Kellen

Kellen struggled with managing emotions, socialization, and being disciplined but he and his parents were intent on finding an option that could help him. Then in 2021, purchase of social recreation services was restored after over a decade of regional centers being prohibited from purchasing it for clients. With this option available again, they decided it would be great for Kellen to try a social recreation activity.

In school, Kellen had a friend who participated in taekwondo and he was immediately interested. Kellen had tried various activities like soccer, basketball, etc. but with the availability of social recreation services for regional center clients, they knew they could now afford the taekwondo lessons and he started in March 2023. The regularity and discipline of the lessons has been perfect for him. He knows what to expect in the classroom, and it has allowed him to flourish and challenge himself. Kellen understands that there are rules and traditions to follow in taekwondo and this has instilled in him discipline and respect for the practice.

In his first month, Kellen became so passionate about the sport that he informed his parents he wanted to participate in a tournament. Shocked at how much Kellen has grown in confidence to even make that request, his parents consented to his participation. It was an opportunity for him to learn because he had to accept the disappointment he felt from not receiving a medal because the people competing had been practicing longer than he had. The tournament gave him life skills to accept new surroundings, new stimuli like loud music and lights, and taught him to be proud of himself for trying.

Even though Kellen still struggles with social situations and managing emotions, taekwondo has provided him a place to work on these issues. His instructors are patient with him and support Kellen in atoning for mistakes and making better decisions. Because Kellen has learned these new emotional skills, he has built the confidence to advocate for himself in the classroom and knows when it is appropriate to state that he believes he did a practice correctly or needs another moment to try again. His consistency, perseverance, and dedication to taekwondo has provided him a goal to achieving his yellow-green belt, which is three levels above the white belt he gained when he first started taekwondo. He recognizes setbacks in life that may affect his practice but has learned to accept any setbacks and continue to push forward.

Kellen’s parents see the immense benefits taekwondo has had on him. It helps him keeps commitments, and they love to see him interact with others in a “normal” environment. The family is appreciative of social recreation being available and think it is wonderful that Alta California Regional Center, along with other regional centers, can offer it.