Lindenwood Magazine - Fall 2018: Connecting to Alumni and Friends

Amy Shapiro graduated from Lindenwood in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree, much to the surprise of many people. Shapiro was born with developmental delays and was diagnosed with several learning disabilities. As a high school student, Shapiro was tested for adult disabilities and was told she was close to being classified as mentally retarded. However, music opened doors for her and helped her not only manage but thrive. Shapiro graduated from high school and moved on to a community college, graduating with an associate degree in applied science in early childhood developmental disabilities in 2015. At community college, she was the co-president of the Focus on Ability Club, which raises awareness for individuals with disabilities and completes community service projects. “I had a mission to prove to a lot of people that I can achieve what I believe, regardless of the developmental delays I was born with and the learning disabilities that I was diagnosed with,” she said. Shapiro transferred to Lindenwood in 2016 and says she loved everything that the university had to offer. She moved into a residence hall, worked three jobs, participated in the Lindenwood choir, and was involved in as many student activities as possible. “I gave a presentation about how music provides a voice for those who have disabilities and had the students I worked with from one of my jobs come to a Teacher Thursday to perform,” she said. The students who performed had Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy. “They all know that a diagnosis will never define who they are, and that is what matters the most,” Shapiro said. “If anything, each individual I encountered at either of my jobs inspired me to prove to them that dreams can come true.” Shapiro won a first-place award at Lindenwood’s Student Research Symposium. Her subject was how she uses music to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities “to bring out their voice.” She graduated in May 2018 with a bachelor’s degree, moved out of her parent’s house, and began a career with St. Louis’ Special School District, where she continues to show how individuals can use music to provide themselves with a voice. “As a student who struggled a lot in school, I received services through Special School District for about 17 years, and for years I had wanted to give back,” she said. “My dream had been to give back to a district to show my appreciation for all of the help and guidance I was provided in my past.” Using the power of music, Shapiro’s mission is clear. “I hope that I can continue to provide individuals of all abilities a voice through music by sharing my story, providing hope for my students and their families, and creating a support system for them where they will know they are loved and not alone,” she said. “I had a mission to prove to a lot of people that I can achieve what I believe, regardless of my developmental delays...” Amy Shapiro Lindenwood University / ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT SHAPIRO SILENCES THE DOUBTERS WITH HARD WORK AND A SONG by CHUCK MCPHERSON Amy Shapiro CAMPUS NEWS ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT UPCOMING EVENTS LINDENWOOD SPORTS ALUMNI EVENTS AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES 3