September 14, 2006 Source: :
http://www.smu.ca/newsreleases/2006/09-14-14-2006.html "Hope and courage is what got me here," says new SMU student While there are lots of new students on campus who have neat stories to tell of how they actually arrived at Saint Mary’s, there is no doubt that Brandon Hart has a special one that certainly tops them all. The 18 year-old who graduated from J.L. Ilsley in Halifax this past June has endured what many would describe as a rough road in life. However, he does not see it this way. "Hope and courage is what got me here, and these are the two key ingredients to keep you going in life," he says during an interview on campus. "I have come to learn this; I keep telling myself this all the time," smiles the young student who is now enrolled in the Faculty of Arts at one of Canada’s oldest and leading universities. You see, he spent most of his childhood and teen years helping his parents tend to his younger brother Mitchell who suffers from Lennox Gastro-Syndrome, which is a rare seizure disorder. Mitchell, who is now 16, also has and extreme primitive form of autism. His 10 year-old sister Amber also suffers from autism as well. "My parents and I have remained strong while looking after Mitchell and Amber," he says. "These experiences with my brother and sister — both of whom I love — have made me a stronger person, there’s no doubt about it," he adds. His family has wondered why there has been a lack of financial support from governments — federal and provincial — for special needs children. They also take issue with the fact when funding is available, it’s never enough to provide the right kind of aid that special children need to receive on a daily basis. Despite it all, Hart graduated as a top grade 12 student this past spring. This is why he celebrated the occasion with style. He took his girlfriend Meaghan Richards to the prom in a 1942 fire truck. His father, who is a firefighter with the DND at the Halifax Dockyard, helped him track down the vintage truck that was parked in a farmers-field in the Valley (about one hour from the City) for many years. "The prom was the time of my life and it was a really rewarding occasion," he says. Both he and Richards have been dating since their early days at high school. "I was thrilled to get a ride to the prom in an old fire truck," laughs Richards, who is now enrolled as a first year student in the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s. "We have been through so much together, so it was wonderful to celebrate our graduation and of course our acceptance into Saint Mary’s. Richards adds that Hart’s brother and sister are great people. "They — Mitchell and Amber — are real people, just like me, just like you. They are wonderful and make me smile," she says during an interview on campus. Hart applauds his girlfriend’s support, and states, "she has been so supportive of my family and has helped make me stronger." The couple is glad they chose SMU to attend University. "The University has a great reputation and while I am only a week into classes in the Faculty of Arts, I am having a ball meeting people and learning more about the world around me through neat classes I have signed up for. The community environment here is second to none, and I know I made the right decision to come here and earn an education," says Hart. Richards echoes his view. "The University has one of the top business schools in the country — the Sobey School of Business — and I know it will lead me on my professional career path," she says. Hart indicates that he wants to incorporate his personal experiences to courses he will be taking over the next four years while earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. "I too want to educate others about what I’ve gone through," he says. "If I can show people how hope and courage can get them places, then I know I will be making a difference in the lives of others," he smiles. Saint Mary's University is known for its community outreach projects, both in Canada and around the world. Saint Mary's, founded in 1802, is home to one of Canada's leading business schools, a Science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a vibrant Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. -30- For More Information: Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
www.smu.ca
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