From One Journey to the Next: Bridges Student Heads to Texas A&M
Tatum Dean has spent his entire educational career in Georgetown ISD (GISD), from preschool all the way to his final two years in the Bridges 18+ program, a community and vocationally-focused program that helps qualified students transition from high school to adult life. Through his unwavering dedication to learning and the support of his educators and family along the way, Dean has reached the next chapter in his life. But this one takes place in College Station, Texas.
“My time in school was a little rocky at first,” Dean said. “But I always felt supported, especially at Bridges, by staff, friends, family… everybody. Bridges really was an exciting place for me.”
As part of the Bridges program, Dean and his classmates spent time working at local job sites, such as Chili’s and Goodwill. Most recently, Dean has served as an intern in the Integrated Learning Classroom (ILC) at Forbes Middle School where he helps students with their work and walks them to and from classes.
“Tatum has always strived for something higher level and career-based,” Corey Graef, Lead Bridges Teacher and Dean’s case manager, said. “His internship at Forbes is such a resume builder, and it really helped as we started to look into college programs.”
Tatum and Bridges classmates
After the research process, Dean submitted an application to the Texas A&M PATHS Certificate Program. PATHS is a two-year program that aims to prepare individuals to enter the competitive workforce using innovative, research-based training that improves and enhances career and life skills. Or, as Dean would say, “It’s like a college-level Bridges!”
Out of the 160 applicants, Dean was one of the 35 to gain admission.
“This is definitely not an easy process to go through. The number of applicants is cut in half at the interview stage,” Graef said. “It really shows how dedicated Tatum is and highlights the skills that he has.”
The program offers three paths that prepare graduates to work in a career serving people with disabilities or working with children. Dean has chosen to pursue the path that will launch him into a career as a Paraprofessional.
“I really want to come back to GISD and work here as a Paraprofessional,” Dean says. “And oh man, my family has just been so ecstatic to watch me pursue this journey.”
“We are over the moon excited for Tatum to take these next steps in his life at Texas A&M this fall. It’s really a dream come true,” Dean’s father and GISD Athletic Director Jason Dean said. “Only through public schools do opportunities like this happen.”
This summer, Dean will head off to College Station for orientation before moving into off-campus housing.
“My hope for Tatum is that he completes the program and carries all that he will learn into his future,” Graef said. “He will be able have a sustainable career economically, and I'm hopeful that after all of this, he can live independently with minimum support.”
“Tatum’s parents have been so involved in this process, and the staff at Bridges and Forbes have been key,” Graef said. “This is an example of support at all levels – an all around GISD success.”
You can find more stories related to Bridges on our website:
Bridges Students Premiere First Podcast for Parents, Community
GISD Bridges Graduate Advocates for Change
