Steph's Life Today

While Shannon Lake is still a high school student, Steph is now in her twenties and leads a busy life. We caught up with Steph and asked her what her life was like after high school, and what she's up to today.

Steph agreed to be interviewed at the studio, and to tell us more about her life as an adult with Special Needs. Here she is with the rest of the studio crew.

1. What was life like for you when you were 18?
When I was 18, I was still in high school. I loved to swim - we'd go swimming as part of our program. We were learning more about reading and writing, and learning life skills.

2. How about when you were 21?
When I was 21, I got my first job. I worked full time and was still swimming for fun. In my spare time I liked to play on the computer and watch tv. I like watching soaps!

3. What did you learn in your Toward Independent Living program that you still use today?
Life skills! We learned reading, writing and things like mathematics. I still use all these skills today. I loved high school and I miss it! I went back to school in 2006 to brush up on my reading and writing. Now I understand better when I read.

Steph contributed the script for the "Shannon's Speech" series of strips that ran in June of 2007.

4. What do you do for fun now?
I enjoy public speaking, and traveling to do it. I like making a difference in peoples' lives. I like to play Playstation games (especially racing ones like Need for Speed). I like watching Survivor and Big Brother, The Young and the Restless and All My Children.

5. What are your goals?
I like doing what I'm doing now - and being an advocate who helps people with special needs.

6. Did you actually make the speech that appeared in the Shannon Lake strips? Did it help?
Yes. I had a lot of involvement in it and a lot of say. Aunt Lynn and I talked a lot about those strips. It did help - people stopped teasing me afterward.

Lynn and Steph worked together to make sure that Shannon's story mirrored Steph's experience!

7. What advice do you have for other kids in your position?
Never give up - you've got a lot to offer!

Relaxing after her interview, Steph poses on the back deck of the FBorFW studio with creative director Laura.