional presentation that connected her personal life to her future career. It was one of the best student presentations I have had the pleasure to observe and was a great reminder about the importance of this project.”
“I joined The Arc and their after-school programs held at Lutheran Memorial Lutheran Church,” Miranda explained. “Students from York Suburban partner with the Arc and hold an after-school program for those with special needs and I was able to gain some insight into what they do, how they act, etc.”
“My sister Laelin was born with Down syndrome. Her being 8 and me being 18, there’s some distance between our ages. Being able to grow up with her as her ‘big sister’ is an amazing feeling because I thought I’d be the last child. I was always the baby of the family and then Laelin came along,” she said. “Being able to grow with her and seeing how much she has accomplished has inspired me to pursue a career working with other people like her.”
During her time at The Arc, Miranda met a young man with Down syndrome who has a job and works almost every day of the week.
“Meeting this gentleman was so touching because I saw his motivation and dedication to living life,” she added. “Seeing that he can work gives me hope that one day my sister will be able to work, too.”
Even though Miranda was only enrolled at PA Distance for a year, she has gained valuable experience and knowledge that she believes will help her in her next steps post-graduation.
“I have never felt so supported by a school, especially an online program! I also have never been offered a variety of classes like this so I was excited to branch out and learn new things here,” she said.
“I wish that people would give online programs a try! PA Distance does an amazing job of keeping its students motivated and on track. I wish they knew how amazing and accessible this program is,” Miranda added. “I would recommend PA Distance to other families because they’re so welcoming and supportive.”