Heather S.

Heather’s Bio

Heather has been a student of Noorthoek Academy for 11 years. She especially enjoys learning about different topics each semester and writing poetry. She has a goal to write a poetry book for her nieces and nephew. Heather loves to read books by Danielle Steele and listen to music by Taylor Swift. She is gifted at making jewelry. Heather volunteers part-time at a nursing facility. She enjoys riding her bike and spending time with her family. Heather is proud of the independence that she has obtained.

Heather’s Poetry

Loss

Our Noorthoek family
has lost two wonderful friends.
Katy and David demonstrated
dedication and a passion for learning.
They helped make Noorthoek a fun
and beautiful place for us all.
Showing us that we could make a difference
in our futures.
Showing us that college can be fun
even when we learn in a different way.

We have shared joys and sorrows.
They touched our lives
and now moved on,
but we will not forget.
We keep their memories alive in our hearts.
Proud to show others
all that we can learn.
Guardian angels,
watching over us.
Forever missed.

The Art of Nature

Sitting quietly,
listening to the art of nature.
Wind blowing and seagulls singing.
I imagine the textures of the world.
Rough surface of tree bark against my fingertips.
Smoothness of the leaves.
Even sitting in the car,
with windows down,
it was good to be outdoors.
Up above, the clouds told stories
of animals.
Sunshine on my face
is vitamin C for my soul.
I feel calmer,
at peace with myself.

Colorful

Red is the heat of the fire.
It is warm, keeping the spirits away,
a deep feeling of love and passion.

Blue is the cool water.
It is calming, sometimes holding sadness,
working to keep our family and friends safe.

Green is the earth coming to life again.
It is the color of nature,
keeping the animals, trees, and flowers alive.

Yellow is the sunshine and friendship.
It is the joy of a butterfly
and the hope of a yellow ribbon.

These colors are special to me.
They bring peace, hope, and joy.
Today,
they become my poetry.

Nature of Colors

The nature of colors
brings powerful feelings.
At Frederik Meijer Gardens,
I find peace and love
with colors all around.

Spring makes everything fresh.
Flowers blossom.
New animals appear.
A butterfly lands on me,
bringing good luck and happiness.

We see the world through our five senses
like a rainbow telling the story
of the five elements:
Fire, water, wood, metal, and earth.
Sharing our thoughts.
Showing the beauty of the world.

Masterpiece

An amazing rainbow of color
Stretches before my eyes.
Tulips form a soft blanket
as I lie down.
A light wind,
like a paintbrush
blows over my face
taking my worries away.
Windmills and water,
powerful symbols of survival.
A true masterpiece.

An Adventure

We took a trip,
without leaving our class
to the land of orange.
Tulips and windmills,
bicycles wherever I go.
Dances that tell a story
of a unique heritage.
The Dutch work hard
to take care of their land,
family, and tourists.
What an adventure!

Alaska Adventure

An anniversary excursion
to celebrate 50 years of marriage.
A cruise to Alaska.
Amazing sights to see.
Whale watching at Funter Bay.
Dog sled show in Anchorage
Trolley tour
Shopping
Memories for a lifetime.
Jerry and Linda

More Than Words

When words hurt,
I write in my journal.
Poems help me express my feelings.
People with disabilities
have the same needs as everyone else.
These are not special.
We want and deserve all of the same things.

I have experienced the power of words
my whole life.
Having double disabilities is challenging.
A simple letter
can cheer me up and lift my spirits.
Cerebral Palsy makes it difficult
to walk like everyone else.
I never let it get in the way
of doing the things I love,
like playing on the Grand Rapids Eagles team
and Noorthoek Academy
where we turn our thoughts and feelings
into poetry.
Celebrating accomplishments
and learning new things.

Not being able to hear
made me feel afraid and isolated.
Relief flooded my body
when I got my cochlear implant.
I could hear words.
I could hear the sound of music and movies.
I could hear the voices of my friends and family,
supporting and encouraging me.
Words are powerful
and beautiful.

Hawaiian Highlights

Warm, blue water edging
black sand beaches.
Fragrant flowers,
colorful leis and festive luaus.
Thick, green rainforests.
Hikes through a
bamboo forest,
ending at Waimoku Falls.
Whale watching,
swimming with sharks.
Curious bottlenose dolphins,
bobbing around passenger boats.
Never-ending tropical ocean views.

Easter

Our family celebrating together,
on a beautiful spring day.
Sharing our lives,
enjoying a delicious meal,
spending time together.
Delighting in new members,
cherishing the old.
Remembering those who
have passed before us,
always in our hearts.
Reflecting on what truly matters,
our family, our future.

Love is Beautiful

Spending time together,
gathering for holidays and
special occasions.
Love is beautiful.
Teaching the young
nieces and nephews
culture, tradition and
the beauty of a close family.

Dr. Bill Pink

You came into our lives
with a big, friendly grin
and a gracious heart.
Sharing warm hugs
and high fives,
you quickly blended in.
Interested in our thoughts
and poems.
Encouraged our studies,
valued our efforts,
cheered us on.
You have become
a very special friend,
who will always be a part
of our Noorthoek family.

Venice Vacation

Wonderful art and
magical dancers.
Singers on the street
serenading the tourists.
Delicious wines on
beautifully set tables.
Enjoying Italian culture,
my sisters at my side.

Surrounded by Heroes

My parents have prepared me
to be independent,
make smart choices.
They taught me love,
compassion, honesty.
They have always
believed in me.

Brad and Hillary
have inspired me by
their loyalty, true friendship
and kindness.

Kate and Patrick taught me
how to be a loving sister and
a wonderful aunt to my family.

Landon, Madison,
Mackenzie Paige and Wesley
are my nieces and nephews.
They are helpful and loving.
We play games and do puzzles.
They always love to hear me
read a story to them.

Wesley loves to get my
crutches for me.
My family are my
personal heroes.

Determined to Hear

Since birth, I’ve had hearing loss.
It’s scary not being able to
hear the world around you.
A lifetime of tests, hearing aids
and cochlear implants,
opened up my world.
Made me feel safe and strong.
Ready to enjoy life.

Memory Keeper

My memory is
my superpower.
Family gatherings,
birthdays, holidays.
Just for fun days.
Ask me to fill you in,
I remember them all.
My memories bring me joy.
They keep me grateful
for all the love I’ve been given.
They encourage me
to create happy memories
for others to treasure.

No Limitations

Lifelong challenges,
struggles with emotional
and physical difficulties.
Thoughts about an apartment,
living with roommates,
trying to get a job.
Then I found Noorthoek.
Each semester an incredible
journey of learning.
Meeting new students,
enjoying the warm
comfort of old friends.
Instructors and sponsors
join with loved ones to
support and encourage.
Teaching us all that
there are no limitations.

A Smile

A smile makes everything
new and bright,
like springtime.
A smile is MacKenzie Joy,
my new baby niece.
A smile brings happiness
to those that need cheer.
A smile makes life
more enjoyable.
A smile helps connect me
to family and friends.
A smile makes life
worthwhile for all.
Smile every day and
the whole world will
smile back at you.

Mary Elizabeth

I love spring and summer,
when new things happen.
Spring brings happy memories
of my grandmother, Mary Elizabeth.
Each April we would
celebrate her birthday
with adventures,
just us two.
When I was twelve,
we went to Mackinac Island.
It was a magical time.
We took many pictures.
I thought of her today
while riding my bike.
I could feel her love
in the wind,
in my heart.
She watches over me from the heavens.