| Biography* :
I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when I was born. When I reached school age my parents decided to enroll me in a Cerebral Palsy Center because my motor skills were not developed enough. At this center, I received plenty of therapy to improve my motor skills. However, academically I was not learning much of anything. Later on my parents decided to enroll me in a special education class in a regular public school. For the first time in my life, I finally began to learn academically. My dream was always to attend college. With the help of my parents I was able to complete my high school education and to continue on to college.
On September 3, 2003 I became Bergen Community College student. I was very happy about starting at Bergen, but I was also very nervous because I did not know if I was academically prepared to be a college student. My experience here at Bergen in few words, is simply put, “I love it!” I want other students to know that school is important, particularly for people with disabilities. Yes, school is hard and yes, students with disabilities need accommodations… but we can do it! You should never let anyone discourage you. Try it yourself first and make your own decisions.
Interview:
Q: Where are you from?
Vivian: My parents are from Portugal, but I was born here in the United States at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston, New Jersey. Most of my life I lived in Newark, NJ, but about two years ago I moved to Union, NJ.
Q: What are your Goals?
Vivian: I would like to be a social worker in an elementary school and work with special needs students.
Q: Do you have any siblings?
Vivian: Yes, I have a twin brother.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
Vivian: My favorite movie is Dirty Dancing!
Q: What is your favorite food?
Vivian: “Hmmm that is a hard one… really like food! I guess lasagna. I don’t eat it that often, but I really like it!”
Q: What are you afraid of?
Vivian: I am afraid that I may not achieve my goals.
Q: What’s your proudest moment?
Vivian: My proudest moment by far was graduating from high school and moving onto college because I was always told that I would not be able to do that.
Q: Are you a part of any clubs?
Vivian: I am a part of the STARS club and I am also a peer educator in the Wellness Center.
Q: What are your hobbies?
Vivian: When I’m not studying I like to relax, talk on the phone, chat online, and listen to music (music is my therapy!).
Q: What is your favorite time of day?
Vivian: Night time, I get to relax, unwind and talk to my friends.
Q: How do you like your overall experience here at Bergen Community College?
Vivian: “OH I LOVE IT!!!
Q: What would you tell other students like you to encourage and motivate them?
Vivian: I would tell them that school is important; particularly for people with disabilities! You can do it; sometimes it just needs to be modified a bit. Never let anyone tell you NOT to do something! Try it yourself first and make your own decisions!
(*)Vivian's picture is coming soon. | 
