Torch, Winter 2012

Shanahans were involved in many meetings with University staff and administrators as all involved worked through what it would take to move Emily onto campus. They developed a plan to help her realize her dream of a Christian education while living with daily independence. The first several weeks on campus were much more challenging than she, or her family, anticipated. Since age 11, Emily had spent a few weeks each summer at SpringHill Camps. In that Christ-centered environment, she experienced a measure of independence as well as inclusion with other campers and one-on-one assistance as needed from a trained special needs counselor. Moving onto a college campus was completely different. “I had all these people on my team scheduled and trained to help me,” she said, “but I didn’t know them at all. They were going to brush my teeth, help me in the shower, and put clothes on me. I tried to rationalize my fears away, but I was still nervous.” It was staggering to think that complete strangers were willing to enter in her life in such an intimate way. Emily has struggled with pride and fear of failure just like anyone else. Even though she graduated from high school with honors, math was never her strong suit. In her freshman year at Cedarville, she was fighting to keep up in a college-prep math class. Near the end of the semester, Emily learned from her professor that her grade was on the line, and the next test was critical — if she passed, she would pass the class. If she failed, she would fail the class. She was troubled by the stakes and felt embarrassed because she had always done well in school. She had worked hard all semester, and she didn’t want to waste the tuition she’d paid. Right after she spoke with her professor, Emily met a friend who was helping her with academics. “She could tell I was upset,” said Emily. “So I said, ‘I’ll explain later, but we need to read from Scripture right now because I am really scared.’ My friend nodded, opened her computer, and logged on to Bible Gateway. She pulled up Psalm 27 and sang it to me in Spanish while I read the words in English. To this day, I go to that psalm when I’m fearful, and I had my friend teach me to sing it in Spanish.” Conversations like this, and friends who were willing to help her work through her fears, weave through Emily’s story. Reaching Out in Love The Shanahans know they have something important to give back to the differently enabled community. They have learned how to thrive in a world that runs circles around those with physical, developmental, or mental challenges. Emily’s parents are passionate about helping other families develop their own “achievement councils.” They are working to develop this passion into a Emily Shanahan was one of three 2011 recipients of the President’s Trophy. This award, the highest honor given to a graduating senior, recognizes leadership, ministry, community, athletics, campus involvement, and academic achievement. Make the Most of the Opportunity 30 TORCH | Winter 2012 SCOTT HUCK | CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY