Auburn Ed Talks
Auburn Ed Talks is the official podcast of Auburn University’s College of Education. On this podcast, we spotlight the people, ideas and innovations shaping the future of education.
Auburn Ed Talks
Opening Doors: The Impact of Auburn's EAGLES Program
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In the latest episode of our College of Education podcast, Auburn Ed Talks, we spotlight our Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success (or EAGLES) Program. This life-changing initiative supports young adults with intellectual disabilities as they pursue independent living, career development and a meaningful college experience. Hear from Director Betty Patten, recent EAGLES graduate J..J. Johnson and peer mentor Audrey Cordier in the latest episode!
Welcome back to Auburn ED Talks, the official podcast of Auburn University's College of Education. recorded in the Pratt Family Media Production Room at our new College of Education building. This podcast spotlights the people, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of education and beyond. In this episode, we're highlighting a program that truly reflects our college's mission of opening doors and improving lives: Auburn's Education to Accomplish Growth and Life Experiences for Success, or EAGLES, program. This innovative initiative supports young adults with intellectual disabilities as they pursue independent living, career development, and a meaningful college experience.
Student Ambassador:So let's get to talking! Hey, everyone. I'm Isabel, and I have the honor of serving as the president of the College of Education’s Student Ambassador program. And today, I'm hosting the Auburn Ed Talks podcast with three members of our EAGLES program: Audrey Cordier, Dr. Betty Patten, and JJ Johnson. Thank you guys for being here today.
Dr. Betty Patten:Awesome. Thank you Isabel. We're excited to be here.
Audrey Cordier:Excited to be here.
JJ Johnson:Thanks for having me. War Eagle.
Student Ambassador:Okay. Before we dive into our talk about the EAGLES program, let's start with a lightning round to get to know you all a little bit better if that sounds good.
Dr. Betty Patten:Awesome. That's great.
Student Ambassador:Okay. Dr. Patten, where are you from, and what brought you to the Auburn EAGLES program?
Dr. Betty Patten:So I am from originally born in Selma, Alabama. Grew up in Montgomery, Alabama and moved to Auburn in 2006. And ultimately, what brought me to the EAGLES program is where, my educational training and experiences aligned with this amazing opportunity that had not yet been thought of while I was in my undergraduate program. And the position opened to apply for the director of the EAGLES program. And there was no hesitation. Applied. Got the job. The rest is history.
Student Ambassador:So what's one word you'd use to describe the EAGLES program?
Dr. Betty Patten:Transformative.
Student Ambassador:You want to talk a little bit more about that?
Dr. Betty Patten:Awesome. Yeah. So when I think about the EAGLES program, I think about the impact that our students and the program has on everyone. And ultimately, at the end of the day, the word transformation or transformative resonates with every partnership or relationship that we have. For example, our students are transformed from the moment they come from interviews all the way to when they walk across that stage. Our campus partners are transformed through the impact that our students have on them, their teaching methods, how they view individuals with different backgrounds and different ability levels. Our peer mentors often equate the involvement with the program as their pinnacle Auburn experience while they are here, and then ultimately, the gift that comes from the generosity of our donors ultimately pours back into us and has been transformative in advancing the mission and vision at an accelerated rate. And at the end of the day, when I look at the backbone of our program, the staff, each one of them has a gift that has transformed each domain and pillar of the program. So one word in a nutshell. Transformative.
Student Ambassador:Well, that's amazing to hear. I want to move to you. JJ, where are you from?
JJ Johnson:I'm from Trussville, Alabama. So it’s north of Birmingham.
Student Ambassador:Okay. What has been the best part of your Auburn experience?
JJ Johnson:The best part about my Auburn experience is getting involved. I would say like getting involved was, is probably one of the most important things I would say as a college student, just because the like, if you don't get if you don't get yourself involved, you're not going to have the connections that you want. So I guess I would say like being involved is probably the best part of my Auburn experience.
