Katrin Enjoys Independent Living
Katrin Enjoys Independent Living
Life after school didn’t come together quite as Katrin Cihan had hoped. Though she’s been on a waiting list for services for years, she had to remain at home after leaving school because there were no available resources. Katrin finally made the move into her own apartment several months ago, and she enjoys the freedom that independent living gives her. Jeremy White, Residential Manager for Colorado Solutions’ Colorado Springs office, has helped Katrin make the transition to an independent setting. He assists her in accessing medical appointments and provides money management support. He’s also available when she needs to talk with someone about issues and problems.
Katrin has been exploring new directions since she moved into her own apartment. She became engaged to Stephen, her boyfriend of seven years. She’s also considering education options in the health care field or in veterinary care. When at home, Katrin likes to cook and work on complicated jigsaw puzzles. Her cat, Schnitzel, has a penchant for leaping directly onto puzzles in progress. Katrin also likes to put her observations about life onto paper. Her bookshelf holds a folder overflowing with poems and stories she’s written over the years. She pulled out one that expressed her feelings while she waited for services.
Dark
Lights are too bright to see,
Signs too small to read.
I don’t know where I am
supposed to go. Because
I made a turn, but
it was a dead end.
Since her transition to independent living, her poetry has become lighthearted, and she feels more positive about the future. Katrin’s experiences mirror many of her 20-something peers. “I wanted to get going after I left school,” she said. “Through the years I’ve had to overcome a lot of obstacles. I try to be patient, but people don’t always realize what I face. I really enjoy doing things on my own. I’m finding out what I like and don’t like. Stephen and I are looking forward to next year when we can be together all the time,” she shared. Katrin is creating a life that offers challenges and personal triumphs. “I love living on my own; it’s helping me grow and change.”
***
Learn more about services offered by Colorado Solutions.
