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for A Note from Mathew
December 2011
Mathew finished-up his adult transition program and exited the public school system last year. At first Mathew was excited to begin working at Live Scan a local business where people can get their fingerprints taken. Mathew works about 25 hours a week there. He is learning how to take public transportation to and from work. As the year progressed Mathew began missing the social aspect of school. We tried enrolling Mathew in our local community college. While he was eager to take computer-based lower level academic classes, he simply didn't have the skill level to pass the classes. This was frustrating for Mathew and he didn't want to try again. Additionally, the computer-based classes didn't create many opportunities for Mathew to socialize. After a year past from his first college experience, we brought up the idea of taking an adaptive physical education class at a different local community college. While a little reluctant, Mathew did agree to try it. After the first class, Mathew was hooked. In no time he met some fellow students and began hanging out with them on campus between classes. Mathew is getting ready to start his second semester at community college. He will be taking two adaptive physical education classes. He is thrilled to be on a school campus again. He loves the social aspect of the college campus environment and is excited to tell people that he is a "college student." Now with a part-time job and a part-time college schedule Mathew is quite content with his adult life.
November 2009
Mathew has been doing well. He worked all summer at Camp James. He always loves that summer job and each year he is given more responsibility at the camp. Mathew has shown great responsibility with his work habits, in fact he said "No" to a European cruise last summer because it would interfere with his work schedule. Now that's dedication. Currently Matthew is working at a high school cafeteria and attending our local community college. Mathew struggles with his English as a Second Language course put keeps plugging away at the computerized tests. Mathew is also taking a First Responder class with our local ROP program. Mathew continues to hope to find a job within the local police station or fire department. He really likes the action involved in these careers. In his free time Mathew likes to use Twitter. Follow him if you like. He is at
MathewSilcock@Twitter.com
November 2008
Mathew is full of exciting news. Last month Mathew went skydiving! Yes, as they say, "he jumped out of a perfectly good airplane!" Check out his YouTube video (
YouTube - Mathew Silcock) to see Mathew on his first tandem skydive! One of our helpers, Kevin, skydives for a hobby and tried to talk several of our other helpers into joining him on a jump. Although three of our helpers initially agreed, on the day of the jump only Mathew decided to go. We were all in awe of Mathew's bravery and enthusiasm. We thought the video was awesome and hope that you will watch it on YouTube and leave some comments for Mathew.
Mathew's other big new is he started drivers education at school. Mathew has already been behind the wheel quite few times and has even drove on the freeway! Mathew is driving a standard automatic car with no modifications. Its is amazing how much Mathew is able to do despite his physical limitations. Mathew expects to get his drivers license by early 2009!
September 2008
Matthew went of a 10-day New England cruise with Grandma Sue this summer. He spent several days in New York before the cruise. Mathew had a fantastic time and really has the traveling bug. In fact next month he will be going to Las Vegas with Jim and Nikolai. In December he will go on another Mexican
Riviera Cruise with Grandma Sue. In the meantime Mathew is trying to figure out how to squeeze in another trip to San Francisco to visit his Russia friends! In the meantime Mathew is participating in the Adult Transition Program at Fountain Valley High School. He is working in the cafeteria and attending Golden West College. Mathew loves to keep busy and he definitely has a full and rich schedule!
July 2008
Mathew graduated from Fountain Valley High School in June. He was very excited to participate in all of the end of year senior activities. He was especially enthusiastic about the graduation ceremony itself. We are very proud of Mathew! During his four years of high school he earned a 3.75 grade point average. He also held a part-time job most of the time he was in high school. Mathew is a hard worker and always puts his best effort into school work and into his jobs. This summer Mathew is working as a camp counselor full-time at Camp James. This is Mathew's fourth year working at Camp James and he loves it! Mathew's camp name is "Spiderman." Here is an e-mail that a parent wrote to Mathew's boss:
"Hi,
I just wanted to take the time to let you all know about one of your counselors that I think is terrific. His name is Spiderman. From day one, both this year and last he has been so friendly and helpful to my children and myself. Just a great guy.
One of the main things that has brought us back to your camp now for 5 summers has been your enthusiastic and outgoing staff.
Tomorrow is our last day at Camp James for this year and we want to thank you for another great summer time experience.
We hope to see you again next year.
