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Mentone Mentour: Socializing

9/15/2023

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Welcome back! I hope your seat is still warm, because today, we’re gonna be uncovering the cold shoulders of truth! That’s right, we’re gonna be covering the most difficult topic of them all:

Socializing…

Now, before you run for your blankets and cover your face with your hands, let me make myself clear: This is gonna be about how to make such a task easier; and not meant to add complexity and difficulties to the already stressful task of talking. I would like to start us off with what is kicking us to today’s topic, that being a recent letter I’ve been bestowed. It reads:
“Hi. I’m new to MICC. I don’t really know how to open up to people or make friends. Do you have any tips?”
First, let’s give a big clap to this individual for speaking out about the issue no one else will. The bravery and tenacity to bring up such a topic is far more than what I have to do! With such a wonderful question, it’s going to be a challenge to come up with an equally wonderful answer, but I think I know how to help.

Instead of fancy metaphors or serving scoops of philosophical banter, I’m gonna give you the solid truth: When we first enter our little MICC world, we’re going to be starting at ground zero. Unless you’re coming in here with a big group, you’re not going to know many people, and they’re not going to know you. When someone is in this position, what is something that helps make connections and elevates the individual? That’s right, conversations!

If we think of conversation topics like different tiers, you have the first tier, being simple questions and pleasant introductions (i.e. “Hello, how are you doing?” or “Crazy weather lately, huh?”), and higher tiers can focus on shared experiences or interests (i.e. “Wow remember what Bert did last week?” or “Hey check out this kickass D&D Character I made last night.”). The tiers themselves are going to be different with each person, but the first tier will always be the same, since that’s where everyone starts! As you make connections and experiences with someone, you’ll slowly notice the tier rising, and you can stray away from the simple questions (if you want), and get right into the gritty fun stuff.

Oh, I guess I showcased another metaphor afterall. Well, that’s what happens when you’re given such an open and difficult question.

If you need to leave reading this with learning only one thing, have it be this: Your creativity is a powerful tool in creating positive connections and experiences. Combining that with patience and empathy will bring you a long, long way.

If this topic has been of interest to you, let me know if I should continue this! Otherwise, feel free to send another question and I’ll get right on it. Or, well, within my weekly schedule…

Until next time, friends of MICC!


Picture

Madeline M.

Madeline is currently a senior in MICC's College Program, working towards her Hospitality certificate. Her creativity is as broad and crazy as her curls - creating entertaining stories and unique perspectives which become instantly memorable and cherished. Despite her wits and ways of forming words, she is constantly challenging herself by developing new skills and leaving a third eye open to anything that's piqued her curiosity. Whether you find her writing, drawing, music making, golfing, sailing, gaming, programming, or drinking too much Cherry Pepsi, you'll discover a character that you won't find anywhere else!


Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with autism and learning differences. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping participants make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency.
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Participant Feature: Introducing Mentone Mentour

9/4/2023

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Hello again, friends! I’m glad you’re here, because I have some exciting news to share!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been busy with a recent development project within Metaphor Meadows! You remember that little place, right? Well, I’m happy to share that I’ve constructed a little building within the center plains of the area.

You might be thinking, “Wow, that’s a little intrusive, isn’t it?” And you’d be absolutely right if I hadn’t discovered that this entire little field… is completely barren! All forms of sentience just refuse to enter here and will make unnecessary detours to reach their destination. So, at that point, what’s a spontaneously erected office establishment going to do for the people in and out of the meadows?

The answer is a lot, because this is not just any ordinary building, this is the home of the Taleing Tall Terrace, featuring the owner of the hour, Madeline, the Mentone Mentour!
Here’s how it works: Anybody can use the submission box to ask any questions or concerns they have about what’s going on in their life: be it little pet peeves or long-term problems they wish to overcome. From there, I will view these, and publicly give advice from the perspective of the meadows! Worried that you can’t make it in person? No problem; recent technological advancements have allowed a Google forum to appear below all posts and pieces I publish! It’s as simple as a name, your question/concern, and submitting!