Student Ambassador:And that's great advice for students coming in. That's one of the biggest pieces of advice I feel like I've given prospective students is to get involved in Auburn. So I love that you said that. And then, Audrey, why did you choose to become a WINGS mentor?
Audrey Cordier:Well, I wanted to initially find an opportunity to just get involved with my community, and I wanted to find parts of Auburn that I wouldn't really find in my Greek organization. So a professor I had - I'm a speech language hearing science major, so a lot of the WINGS peer mentor program and the EAGLES students, I can apply knowledge I've learned in my major. So a professor actually told me about this program. So that's how I got involved, yeah.
Student Ambassador:Awesome.
Dr. Betty Patten:I love hearing about that word involvement. Can you share a little bit, JJ, about the most meaningful involvement experience you had while being part of the EAGLES program?
JJ Johnson:Yeah, so I've been involved in a lot of organizations while my time in Auburn. So I was involved in SGA freshman forum, I was I've been involved in competitive sports like intramural sports. I've been involved in Anchor Auburn, which is one of the main ones I’d like to talk about right now. So Anchor Arbor is is an inaugural program; it basically is like a leadership program is basically like, you know, getting yourself involved in like the Auburn-Opelika area, Opelika area and it’s more of like a leadership program. How to get connected into like a job, how you get connected into like the Auburn-Opelika area.
Dr. Betty Patten:Awesome.
Audrey Cordier:A funny story I do have to say about JJ is the first time I met him was on preview day, which we host prospective families - prospective students to come see Auburn, see what the program’s like, meet all the amazing staff. And JJ and I were together, like welcoming families. And seriously, anybody who passed him was like, “what's up, JJ?” And I was like, “oh my gosh, I feel like I don't even go here.”
Dr. Betty Patten:“Who’s Audrey?”
Student Ambassador:So let's dive in a little bit more about the EAGLES program and the impact that it's made here at Auburn and beyond. So Dr. Patten, to get us started, tell us about the EAGLES program and its mission.
Dr. Betty Patten:So, the EAGLES program at Auburn is a comprehensive transition program for students with intellectual disabilities. And what that means is that we provide an Auburn experience to students who traditionally would not have had the opportunity to attend Auburn. Our core goals within the EAGLES program are to promote independence and improve quality of life for our students beyond Auburn. So we use systematic instruction and evidence based practices, evidence informed practices to create, and curate, an Auburn experience that really emphasizes skills and the developing skills in the areas of academic enrichment, independent living skills, personal social skills, health and wellness domain, and independent living. So ultimately, our program works together with a lot of interdisciplinarian support across this campus to really highlight the impact that everyone can have on the disability community and not just specialized, professionals in certain disciplines.
Dr. Betty Patten:Some advice that was given to me surrounding that hospitality mindset is that no matter who ends up at the EAGLES program long term, that hospitality is about preparing in advance and being intentional. And so everything we do in the EAGLES program really emphasizes the importance of hospitality. And you went into the hospitality industry, so you get to see firsthand how you have to get everything ready for an event. And people show up and they don't know what goes on behind the scenes. But what they walk away with is that feeling that you gave. And so, I love that you you really embrace hospitality because at the end of the day, hospitality at its core drives wanting people to have meaningful experiences. And that is one of the hidden secrets behind the success of the EAGLES program.
Student Ambassador:And so you just recently graduated. Congratulations.
JJ Johnson:Thank you.
Dr. Betty Patten:Congrats.
JJ Johnson:Thank you.
Student Ambassador:What are you doing now and how do you feel the EAGLES program prepared you for what you're doing now?
JJ Johnson:So right now, I'm working I am working at the Auburn Hotel.
Dr. Betty Patten:Full-time.
JJ Johnson:Full-time now.
Student Ambassador:Awesome.
JJ Johnson:And what was the other part of the question? I’m sorry.
