NEC alumni spotlight: Ashley Riva Mitton

Meet Ashley!

Ashley smiles for the camera wearing glasses.

Ashley was an active member of the New England Consortium on Deafblindness and has participated in a variety of NEC-sponsored events throughout her educational career. Always ready to help others, Ashley has generously agreed to share her experiences with other NEC students. We hope you enjoy getting to know Ashley and hear what she has been up to since her graduation!

Hi, Ashley. Thank you for agreeing to share a little bit about yourself. To start, please tell us a little about yourself! What do you like to do in your free time?  What are some things you want everyone to know?

A: I love [to] swim, play with my dog (Boomer), hangout [with my friends], have fun time with my stepdad [and] help him with building things, [and] hangout and sleepover with [my friend], Lacey.

How would you describe your high school and transition experience?

A: [The] transition into adulthood was hard because I love [to] go to school at Perkins! I miss going there, but I do enjoy adulthood. 

What do you like the most about working a job?

A: It keeps me busy and I get money. 

What has been the hardest part about working a job?

A: A few years ago I worked as a cleaner at the Learning Center for the Deaf (TLC) [and] I found out that cleaning at a school is hard!

What are some skills that you have or have learned?

A: [How to] communicate with hearing people at work [and] work with [my] hands. 

What are your hopes, dreams, and goals for the future?

A: In the future, I want to work at Perkins and be roommates with [my friend] Lacey in an apartment. 

What do you wish other people had told you about working a job before you started? Is there anything you wish you had known?

A: I wish people told me that we can’t quit too fast, [you need to give] two weeks notice. 

Is there anything you would like to share with younger students who have vision and hearing loss?

A: I would like to share that they can find what they love doing in a future job. 

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