However, let me iterate some important notes before you click below and type something:
  1. I am not a licensed psychiatrist, therapist, or hold any master’s degree level of training. This is only meant to be a safe venue to let your worries be written, and to have a voice come back and support you.
  2. Your name will not be public. There’s no intention to release personal information through this. If you feel as if you’re in a situation that calls for that kind of action, I suggest contacting local authorities instead.
  3. Your content is not guaranteed to appear in a post, but is still highly encouraged. There isn’t much I’m willing to avoid, but try to keep content around a PG-13 level.
  4. The subject matter is limitless (provided it’s public-appropriate). Talk to me about sports, the weather, food, animals, habits… almost anything. 
  5. Lastly, I can only see your submissions through the Google forum. Leaving comments on the website or social media will not allow me to answer what’s on your mind. These carrier pigeons only know one thing, and it’s Google. If you try explaining something like Facebook or LinkedIn to them, they’d probably explode.

Remember, your submissions are going to be reviewed and displayed to a public audience. If you imagine talking with a friend you see infrequently, then you should have the general idea of privacy levels.

With all of that said, I look forward to hearing all of your thoughts and questions!

Until next time, where i’ll return with some press from the Taleing Tall Terrace express (a train isn’t until a few years down the road, so you’ll have to deal with hand gestures for now).


Picture

Madeline M.

Madeline is currently a senior in MICC's College Program, working towards her Hospitality certificate. Her creativity is as broad and crazy as her curls - creating entertaining stories and unique perspectives which become instantly memorable and cherished. Despite her wits and ways of forming words, she is constantly challenging herself by developing new skills and leaving a third eye open to anything that's piqued her curiosity. Whether you find her writing, drawing, music making, golfing, sailing, gaming, programming, or drinking too much Cherry Pepsi, you'll discover a character that you won't find anywhere else!

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MICC Joins the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf Clinic: A Day of Golf and Learning

6/7/2023

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On Monday, June 5, 2023, participants from MICC had the opportunity to attend the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf Clinic held at the beautiful Windsong Farms Golf Club. This clinic focuses on teaching golf to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using evidence-based practices. Throughout the day, participants engaged in various golf activities while also practicing important skills such as communication, emotional regulation, motor skills, and social interactions. The clinic was conducted in collaboration with First Tee Minnesota instructors, who provided guidance and support to each participant, regardless of their prior golf experience.
 
Golf Skills and Friendly Competition
MICC participants arrived at the clinic with different levels of golf experience. Under the guidance of the First Tee instructors, they spent an hour learning about the game and developing their golf skills. One of the highlights was a friendly putt off, where participants challenged each other to showcase their putting abilities. Ben Lentz, MICC's Director of Advancement, observed the challenge, noting, "The competition was intense at times, but when someone drained a long put, they all celebrated with high fives and joyful chants. The First Tee instructors provided just enough guidance to let them explore on their own while encouraging everyone to develop skills." The clinic ended with a lucky draw, and MICC Community participant Signe went home as the lucky winner, receiving a new set of golf clubs!
​
Celebrating Connection
Following the clinic, MICC participants joined the golfers who had taken part in the Els for Autism Golf Challenge regional event for dinner at the clubhouse. During the event, MICC had the opportunity to present their mission and programs for autistic adults to the guests. The event organizer, Olivia Butler, also shared the impact of the Els for Autism Golf Challenge over the years. This initiative has raised over $33 million to support their global efforts in providing services and building partnerships to improve the lives of people with autism and their caregivers.
A Valued Recommendation
MICC's participation in the #GameON Autism Golf Clinic was made possible through a recommendation by Dr. Cindy Nollette, MICC National Advisory Board member, to the Els of Autism Foundation. Dr. Nollette recognized the alignment between MICC's mission and the foundation's goals and submitted a referral on their behalf. MICC is grateful to have been selected as a regional participant this year and looks forward to continuing our partnership with the Els for Autism Foundation in the future.

The Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf Clinic at Windsong Farms Golf Club provided MICC participants with a day of learning and enjoyment. Through the guidance of First Tee instructors, they had the opportunity to improve their golf skills while also developing important life skills. The clinic's emphasis on communication, emotional regulation, motor skills, and social interactions ensured a well-rounded experience. Additionally, MICC's participation in the clinic allowed them to connect with others who share a passion for supporting individuals with autism. The collaboration between MICC, the Els for Autism Foundation, and First Tee showcases the power of partnerships in promoting inclusivity.

MICC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for autistic and neurodivergent young adults. Since its founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to supporting participants in successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC participants achieve sustained, independent living; rewarding employment; financial security; personal growth; and responsible citizenship. We champion all participants, carry their successes into the world, and collaborate with others in service of our vision.

​
Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.
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Autism Awareness vs Autism Acceptance

4/28/2023

1 Comment

 
Welcome back to our journey in discussing autism – same time, same blog!

This is the final chapter of a month-long analysis about the woes and discoveries of autism. I would highly recommend reading the first two pieces before this one, as they will all come together in the end.
Participant Feature 1: A Trip Through Metaphor Meadows
Participant Feature 2: Why Is Autism Acceptance Important
This might come as a shock for some of you, but I’m here to confess that I do, in fact, have autism. This does not mean that what I write here should be taken as law, because I am simply one person bringing my own perspective on how to improve operations in the nuthouse that we call society.

Earlier this week, I was approached with an interesting question: “Should we call this month Autism Awareness or Autism Acceptance?” I kinda just assumed it was just an innocent hypothesis thrown out to spark discussion, but then I did a little digging. As it turns out, this is a surprisingly recurring topic! If you search for the question in Google images, you’ll get several different diagrams of the pros and cons of each, as well as many articles discussing the topic. I have linked them below, and I highly recommend you check out. In the meantime, I’m going to take the three I’ve listed, and quote a specific line from each one. They are as follows:
  • “Awareness is easy. Acceptance requires actual work.” [Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)]
  • “Awareness is trying to cure me. Acceptance is not trying to cure me.” [Barrier-Free Blog]
  • “Awareness does not imply doing anything different. Acceptance is taking action.” [ASK Advocates for Spectrum Knowledge]

There’s a pattern at play. Not only are these three quotes delivered under the same formula, but digging a little deeper into the authors of these pieces reveals that they all share an autism diagnosis. It’s unknown if this is coincidence or clever collaboration, but the point stands in that there is a common message trying to be spread. But that’s not all… look at some of these publication dates: these were all published years apart from each other; with the first article being published way back in 2012!

So… what gives? Why are we still discussing the same question, and how can we finally come to an answer?

Let me introduce to you: “The Attendance” Theory. (I did not grab this from anywhere; I’m completely making this up as I go, but bear with me.)

This is the theory that, for people who don’t belong in a specific minority group, when it’s time to support said group, there’s a larger importance on the presentation of support rather than the actual support. We can show our colors during June, dump as much ice water on our heads as we please, and remember that we have to remember black history during February as we want, but how much of that is going to help if our rights are still going to be held hostage at the end of the day? As much fun as it is to celebrate and write a social media post about the month to feel good, nothing will change unless we firmly state that anything other than acceptance is inexcusable. You can’t stop a bully by looking passively, but rather by stepping in and actively defending the victim.

This brings us back to our very friend we encountered in the beginning of this series, Lamorn. The Metaphor Meadows is a mysterious and perplexing place with many ways to interpret its events, but let’s view our story as a representation of awareness vs. acceptance: Awareness was happening, but it wasn’t what Lamorn wanted. It was only until we gave a mutual exchange of support and love, that they were able to feel happy and be themselves. This event of acceptance only happened once someone, who was in very many ways the same as Lamorn, had to step out of their own comfort to lend support; they showed the same awareness as everyone else did to Lamorn, but added the extra ingredient of accepted-ness to deliver the message.

Okay, let’s step back for a second. April has been a hectic month for many of us, and there was a lot said in this post. I want to take a second to thank everyone for the little ride we’ve journeyed through during this time. Hopefully you learned a little something, and if not, well, I must have been doing something right to keep you hooked this far.

Until next time!

Picture

Madeline M.

