Grace Henneford

UW Graduating Class 2021
Disability Studies

How was your experience of having an invisible disability in school?

I actually struggled the most with my disability in high school, it had been undiagnosed and I wasn’t even aware that accommodations or laws protecting individuals with disabilities existed. I’ve always struggled with feeling like people cared about me and in high school when you’re still so young living with an invisible disability that not many people are familiar with past a textbook definition, I definitely stood out in a lot of ways. People wouldn’t understand why I might need reassurance, or why I was worried about something that any “normal” person wouldn’t be, or why I had to reach out to some of my teachers so much. People just assumed I was needy, a handful, weird, a teacher’s pet in high school; and because we didn’t have open discussions about mental health or disabilities it weighed heavily on me. I was finally diagnosed the summer after I had graduated actually and was finally able to get the help I needed after seven months. I have always been one to advocate for myself and others especially when it came to mental health, which is a huge part I’m studying what I am.

“People just assumed I was needy, a handful, weird, a teacher’s pet in high school; and because we didn’t have open discussions about mental health or disabilities it weighed heavily on me.”

What made you interested in working at the D Center?

I actually became friends with the people who used to work in the D Center the year before me and they told me about the opportunities they had and I thought it was super cool that they were working towards providing an inclusive space. I had met a lot of people just hanging out in the D Center and wanted to continue that, but also give back in a bigger way. 

 “With the unforeseen circumstances this spring we definitely had to be creative in how we set-up a space, but it has only opened our eyes to connecting in other ways throughout the year.”

What is your position at the D Center?

I am the office manager for the D Center and my roles entails maintaining a safe and clean space, welcoming people into the center, being knowledgeable about our resources, and helping my co-workers where I can. I’m looking forward to returning in the Fall and bringing the community together whether virtually, in person, or both. With the unforeseen circumstances this spring we definitely had to be creative in how we set-up a space, but it has only opened our eyes to connecting in other ways throughout the year.

How do you balance coursework with family and other commitments during the pandemic?

While being at home, my dad has been super understanding of the situation and knows that I still have daily school work that I have to do so he’s pretty laid back about having me do anything at home. In order to balance or even finish coursework, I have to take a lot of breaks. I’m not someone who can sit for an hour straight and listen to a lecture let alone three. Therefore google calendar has become my best friend where I have created a daily schedule to stay organized and stay up to speed with my classes. Since being at home, I have found myself needing to take a lot more time to myself than I normally would need, but have also discovered and gotten a chance to practice more self-care in my everyday life.

“Since being at home, I have found myself needing to take a lot more time to myself than I normally would need.”

How are you feeling in regards to graduation? 

Although I am not graduating this spring, I am projected to graduate almost a year early. Therefore, I have definitely had to take time to evaluate my options and figure out if or when I would want to go to graduate school to get my masters. Graduation seems so far away, but it’s crazy how quickly it sneaks up on you and how I already have to look at programs. I have a lot to think about including my own health, but the ever changing situation in the world definitely plays a part in when I would want to pursue my degree.

“Graduation seems so far away, but it’s crazy how quickly it sneaks up on you and how I already have to look at programs.”

Read next blog