Staff writer
Marion High School student Ariel Depler’s strides in general education classes are why counselor Phoebe Janzen nominated her as a Special Education Student of the year. She was chosen to represent MHS and was honored Saturday at a banquet in Topeka.
“Ninety-five percent of student success is attitude and work ethic,” Janzen said.
Depler said she has never won an academic award before. She thought being honored on Saturday was the first of many successes to come.
“I think it would be something special,” she said. “To hear your name called and to be honored.”
Two years ago as a sophomore, Depler was in learning lab classes at MHS.
She received average grades, not exceptional. Like most special education students at the high school, she was segregated from the student population. She could use extra teachers to help her.
Her self-esteem was low. She believed there was schoolwork she could not do.
However, Depler knew she wanted to go to college. She wants to attend Friends University or Wichita State University to become a radiology assistant or a nurse.
Instead of continuing with learning lab classes, she decided to take general education classes under the persuasion of counselor Phoebe Janzen.
“I relied on myself more than a teacher,” Depler said.
Depler has a learning disability. It’s not specifically classified but she said it takes her more repetitions and studying to understand concepts.
“A student’s IQ has to be average or above to have a learning disability,” Janzen explained.
She has tried to approach problems in math and language studies using different techniques to understand. Her teachers do not always understand why a concept doesn’t click.
When she enrolled in general education classes, Depler allowed her ambition to fuel her success. Her goal was to go to college and she needed acceptable grades. She studied for hours for tests and worked diligently on her homework.
“Every kid makes the choice,” Janzen said. “What you put in is what you get out. She’s just a no-excuses kid.”
Depler slowly started to build her confidence. She overcame a fear of being ridiculed because she knew she had to ask questions to understand a concept.
“At first, I thought if I asked questions it made me look dumb,” she said. “If I don’t understand something I’m going to ask because I don’t want to fail a test or a quiz.”
She overcame a fear of failing by failing. Because it takes her longer to understand something, Depler said she will occasionally receive a D or an F on an assignment. Instead of doubting her abilities, Depler will work to correct the problem. If anything, getting a D or F is motivation for Depler to try harder and get it right.
“That makes you want to do better on the next test,” she said. “You have to have determination if you want good grades. If you don’t work hard, you’ll let yourself down.”
The hard work paid off. Depler earned a grade point average higher than 3.5 last year.
She doesn’t take easy classes either. This year Depler is taking chemistry and physics. Since leaving learning lab classes, Depler has embraced a love of science she will continue to pursue beyond MHS.
“A lot of times students will use a disability as an advantage,” Janzen said. “She never uses her disability as an excuse. She chooses the most challenging academic material and she has a very positive attitude.”
Although her confidence has improved, Depler said she was still worried about the ACT and getting into college.
Janzen is not worried. She said Depler has already been in her office numerous times this year filling out federal loan information and Janzen said Depler is ready to apply for scholarships.
Janzen is confident Depler will become a nurse or radiologist assistant especially because Janzen described Depler as conscientious, selfless, and compassionate, which are good traits for a nurse.
“She’s an example of a person who chose to work against all odds,” Janzen said. “It will never be easy and she will have to work twice as hard. She’ll be a hard worker always. She will get there.”