Keeping the Little Stuff Little

Sofia Abello ’23 graduated with a degree in chemical engineering and began working this fall on a doctorate in the same subject, one of the more challenging majors at NC State. So Abello is no slouch in the classroom.

But Abello, who grew up in Charlotte, N.C., is bipolar and has borderline personality disorder, conditions that often present challenges other students don’t face. Her struggles range from everyday issues like time management or finding a quiet place to have lunch to periodic episodes of depression and anxiety.

“I can go on a downward swing and be depressive, then an upward swing, then back down,” she says. “It’s a lot like riding waves.”

Abello, 22, is the sort of student who could benefit from a program being established to help neurodivergent students at NC State, thanks to a $1.25 million gift this year by head football coach Dave Doeren and his wife, Sara. The program, OnePack Empowered, will provide one-on-one mentoring and other specialized assistance to help such students — who have autism spectrum disorder, ADHD or other conditions that cause their brains to work differently — with the planning, organization and decision-making needed for success in school and, ultimately, a career.

“It’s about hope and creating a safe space for this population of students to go and get their needs met,” Dave Doeren said when the gift was announced in March.

“This is about leveling the
playing field so students can
chase their dreams.”
– Dave Doeren

The Doerens were motivated, in part, by a diagnosis two decades ago that placed their son Jacob on the autism spectrum. Jacob now studies sustainable energy and technology at Appalachian State University, thanks in part to a similar program that helps him manage class assignments and advocate for himself with professors. “We just want other students to have the same opportunities,” said Sara Doeren.

Kesha Reed, associate vice chancellor and associate dean in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs, says NC State’s program will start with 10-20 students in spring 2024 before eventually expanding to 50 students. Services will be provided at no cost.

Abello says that while there are programs at NC State to assist her, it would help to have a mentor who could guide her through the challenges she encounters.

“That pending doom to finish an assignment on time can trigger an episode that can be really detrimental,” she says. “To have someone checking in to help me remember dates and assignments would be big. Someone to help with the little stuff so it doesn’t become big stuff.”