Michael Kozicki was one of our first 2012 Rockin’ Recipients! See what he is up to now!!
Michael Kozicki is a 2014 Western Carolina University graduate, where he received a certificate from the University Participant (UP) Program. While concentrating his studies in Early Childhood Education, Michael attended classes through the College of Education and Allied Professions and interned at two Cullowhee-based child care facilities.
Michael’s passion is advocating for individuals with intellectual disabilities:
- Panelist, Southeastern Postsecondary Education Alliance Capacity Building Institute, “Life After College”, Georgia State University / Atlanta GA, April 2015
- Panelist, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), Project Director’s Conference “#Nothing About Us Without Us: Self-advocates and Family Members Navigating Social Networks and Community Supports”, Washington DC, July 2014
- Presenter of Gifts to Celebrity Bowlers, Strike The “R” Word Bowling Event for Special Olympics Georgia, Atlanta GA, September 2014
- Presenter, TASH 2013 Conference, “Can College Reduce Support Needs and Increase Independence”, Chicago IL, December 2013
- Guest Class Lecturer, Western Carolina University SPED 240, “Students with Disabilities”, Cullowhee NC, September 2013
- Presenter, NC Postsecondary Education Alliance Capacity Building Summit, “How to Maintain Success in College and Beyond”, Greensboro NC, March 2013
- Presenter, Rally to End Hurtful Words, Tuscola High School, Waynesville NC, March 2013
In 2014, Michael was named “Mr. Golden Goals”, by Georgia Community Support & Solutions, for his many accomplishments, recognizing that Michael shows determination and success in achieving his goals.
Michael has many leisure interests, including bowling, bocce, going to the movies with friends, going to the lake with his family and creating abstract artwork with colored pencils. Michael loves to travel and has visited many locations throughout the US and abroad. In 2014, Michael traveled to London and Dublin, with the UP Program, as part of a WCU sponsored study program. He has traveled to Canada and Costa Rica and will be joining his family on a two week trip to Alaska this year.
Currently, Michael is employed, forty hours per week, as a Teacher’s Assistant, at an Atlanta-area day care center. Michael is continuing his professional education by studying for the state of GA Child Development Associate (CDA) certification, requiring 120 hours of in-class training and 480 hours of professional experience. Michael is building up his savings, in order to move into an apartment and is actively searching for his own place and a roommate.