Student Ambassador:How do you feel like the EAGLES program prepared you for what you're doing now?
JJ Johnson:They prepare me a lot, until like they prepared me a lot when I first got here, actually. They prepared me to just - they always told me, just just be on your best behavior, I would say. But if, like, if things don't always if things don't go the way it's supposed to be, just know like just know. You just always go with the flow, you know? So, I'm always I'm more of a go with the flow type of person.
Dr. Betty Patten:Are you?
JJ Johnson:I feel like I am, I feel like I, I feel like I am. Yeah. Well, there's certain things that I can I mean, I just don't share my opinions a lot. So. But I just like to go with the flow sometimes.
Dr. Betty Patten:So JJ, can you give us some specific examples of who, or what aspect of the program prepared you to embrace this full time job? Because if I'm not mistaken, you're the one who wanted to pursue a full time job at the hotel, correct?
JJ Johnson:That is true.
Dr. Betty Patten:Yeah. So what what drove you to do that, and then how or who helped you get to where you needed to be to achieve that goal?
JJ Johnson:I would say basically all the members from the staff actually, because each staff member has a piece to a puzzle.
Dr. Betty Patten:What a good analogy.
Student Ambassador:I love that.
JJ Johnson:So, so Miss - Dr. Crayton, she's our - so, she’s the assistant director. She's the social coordinator. And mainly like she helped me a lot with just like, you know, be more engaging and then with Mrs. Willis was with more of independent living. She like, she like, you know, basically with my job at the AU Hotel, I set up and take down, events, and I do serve food sometimes if it’s like a plated event. And then, you know, Mrs. Goodwin. I love her a lot. And she always like like, you know, like her goal, like her job is health and wellness. So, like working at a hotel, you do walk a lot. I've burned, I have - I remember the last time I checked I had 20,000 steps one time.
Audrey Cordier:Oh, wow.
Dr. Betty Patten:The generalization of that skill, recognizing the importance of developing health and wellness skills, those healthy habits, how they're needed to be successful in a career. And, you know, Isabel, that's one of the most important parts of the EAGLES program is it is comprehensive. And I'm going to let you finish, JJ But I think one thing that, should be emphasized about the importance of the EAGLES program and programs like these is that we don't believe that you can teach skills in isolation with who we serve. There needs to be overlap and our students in the community need to see that with these skills, it's going to make you a better employee, which then makes you more engaged. And then you get a paycheck and you're able to pay your bills and you're able to go out and have a good time with the, the friends and the, the peers that you have. And at Auburn, College of Education, we are lifelong learners. And so it's important to know that while we keep growing in those areas, JJ is an example of he's never going to stop learning and growing, and he's going to look for an opportunity to continue to grow and advance. And so you hit on, Dr. Crayton's role with the personal social as well as Mrs. Goodwin's role with health and wellness, Mrs. Willis’ role with independent living and then you talked about Mrs. Ozment with employment. What else?
JJ Johnson:Other area, you know, Mrs. Allen also. So, Mrs. Allen, she's academics. So like, she has taught me just like, you know, like, you know, customer service because I think at any job, you need the customer service too. It’s going to get you in the long run. And it's just she has taught me that like, like during one of my - I almost said action plan. I almost said action plan, what is it called?
Dr. Betty Patten:Individualized learning agreement?
JJ Johnson:Yes.
Dr. Betty Patten:Awesome.
JJ Johnson:So like, she, she just told me like it was one thing that like like she is she she's like, she told me it was one thing that you're already good at, but you should work on is customer service, because it helps you feel like, it will help you in the long run. You know, just be like a good advocate for yourself when you know, if something goes wrong at your job, you can just go. You can always reach out to any of us. I was like, I was like, that's deep.
Student Ambassador:Yeah, I love how practical it is. It is like all daily life, like daily application. That's awesome. And so, Audrey, I'm going to jump to you.
Audrey Cordier:Yes.