Madeline is currently a junior at MICC, working towards her Hospitality certificate. Her creativity is as broad and crazy as her curls-- Creating entertaining stories and unique perspectives which become instantly memorable and cherished. Despite her wits and ways of forming words, she is constantly challenging herself by developing new skills and leaving a third eye open to anything that's piqued her curiosity. Whether you find her writing, drawing, music making, golfing, sailing, gaming, programming, or drinking too much Cherry Pepsi, you'll discover a character that you won't find anywhere else!


MICC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for autistic and neurodivergent young adults. Since its founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to supporting participants in successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC participants achieve sustained, independent living; rewarding employment; financial security; personal growth; and responsible citizenship. We champion all participants, carry their successes into the world, and collaborate with others in service of our vision.
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Why is Autism Awareness Important

4/21/2023

1 Comment

 
Last time, we took a trip through the Metaphor Meadows, and discovered a creature whose abilities and identity revolved around what they presumed was “acceptable”. If you were confused as to what that post was all about, or didn’t understand what was happening, consider this to be a cheat sheet to the questions presented in that story.

To start us off, there’s an important piece of information that I’m going to share with you right on this text here. You might not like it, your peers might not like it, and the state of Florida certainly isn’t gonna like it, but it’s a factoid that is going to be central for my future paragraphs:

There’s no such thing as normal.

Sure, you can have normality in the sense of recurring, consistent patterns when talking about events (Think, for instance, a “normal” rush-hour on a Wednesday, or a “normal” response to reading this being “What are you talking about?”), but when it comes to human identification, what is supposed to be our normal.

The reason why I bring this up in relation to ASD is because there is an unfortunate movement where autism is being seen as something to be “cured”. As in, someone who is diagnosed with it can become “normal” after being supposedly treated for it. There are many problems with this line of thinking, but the question I’m posing for today is… How can we even generate normality if the very concept is a societal construct?

Autism awareness is important because it’s a beautiful representation of how we can typically barricade ourselves into what we deem as socially acceptable. For example: I have a fidgeting habit, and love to grab random things to tinker with them while speaking or listening to someone. There is no greater motive for doing it other than the mentality that: This makes sense, and it helps to concentrate on the important task at hand (Well, the other one; not the tinkering task).

In the world we live in today, where the most alluring wear the fanciest of suits, and business can be done in blood as long as the hand is shaken with a smile, it’s important to remind ourselves of our roots as wonderful creatures that tend to do “unnormal” things to make ourselves or others happy.

It would be our own downfall to idealize what we think of as a “normal” human, because no such thing exists.

Hope you’re having a wonderful Autism Awareness Month. See you next time!

Picture

Madeline M.

Madeline is currently a junior at MICC, working towards her Hospitality certificate. Her creativity is as broad and crazy as her curls-- Creating entertaining stories and unique perspectives which become instantly memorable and cherished. Despite her wits and ways of forming words, she is constantly challenging herself by developing new skills and leaving a third eye open to anything that's piqued her curiosity. Whether you find her writing, drawing, music making, golfing, sailing, gaming, programming, or drinking too much Cherry Pepsi, you'll discover a character that you won't find anywhere else!


MICC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for autistic and neurodivergent young adults. Since its founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to supporting participants in successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC participants achieve sustained, independent living; rewarding employment; financial security; personal growth; and responsible citizenship. We champion all participants, carry their successes into the world, and collaborate with others in service of our vision.
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7501 LOGAN AVE S.  STE 2A   RICHFIELD, MN 55423 
PHONE (612) 869-4008 | FAX (612) 869-0443 | EIN 41-1814112

Effective, August 1, 2018, Minnesota Life College changed its name to MICC., pronounced ‘em’ ‘eye’ ‘see’ ‘see’.
​MICC stands for Minnesota Independence College and Community.


At MICC, the values of diversity, equity and inclusion are essential elements of our vibrant learning community. It is vital that everyone receives the tools to succeed and thrive regardless of neurodiversity, race, ethnicity, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status or any other identity. We are committed to embracing diverse perspectives and creating a supportive environment for all to discuss, challenge, and explore how we can continuously enrich the MICC community.