Kasey is 18 and is the third of four children. He has a rare and incurable bone disease that makes it hard for him to stand or sit for long periods of time. He does not come from a wealthy family, and has to work hard for good grades.

No one in his family has attended college, but he knows how important it is to go to college. He kept taking college preparatory classes in high school and continues to work hard to do well. He has challenged himself to take the more difficult path.

The turning point for Kasey was when he wanted to be the first one in his family to go to college. His Talent Search advisor, Kathy White, has helped him come up with a plan for his future. Among many things, Kathy pushed Kasey to complete his college applications and search for scholarships – and since Kasey will be the first in his family to go to college, this has been a big help.

For his future plans, Kasey wants to go to college for television and radio broadcasting and then would like to get a job for a large broadcasting company. For now, having a plan and working toward his goals gives him a little more confidence each day. Kasey knows if he obtains his goals he won’t be able to be home as often as he would like, but that’s part of growing up.

© 2008 Maine Educational Talent Search (METS)

The Maine Educational Talent Search Project is funded entirely by the US Department of Education. The grant award for 2007-2008 is $510,255.

In complying with letter and spirit of applicable laws and in pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status or gender expression, national origin or citizenship status, age, disability, or veterans status in employment, education, and all other areas of the University. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Questions and complaints about discrimination in any area of the University should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, the University of Maine, 5754 North Stevens Hall,Room 101, Orono, ME 04469-5754, telephone (207) 581-1226 ( voice and TDD) TYY (207) 581-9484.

This site last revised 3/3/2008 Comments or questions? Send email to Steve Visco (visco@umit.maine.edu)