Student Ambassador:So what is your role look like as a WINGS peer mentor.
Audrey Cordier:So yeah. So Dr. Patten and both JJ kind of touched on the different domains. So I get the privilege of really being in the social domain. So that kind of is two parts. The first part is modeling appropriate behavior. So that could look like, you know, not over texting somebody or showing up when you said you were going to show up. Different things like that. And then the second part of it kind of looks like advocacy. So like when we're at a restaurant and one of the EAGLES students is trying to order, I’m not ordering for them, the person that's taking their orders, looking at them, taking the order from them, or like in the grocery store, we're checking expiration dates. I actually learned recently that milk that is at the front of itexpires sooner than that is in the back. So that's been a helpful tip. It is. And checking out by themselves. Like can they do self-checkout? Can they check out with the person and do they need my help? And so --
Dr. Betty Patten:And do we have enough money in our bank account?
Audrey Cordier:Exactly. Are we bringing our cards? Are we making a list? Like those types of things and making sure that, you know, we're supporting them and we're making them feel confident and that they are able to do such a thing by themselves.
Dr. Betty Patten:She's actually underselling her role a little bit. I think we need to, maybe dive a little bit deeper into the organizational role. So the WINGS Peer Mentor program, which stands for Warm-hearted Individuals Nurturing Great Success, is a student organization here at Auburn. And so while being a student organization, it's sponsored by an academic unit. And Miss Audrey is our president of that organization. And so can you please share a little bit more about the framework of--
Audrey Cordier:Yeah, so WINGS is definitely a fully student-led organization. We work really closely closely with Dr. Crayton, but like all meetings, all events planned are all by people on exec or even people in the organization that are like, “hey, this would be a good idea to do.” It's a lot of accountability as well for our peer mentors. So are you doing your social events? So we're we require like three social events a month. We also have something called Qualtrics Hours, which you can log how many hours you volunteer. And if you get 50, you get a disability advocacy certificate. So that's also something like really important in the WINGS Peer Mentor program I feel like. And so yeah, I'm trying to think of something else I could touch on.
Student Ambassador:What are some ways that you work with students in the program?
Audrey Cordier:Yeah. So as vice president I well last year served as vice president. This year I'm serving as president. But it's mainly leading a lot of meetings and a lot of coordination. So let's say that somebody is going to class with the student and the student doesn't answer. So they'll text me or they'll text whoever, Mrs. Allen, or whatever. And then I'm kind of that liaison between the staff members as well as the students as well as the Eagle students as well. So, yeah.
JJ Johnson:I have a question.
Audrey Cordier:Yes.
JJ Johnson:Do you have -- you don’t have to answer this, But, if you don't want to, do you have any family members with disabilities that kind of driven you into. joining the program?
Audrey Cordier:Yeah, that's a great question. I actually don't. So when people always ask me, they kind of assume that I have somebody personal to me. And that's why I like, really was driven to join this organization.
Dr. Betty Patten:Because a lot of our WINGS do have a personal connection, right?
Audrey Cordier:But I never did. I just always wanted to be with people and serve my community. And it's been a great time. Like the EAGLES students are just so awesome, and it's been great to really watch them grow from, you know, being E-1s, which is like our first year students to being E-2s and then E-3s and E-4s, which can live off campus. Like just seeing that transition has really been transformative and it's really just great. Like I've grown as a person and the EAGLES students grow as people, like all in college. So that's been just such a great and rewarding experience to be a part of.
Student Ambassador:Yeah, it's really inspiring to hear about how you've been giving back to the Auburn community. And so I want to ask you, Dr. Patten, why do you think the peer mentoring program is so important?
Dr. Betty Patten:Wow.
