Molly Colleen Hale

My name is Molly Colleen Hale, and I am a woman with Down syndrome.  I was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho and I lived there for 31 years.  After my high school graduation I was hired by Idaho State University to work in their College of Education.  I worked there for over 10 years as an Office Assistant in the Dean's Office.  I loved that job and made many friends while I was there.

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In 2015, my Mom and I moved to Austin so we could be closer to my brother and sister and their families. I have a happy life here and am involved in many activities. For example, I participate in Special Olympics Track and Field, and Bocce Ball, I sing with a chorus group, I belong to a social club of adults with special needs, and I am active in Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas. From 2016-2020, I worked at the YMCA as a front desk helper and was also asked by my supervisor to do many other things that helped him and the patrons of the Y. I now work as an artist at Sage Studios, a creative hub for other adults with disabilities. Over the last few years, I have become fluent in American sign language, and enjoy translating for my peers. I live a full and busy life that may surprise those who do not know many adults with disabilities. 

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One of my favorite things in Austin has been the opportunity to continue my education through Lifelong Learning with Friends.  Since I was little, I wanted to attend college like my brothers and sister, who left for college years ago while I stayed behind with my mom. Finally having the opportunity to take classes at UT makes me very happy. I have taken dozens of classes since moving here, many about art and cooking, and I have honestly loved them all. Through the years, I have taken classes on foreign board games, healthy cooking, creative photography, Hawaiian music, and yarn art. I have learned so many things that are new to me that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise. Because of these classes, I have met many talented instructors and volunteers, and I have made several good friends. Being a student at LLwF has made my life so much better.

 

After being a student, I am honored to be on the Board of Directors of Lifelong Learning with Friends. I love working with Kaelin and feeling like my experience is making a difference.  I love sharing things I like about the program with the other leaders and having influence on classes we offer. When I have suggestions about making the program better, it feels like they really listen to me.  I hope that I am useful and can help in making decisions that will make us even stronger. I am proud that I can be a leader for my community. I am grateful to Jon Pierce and his son Ocean for creating this opportunity for me and hundreds of other adults with IDDs. I am excited to continue learning and growing!