by Shaun O’Leary (Victoria)
I have been living with autism since a very young age. Despite this, I have been blessed with health and opportunity. Getting this label didn’t change me. I already was who I was.
I had a very challenging childhood and by the time I got to high school I did not have many options. Faced with doubt moving out of my senior year, I heard about an initiative at the University of Victoria called STEPS-Forward. This program allows students with disabilities to earn a university education.
Nobody wants to be the odd person out or to be treated differently. Having the same opportunity as my peers to go to university changed my life and helped me realize that a normal life was possible. I was able to earn a four-year diploma and build my confidence.
For me personally, it was a game changer. Before UVic, I was a little lost and very concerned about my future. Without purpose and direction, it is hard to achieve a positive impact for myself and others.
When I graduated, I was prepared for the workforce, had friends, and felt confident to move into the adult world. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to get involved in the community, and I support this initiative because it made such a positive difference to my mental health.
While being a UVIC student, I became a radio broadcaster for the campus station. I have remained on as a host for CFUV 101.9 FM. My show is called Interesting Conversations and my job is to interview public figures, including Donovan Bailey and Rick Hansen.
In eight years I have covered 250 life stories. This experience has really opened my eyes. I have learned so much from my interviewees. Without this chance for inclusion, I don’t know where I would be today. I can tell you that prior to this experience, I was unconfident, uneducated, and very much needing a change in my life. Today, I am proud to be the first ever alumnus on the provincial STEPS-Forward board of directors. I became President of the board in November 2021.
These experiences have positively impacted my life today, and my future, which thanks to the equal opportunity given to me, is very bright!
Listen:
Shaun’s radio show Interesting Conversations airs on Wednesdays at 11:00a.m. on CFUV 101.9 FM.
You can also learn more about the show, and listen online, by visiting: cfuv.uvic.ca