Matthew is an "overcomer". While he had a normal, well-rounded family growing up, going to school he was different from other students. Matthew learned at a slower rate than his peers. His mother tutored him on his homework every night for 5 years. He never completed his schoolwork or tests at the same time as his peers; he usually had to take it home to finish it along with any homework that was assigned. Even though it took Matthew longer to learn things, he was never referred for testing to see if he had a learning disability until he was a senior in high school. He was not referred for testing because he always went the extra mile to get help and nothing indicating a problem showed up on standardized tests. Despite his difficulties, Matthew graduated with a 92.65 GPA and was 18th out of 120 in his graduating class.

“My aunt opened my eyes and showed me that it was possible to pay for further schooling. After I found that out I searched for help and met Ms. Murphy. Then, I had my mother’s full support at helping me achieve my goal.”

Matthew became a part of the Talent Search program during his junior year at Caribou High School. He received direction, advice, and answers to his questions by working with his Talent Search advisor. “She always gave me encouragement and did everything she could and then some to help me.” During Matthew’s senior year in high school, his Talent Search advisor assisted him and his parents in self-referred testing.

At Caribou High School, Matthew was a member of the National Honor Society. He received the Timothy Award from his church for leadership and received 5 scholarships: Maine Vietnam Veteran’s Scholarship, Harold and Katrina Clark Scholarship, Senior Citizen’s Bingo, Holy Rosary Church Good Samaritan and Caribou PTA Scholarships.

Matthew is attending the University of Maine and hopes to become a soil scientist. “College will help me provide for my family by using my mind and determination to overcome any obstacles, I will be able to fulfill my dreams and goals.”

© 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)