Tucker Shares His Story As A Southampton Fresh Air Home Alum

Tucker Salaavora

Last year, I was speaking with another fellow alumni of SFAH and mentioned how much I missed camp. She suggested I could help out with SFAH’s life-skills program and I instantly thought about making a presentation about my journey from high school and camp up to now. I pitched the idea to SFAH and they invited me to speak at the Family Fun Day this past April. It was a great experience to feel as though I could give back to this amazing community that has helped me so much.

I highlighted my journey of getting different supports like Self Direction and CDPAP services, which make sure that I can have a fulfilling and independent life. I emphasized to the audience that everyone’s situation is different, it takes a village, and sometimes you just need to take a leap of faith to try new things. I stressed that it’s important to always ask questions if you need help and try to figure out the systems and programs that are offered by different agencies and organizations. Sometimes it seems like a huge puzzle, and it’s a process, but with determination and a good team independence is possible! My presentation was recorded, and I hope it will be a tool for campers who are aging out the program to help them become better equipped for the next chapter of their lives.