Jennifer H. and campers Hannah, Spencer and Trevor"
Currently Mathew is traveling in New York with Grandma Sue and Ivan and Alin. This vacation which also includes a New England cruise will last almost two weeks! Mathew loves to travel and is thrilled to be visiting New York, New York! This fall Mathew will be attending Golden West College and participating in the HBUHSD vocational training program.
May 2008
Mathew went on another cruise with Grandma Sue for
spring break. This time Mathew, Alin, Ivan and Saul
along with Grandma Sue went to the Caribbean. The
started their cruise from Florida which was a big treat
as none of the boys, except Alin, had ever been to
Florida before. During the cruise Mathew had a few
behavioral issues that challenged Grandma Sue. Many
times on this cruise Mathew woukd play the "I'm an
adult" card when Grandma Sue set-up the rules for
behavior on the ship. Often Mathew fails to understand
that everyone has to follow certain rules, even adults.
The first few days were a little rough with Mathew
openly defying the curfew rules Grandma Sue set-up.
Finally after Grandma Sue told Mathew he was not welcome
on the next cruise coming up this summer, Mathew got the
picture loud and clear. The rest of the trip Mathew was
on his best behavior. Mathew loves traveling, especially
cruising, and he probably couldn't bear the thought that
he may never get to go on cruises with Grandma Sue
anymore. When Mathew returned from this cruise he even
wrote a note to the Captain of the ship apologizing for
not following his grandma's rules!
February 2008
Mathew really enjoyed the 7-day Mexican Riviera cruise he took with Grandma Sue over the New Year. Grandma Sue says that Mathew is a natural cruiser. Mathew made lots of friends on the ship, both passengers and crew. He enjoyed staying out for the night festivities and the midnight buffets. Mathew celebrated the New Year with a bang on the ship. He even went to the adult only dance afterwards. Mathew definitely isn't shy. Mathew will be taking a 7-day Caribbean cruise out of Florida in March with Grandma Sue, Ivan, Alin and Saul.
Mathew enjoyed his job at Sports Authority through his ROP program last semester. He hopes to work there again this semester. Additionally Mathew is still working at his high school cafeteria. He loves that job and is very loyal. He even gave up a ski trip because he didn't want to miss a day of work. We have heard many positive comments about Mathew's work ethic and his vocational skills. We are very proud of Mathew's ambition and we are positive he will go far in life!
November 2007
Mathew has been working at a local sporting goods store since early October. He is enjoying this job and sales seem to be a natural match for his personality. Mathew has also learned how to ride the city bus to and from work. Mathew is very motivated to be as independent as possible.
Recently Mathew has been in contact, through e-mail, with some old friends from Russia. Many people have helped Mathew throughout his life and most especially with some of his struggles as a disabled orphan in Russia. Volunteers from both England and America stepped in to raise money for medical care and operations for Mathew when he was younger. They also made sure he had special educational opportunities. One group of volunteers even helped prevent Mathew from going to an orphanage with severally disabled children where he would have received little or no care and education. Because of these women's support Mathew was able to spent a portion of his childhood in a loving foster home and eventually become available for adoption internationally. Mathew is excited to be reacquainted with these volunteers and the women have expressed their delight at Mathew continued growth and success.
September 2007
Mathew had a busy summer. He worked full-time at Camp James the ENTIRE summer. Mathew even worked some over night shifts to help the campers when they had sleep-overs! Now that summer is over, Mathew is glad to be back in school. Mathew is a senior in high school this year! He is so excited. He has already attended one dance and is looking forward to the homecoming dance later this month. Mathew is also enjoying having his younger brother, Javier, attend the same high school. Mathew likes being "big man on campus." This school Mathew is taking a drivers education class and hopes to be behind the wheel second semester. Go Mathew!!
April 2007
Mathew is enjoying participating in various activities with our supported living group. He especially enjoyed a recent trip to Las Vegas. Mathew at been to Las Vegas before but this time was special because he was included on all of the adult activities. Mathew went to a Magic Show and to a Car Show. He walked around and went shopping for t-shirts. He also enjoyed trying out many of the various buffets on the strip. Mathew says that some day he would enjoy living in Las Vegas!
