Since coming to Miami University, I’ve always looked for ways to give myself the college experience I never thought I would have, such as attending hockey games, eating in the dining halls, doing my homework in the library and joining student organizations. But there were still two things on the list I had never done: attend a home football game and live in a residence hall.
That changed when I got the chance to experience the latter of the two this past summer, after learning that a construction project on my street would prevent me from being able to access my house because of my disability. In addition, the inside of the house also needed work, which we have otherwise put off as I would have needed to relocate temporarily. Until now, I have been a commuter student, driving approximately 30 minutes to campus from my house in Hamilton.
Due to my disability and the need for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provided accommodations, finding an accessible apartment for me felt impossible, which means I do not have the same housing options as other students. Moving back in with my mom and commuting from her house in Fairfield also wasn’t a great option, as the accessibility of her house is subpar, especially for a long-term stay (that’s why I moved out and got my own place as soon as I was able to). So, as the spring semester progressed, I found myself packing to move into my “home away from home.”
After spending my entire childhood at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital getting treatment for multiple rare diagnoses, this was just another piece of the puzzle that impacts my life (although for once, it is not medical-related).
Compared to moving in before the start of the fall semester, I moved in before the start of the summer semester. I am also a non-traditional student.
I was placed in Scott Hall on the first floor in a single room (billed as a double). When my mom and I arrived on move-in day, I was not at all surprised to find that my room was at the end of the hall (all my life I have been used to being last in some fashion).
However, it was still close to the bathrooms, which, along with the single room, was stated as a requirement in my accommodations form filed with the Miller Center for Student Disability Services. My room is only 151 square feet, but it fits both my wheelchairs, the provided furniture and everything I brought almost perfectly.
While I don’t have a roommate, I do have one of my cats with me as an emotional support animal, another accommodation through the Miller Center. I was afraid that Midnight wouldn’t like the college environment, but so far, she’s doing just fine (and soaking up all the extra attention).
After my prior experiences, I was worried I would feel singled out because of my skin color, race and disability. However, my experience here has been exactly the opposite. My hallmates treated me like any other person, and the resident assistants (RAs) treated me (as much as possible, of course) like a typical resident.
I was also pleased to find out that social events still took place during the summer, and that I was able to participate without a second thought about the outside factors of my life.
After spending much of my life being a puzzle piece that didn’t have a spot in the puzzle, it was nice to finally fit right in.
Now, the start of the fall semester is upon us. My hallmates and RAs will be changing, and I am a little worried about having to re-adjust to all new people (and the fact that the building will be a tad more crowded).
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Whatever it feels like, I know one thing is for sure: I can handle it.
Here’s to a great 2026-27 school year.
Whitney Wilson-Harris is a journalism major with a co-major in commerce. She is also a combined graduate student in kinesiology, nutrition and health. She initially joined the Design team but occasionally writes for Opinion.
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