Graduate Comes Back to Assist Students

Adele Miller has a sincere desire to help others. A combination of her upbringing and own experiences in life have shaped Adele’s outlook on life.

Diagnosed at age 3 years old with Autism Spectrum Disorder, which she has “struggled with on and off throughout her life,” has made her keenly aware of the struggles of others.

Coming to Nashville State after graduating high school, Adele worked closely with the Access Center while a student, “that created such a positive experience.”

The Access Center provides accommodations to students with documented physical, emotional, or learning barriers. Staff also provides reasonable accommodations to community members attending College events.

Graduating in 2017 with an Associate of Arts in Speech Communication, Adele “became a very confident speaker and writer; a game changer for me.”

Shortly after graduating, Adele transferred to a four-year university to continue her education, but ultimately decided she wanted to put her new skills and confidence to use in the professional workplace.

She honed her speech communication craft the next two years as a tour guide at the world-famous Ryman Auditorium. A job she enjoyed immensely.

While at the Ryman she began thinking of changing career paths for additional challenges and she began eyeing a return to Nashville State, but this time as professional staff, with the hope of providing students the direct support she was given.  

“It would be great if I could help people in a way like I was assisted,” she said.

Since August 2020, Adele has been working in the Access Center as a Reader/Scribe, where she provides support in the classroom and during testing. She also provides administrative support for the Access Center throughout the week.

I sought this position, “because it was the best fit given my degree.”

Access Center Director Katrina Dubree said of Adele, “she is organized, has keen attention to detail, is reliable, and is student-centered.”

As a former Access Center student, Adele has “been there,” and brings that experience, connection and understanding.

“I have grown so much in this position. This is exactly what I wanted to do in (in terms of) challenging myself.”

“I empathize with the students that struggle because I have been there. I reassure them to say, you can do this. Let me help.”

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