Student Ambassador:So-- Doesn’t have to be so broad, just--
Dr. Betty Patten:Honestly, the WINGS program is what makes the EAGLES program, and ultimately it's about that community. And at the end of the day, JJ and his peers, you know, are going to be more influenced by their own peers. And so when you I'm sure you've heard the term, like, show me your friends and I'll, I'll show you your future. I think that it is really incredible to know, while we are strategically bringing peer mentors into the program, we also are facilitating authentic relationships within this structure that people gravitate towards naturally, in a way that they're able to model appropriate behaviors and just do life together. And by doing life together, our EAGLES students are able to raise their own standard and, you know, really see how their peers are engaging. Not to mention it's it's research backed. And, there there is a systematic way, to work with peer mentors to train them, so that they can then be the ones who are, you know, spreading inclusion and awareness on Auburn's campus. And so when our EAGLES students are paired with our WINGS, they actually are what facilitate this entire program working, you know, because our staff and team, we can only be in so many places at one time. And so it is not lost on me the gift of being a part of and leading an organization like the EAGLES program where so many people gravitate towards it and want to help the next generation of EAGLES students really get plugged in. And so, I do not take that lightly. And it's one of those things that every day I wake up that I get to do this and get to be surrounded by such amazing peer mentors and really give us a lot of hope for the future. They truly are so incredible. I mean, a lot of our peer mentors that we get to engage with and they just the way they problem solve, the way they show up, their critical thinking skills and coupled with their, their heart, is incredible.
Student Ambassador:It's amazing to see like, how big of a community the EAGLES program creates because it's not just the program, but it's also the staff. And then it's the WINGS mentors. And so JJ, I'm going to jump back to you for a second. Thinking back on your time in the program, what are you the most proud of accomplishing?
JJ Johnson:What I'm most proud of is graduating. Yeah. Not saying because I was glad to graduate, but it was just, it was just a big milestone, I would say, because now a lot of people with disabilities get a chance to graduate in college. So just know that, like at the end of the day, you're like th - I feel like - you're like the 1%. And so you've got to, like, be grateful of what you accomplished so far. Just be like, I think the saying is like be, be glad that it happened. And so,
Dr. Betty Patten:Oh I love it, don't be sad that it's over. Be glad that it happened. What a positive perspective. And JJ hit on the 1%. So who we serve in the EAGLES program are individuals with intellectual disabilities. And that is about a little less than 1% of the entire population. And so within that 1% there are there is a continuum of ability levels, adaptive behavior skills. And so when you think about programs like EAGLES, we serve 1% of the 1% who would be eligible for these programs. And so to hear how grateful he is for this opportunity is just inspiring to keep going because we we can't be all things to everyone. And so, it's that is ultimately the best gift is to, to see the impact it has on JJ and others.
Student Ambassador:Each individual story is so special to hear. And so, Audrey, I'm gonna jump back to you. What do you feel like you've gained from being a peer mentor?
Audrey Cordier:Oh my goodness. Just about everything ever. I feel like, so just from being a peer mentor and then also like being able to serve on the Executive Council, Executive Board, I mean, responsibility, communication, time management, all those things I feel like has really grown. I think out of those three things, communication has definitely been my biggest growth. I'm a talker, so communication has never been an issue. But just making sure that you know that your communication is clear, that you're showing up when you said you're going to show up like that's that part goes both ways. You know, responding to people. I like to think that I respond to people in my head, but I don't actually respond so making sure I'm responding.
Dr. Betty Patten:Closing loops.
Audrey Cordier:Yes, exactly. And following through, I feel like that's such a big thing that it's almost like a lost art, almost is like being able to follow through, being able to be that person that can be relied on has been like something that a role that I've stepped into that has really fulfilled me, I guess you can say, and that I've grown into. So that's been a really positive experience.
Student Ambassador:And so you definitely recommend to students coming to Auburn to get involved in the WINGS program.