February 2007
Mathew is starting another semester of the ROP Diversified Careers classes. He will be selecting an internship position soon. Through this class Mathew has had opportunities to work at a movie theater, Big Lots, and Toys-R-Us. While these are not paid positions, at each internship Mathew has learned new skills to help with his eventual full-time employment. Mathew is such a hard worker that he always earns praise from all of his supervisors. Mathew says that he is interested in working at a restaurant this semester. We are glad that Mathew is trying many different jobs in order to determine which is likes the best. This summer Mathew plans to interview for a full-time paid position at Camp James for the third summer in a row.
December 2006
Mathew is so happy that he finally got his braces off. Check out the BEFORE and AFTER pictures! He has been wearing braces since 2004 so Mathew is happy to see his white, and now straight, teeth again. Mathew continues to work at his high school cafeteria and he has an after school job at a local Toys-R-Us. Besides school and work, Mathew helps Johnny as a volunteer coach with our Special Olympic floor hockey team. Recently Mathew was the receipt of a post-secondary education scholarship from ICA. Mathew is saving the money for future vocational training classes.
October 2006
Mathew turned 18 years old last month. He celebrated with not one BUT two trips to Hooters! Mathew also received a laptop for his birthday and is enjoying sending and receiving e-mails. Using the computer has really started to help Mathew improve his written English language skills.
Mathew is happy to be back in school. He is a junior this year and is quite the man about campus. Since September, Mathew has already secured two jobs! Mathew was requested to return as an assistant in the high school cafeteria and he also has a job at our local Big Lots store. We are so proud of Mathew's motivation to be gainfully employed. We are also excited that Mathew is open to trying a variety of vocational training opportunities.
 
  
July 2006
Mathew is working at Camp James full-time this
summer. He chose to forgo any camps for himself and
instead be a counselor for the children who attend Camp
James. Mathew loves work and is even more excited that
he is getting paid to do what he loves. We are so proud
of Mathew who, on his own, took the initiative to apply
for one of only three paid positions available at Camp
James for high school students. In fact to be able to
work as a counselor Mathew also had to be certified in
both CPR and First Aid! Mathew's self-confidence and
maturity level has grown leaps and bounds since he
joined our family from Russia in 2004.
May 2006
Mathew recently started his paid job as a school
cafeteria assistant. He is excited about getting paid
employment and absolutely loves working in the
cafeteria. Last year he volunteered in the cafeteria all
school year. Mathew also interviewed for a paid summer
position at Camp James. Mathew is such a motivated
teenager. He enjoys working very much and even if the
paid position falls through, he will be more than happy
to volunteer.
March 2006
Mathew (17) is enjoying being a part of the Shane's Club Choir. He has been rehearsing in Los Angeles every weekend. On March 19th, Mathew, along with the entire Shane's Club Choir will be performing at the 5th Annual Play Now and Forever Gala at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel. This year Shane's Inspiration will celebrate the life of Mattie J.T. Stepanek (1990-2004). Mathew is excited and honored to be accepted into this choir. He is looking forward to his big performance in a few weeks.
Matthew is also excited about his up-coming interview to be a counselor at Camp James. This year he hopes to work full-time all summer long. Mathew is excellent with children and is willing to put in long hours to make sure all of the camp supplies are available and all of the play equipment is in working order for the campers. Last year many of the senior counselors personally asked for Mathew to assist with their group. Mathew can't for summer to begin.
January 2006
Mathew continues at Fountain Valley High School this year. Mathew loves school very much. Recently he won an award from Channel 7 "Cool KIds" program. This program honors outstanding high school students. Mathew was recognized for his participation around the campus and also his volunteer work in the community. Mathew filmed the segment on campus and it was shown twice during
newscasts. Mathew did an outstanding job with the interview. He certainly is familiar with camera crews and that part didn't even seem to phase him. Many of the school staff were flustered with the whole process but not Mathew who seemed to relish in all of the attention.
 After school Mathew participates in community theater. He also enjoys doing film work and has acted in several student and graduate films. Mathew is also an active participant in the local Demolay program. He enjoys the activities and meeting new friends. Finally, Mathew is a member of the Baron Choir and recently enjoyed singing in the annual winter concert.
As you can see, Mathew met Dokota Fanning. He was
participating in the annual Shan's Inspiration Walk and Roll-A-Thon where she was a host. Mathew loves meeting famous people. He is so friendly and outgoing that he has become an ambassador for our whole family.
     
Mathew worked at Camp James Summer 2005
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