Aha Moment Mutual of Omaha Parent stories

Parent & Student Stories

We know that you are excited about this opportunity for your child, but also probably a little nervous. Hearing first-hand from other parents can be helpful when it comes to a decision like this. Below are stories and quotes from parents that we hope you will find helpful.

The Dryer's Story
Diane submitted her family's story to Mutual of Omaha's Aha Moment. Watch Diane's story here and vote by clicking "Like" from now until October 28th to help put her family's story - and Shepherds College - on national television.

The Peters' Story
Lesa Peters is a parent who has a child attending Shepherds College. When asked why the decision was made to send her son to Shepherds College, she said, "Seth really wants to do everything that other young adults do, but he is not really capable. We thought this might provide that opportunity for him academically. After the visit, we thought it would be a good match for his abilities."

Shepherds College always thinks about the changes that are made in these students, but understanding the parents' point of view is important as well. We asked Ms. Peters to comment on how her vision of Seth's future has changed now that he's attending Shepherds College. "We see that Seth may have opportunities open up to him for the future if he can successfully complete the program. For the first time, Seth has the opportunity to be a peer or to be a leader with his fellow students, rather than always having to be a follower. YEA!!!"

"To me, Appropriate Independence means being able to be as independent as someone is capable of. It would be different for every individual at Shepherd's. I feel that the staff at Shepherd's College will bring forth Seth's strengths and build on them. They will also work with him to develop his areas of weakness, possibly developing them into strengths. They seem to take a keen interest in his personal development."

Finally, we asked Lesa if anything surprised her about Seth's experience at Shepherds College. She said, "Yes, the continued Christian love and support Seth receives after several poor choices on his part. I feel that the staff does not just talk their philosophy, they walk it."

Seth made comments about Shepherds College too. He told us that "Shepherds College has taught me to live better and to have more of a focus on my education, relationships and Christian life." When asked about "Appropriate Independence," he says that it "helps me to try to do things that seem challenging with my disability, but I find other ways to do them. It makes me feel successful."


The Roberts' Story
"We felt that Pieter would be blessed and challenged and encouraged at a school like Shepherds College. Our great friends, the Meyers, have a son who is a 2nd year student, and they too encouraged us to send Pieter."

"We long for growth in many areas for our son and felt that Shepherds would be a place that would facilitate this spiritual, emotional, personal, academic and relational maturity."

"Brian Canright (Residential Life Manager) has had a HUGE impact on Pieter in just the first few months! We can tell from Pieter's conversations that this young man really and truly loves Pieter and sees the potential in him. We are VERY thankful for those folks who have joined the Shepherds College staff and who really pour themselves into the lives of these students, offering ENCOURAGEMENT to those who can easily become discouraged because life is hard for them."


The Ames' Story
"We made the decision for Rachel to attend Shepherds College because it is Christian-based. Rachel really lives in a concrete world and it is necessary for her to have a program that has a base in Truth; what better than the rules our Father gave us. We also wanted a residential school since Rachel needs instruction for all - job skills, managing her meals, laundry and to be at work on time. The same cues and programs for education also can be used to teach life skills. It was also important to find a group of people she could hopefully fit in with."

"Because of Shepherds College, Rachel now believes that there are peers willing to be her friend. This is a great value and Rachel needs to be affirmed this way, as we all do."

"I never had a specific vision for Rachel; my goal was to encourage - maybe better said - push Rachel to do her best until she could not keep up with the group, since there have not been benchmarks or guidelines to measure a standard for her. My hope for Rachel is that she finds purpose and value. God has a very unique and wonderful plan for her and she needs to work very hard and be ready for this! She needs to remember to be quiet so she can listen and hear God's plan in her heart."

"Appropriate Independence means Rachel has structure set up for her, so her choices will not cause harm to herself or others. That she experiences failures to learn, but not where she will be punished in such a way that it would have a lasting negative outcome."