Since 2005, NDSS has provided financial assistance to young adults with Down syndrome who choose to take classes or enroll in postsecondary educational programs, through the O’Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund. Congratulations to this year’s O'Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund recipients! Eleven outstanding students who have Down syndrome were awarded scholarships to help cover the cost of their postsecondary or enrichment courses, including Melina Bucci of Midland, MI. Here's what Melina had to say about how she applied her grant towards training to become a Zumba instructor.
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Hi, my name is Melina Bucci. I am 19 years old and I live in Midland, MI. I am interested in being a Zumba/Aerobics instructor. I started taking dance lessons when I was three years old. I have also liked music for a long time. I started taking drum lessons in 4th grade, was in the band and marching band until high school graduation and still play in a pep band today…so I have really good rhythm!
I wanted to be healthier and get in shape so I started taking Zumba about two years ago at our local community center. I liked everything about it! I liked the upbeat music and the dance moves so I decided that I wanted to be a Zumba instructor.
After graduating in June 2012, I started to think about what type of job I wanted. I have two part-time jobs. I work for the Great Lakes Loons Baseball Stadium. I will return for my fifth season this summer as a ticket taker. I also work for The H Hotel in the fitness center a few days a week. I love both of my jobs, but I wanted to think about something that I can do year-round and more often.
I recently went to the Midland Community Center and asked them about getting trained to teach. They were really excited to talk to me, and are willing to train me. They are going to work with me a few hours a day, a few days a week for the next several months to train me.
In addition to training I will work with another instructor and assist them until I am comfortable. They are also going to help me put my dance exercise moves together with music. When all of that is done they will let me teach my own Zumba/Aerobics class! I will get paid doing something that is good for me and I love doing. If you’ve never tried Zumba, you should…it is so fun!
I have already shared with friends and family my news of becoming a teacher and guess what…they all want to take my class!
Thank you for this opportunity!