Peter

Peter is a community-minded person who was one of the 13 students to be accepted into the Redwood SEED Scholars program (Supported Education to Elevate Diversity). The program is conducted through the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) and is an opportunity for students with intellectual disabilities to participate in a four-year non-degree program that focuses on academics, social inclusion, health and wellness, residential living and employment. Redwood Seed Scholars take part in internships both on and off campus with the goal of competitive, integrated employment and they live on campus alongside other UC Davis students and can participate in campus clubs and organizations.

When Peter was accepted into the program, he felt very excited about being one of the chosen few. But it wasn’t without his hard work that this could be possible. Peter participates in the community through his advocacy and through the Youth Leadership Forum (YLF). In 2023, Peter began his first year at YLF as a delegate, then again in 2024 as a peer mentor. He will once again participate in 2025 and is awaiting to be assigned his role for participation. Peter said that YLF changed his life, and he enjoyed how included and understood he felt amongst his peers. In addition to YLF, Peter advocates for expanded public transportation in Sutter County. He understands first-hand the difficulties that transportation barriers can have on people with disabilities, and he advocates for better public transit so he and others won’t have to struggle to hold jobs and participate in the community.

As Peter approaches the end of his senior year of high school, with graduation happening in June, he reminisces on all the positive experiences that happened for him while in high school. In his senior year, he scored his first touchdown at the homecoming football game. After being an assistant to the football coach, Peter was given the opportunity to “suit up” in the team’s uniform, and with the help of the football team, Peter ran his way to a victory touchdown. This was a monumental moment for Peter and one he will hold dear to his heart.

Besides being an amazing student, Peter loves to run track, lift weights, and play the guitar. Fitness is a big part of Peter’s life, and he hopes to be a personal trainer or physical therapist once he finishes his program at UC Davis. His passion for fitness is evident in his hobbies and how he motivates others around him. He was quite a motivating factor for his grandfather after he had double knee replacement surgery. Any time Peter caught his grandfather slipping on his necessary physical therapy exercises, Peter would remind him to complete them.

Come September 2025, Peter will formally start the Redwood SEED Scholars program. He is looking forward to a busy summer and a new start for his life. He plans to get a bicycle so getting around the UC Davis campus will be easier for him. Peter feels thankful for the new opportunities coming to him and he is also grateful for the support his Service Coordinator (SC) provided him. His SC got Peter involved in several programs that helped teach and prepare him for relationships, abuse, bullying, and she was instrumental in helping him fill out college applications. With the help of his Service Coordinator, Peter has been able to thrive and find his way in his community.