Audrey Cordier:Yes. Yeah, coming from somebody who, like didn't have anybody in my family that I knew. Honestly, it was kind of intimidating at first because it's like, I don't know how they're going to “act” per se, but it wasn't like that at all. It was -- to be able to provide support for these students, like within social domains or academic health and wellness domains, and being able to learn about their story. You know, everybody has a story. So being able to be a part of that story is, is something that's like super big and super important. And I feel like there's so many ways that you can get involved. And so the EAGLES program is definitely a way.
Student Ambassador:Absolutely. Well, that's awesome. Dr. Patten, I want to ask you, for students and families who don't know about the EAGLES program, what do you think makes it so unique?
Dr. Betty Patten:People like Audrey, people like JJ. Truly, it is important to really recognize that it's the natural talent of our EAGLES students and our WINGS, with development and support and growth and pouring into them to help them, you know, to encourage them and hold them to a high standard, but in a way that they progress, is what makes this program so unique. And what Audrey hit on just a minute ago is the importance of walking out our values and not just talking the talk, but walking the walk. And, I agree, you know, in a world where we can say anything, you know, we also need to look at the behaviors that come with what we're saying. And what is so unique about the EAGLES program is that the team that are supporting our students, not only do they walk the walk, but they talk the talk. They are doers. They are truly here to help our EAGLES students embrace their identity, empower them to access all that Auburn has to offer. And that is only done through the amazing partnerships we have on campus and so what makes Auburn so unique is all the way from President Roberts down, the EAGLES program is loved, supported. And we don't just say that with our words. We have been given resources to do so. We've been given this beautiful Scott Alan Lawrence suite that's almost 5000ft². So when we talk about our, actions aligning with our stated values, the EAGLES program really personifies the Auburn Creed and that human touch. And that's what makes us unique at its core.
Student Ambassador:It's been so amazing to talk, to hear you talk about how incredible the EAGLES program is. And so before we wrap up this Auburn Ed Talks, I want to ask each of you, and you can go in whatever order, whoever's ready first: What's one takeaway, if any, you hope that listeners take from this episode of Auburn Ed Talks?
Audrey Cordier:I guess I can go first. I would say just how important it is to advocate for others. I think, you know, just because somebody is telling you something doesn't mean that that's the answer. So, you know, advocacy really brings that out. Like, what can we do? How can we make this better? And so I think that it's super important to advocate. And in that comes these independent lives. And they're not only independent but they're fun you know. And so yeah I'd say that’s my biggest takeaway.
Dr. Betty Patten:What I hope listeners take away is that, regardless of where your future takes you, to be an active participant. Listening to JJ's experience, you're the president of our College of Ed Student Ambassadors, she's the president of our WINGS Peer Mentor organization. And that getting involved and, you know, putting yourself out there ultimately is what leads to these incredible outcomes. You know, it's not always going to be easy. And I believe that you choose your hard in life. You know, we -- and so, let's do hard things that are going to amount to great things and great outcomes.
Student Ambassador:Absolutely. How about you, JJ?
JJ Johnson:I should’ve went first. My biggest takeaway from, from Auburn Ed Talks is, you know, don't don't stop trying because at the end of the day, no matter how many times you -- because no matter how many times you fail or something, you can always get back up. And I've always learned if you want to succeed, you do have to fail first. So that's what my biggest takeaway is. Before you fail -- before you want to succeed, you have to fail.
Dr. Betty Patten:John Maxwell quote!
Student Ambassador:That is great advice. I love it.
Dr. Betty Patten:Leadership. I mean, success cannot exist without failure. We only know success because we fail. And so I think that that's ultimately, just a reinforce for anybody, no matter where you are in life, failure is natural. And to embrace it and our EAGLES students have been told for many years what they couldn't do. And we get to be on the other side of what they can do.
Student Ambassador:Well, thank you guys so much for being here today. Thank you for sharing your stories and the amazing work that you're doing through the EAGLES program. And thank you to everyone listening to the Auburn ED Talks podcast today. Please subscribe for more, and War Eagle!
All:War Eagle!