Transitioning from high school to college is a major milestone for any student, but for those with learning disabilities or special needs, the journey comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. In a recent in-depth interview, nationally ranked chess master and founder of Chessability NYC, Fabio Botarelli, shared his personal and professional insights on what it’s like to make this leap—touching on organization, mental health, and the importance of community.
Mina Roustayi and special needs educator Fabio Botarelli, we delve into why emotional intelligence (EI) matters, how it can be fostered in the classroom, and practical strategies for making school a safe, creative, and nurturing place for every learner.
The Importance of Preparation: From High School to College
Fabio Botarelli emphasizes that one of the most critical skills for students with learning differences is time management. While high school often provides a structured and supportive environment, including homework assignments and attentive teachers, college is far less regimented. This lack of structure can leave many students feeling lost.
“College is really about managing your time…in college they don’t assign enough homework, which I think is a really bad thing because homework keeps you on top of things.”
A practical takeaway for students and educators: building the habit of using a planner and developing strong study routines during high school can greatly ease the transition to self-directed college life.
Choosing the Right College: Support, Community, and Fit
When searching for a college, Fabio Botarelli and his family used resources like “Colleges that Change Lives” by Lauren Pope to identify institutions with a nurturing philosophy – not just those specialized for special needs students, but colleges that offer real support, camaraderie, and accessible professors. At Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, for instance, faculty engagement and quality of student life were major draws.
However, Fabio Botarelli points out that even in supportive environments, the lack of structured communities for students with special needs can foster isolation. “There was no program at the campus that helped students with special needs congregate or organize,” he notes, highlighting the need for more inclusive communities on campus.
Coping With Mental Health: Depression and Vulnerability in College
A recurring theme in Fabio Botarelli’s story is the prevalence and stigma of depression, particularly among students with special needs. He shares candid stories of personal struggle and of supporting a close friend and roommate through severe depression.
This emotional toll is often hidden, in part because, as Fabio Botarelli describes, “there’s a reason why there is a lot of stigma for shared vulnerability,” especially among young men. College campuses, he feels, need to do more than just provide basic counseling services; they should foster spaces fostering shared vulnerability and real, supportive connections.
The Power of Community and Shared Experience
Despite the isolation that can come with college life, Fabio Botarelli found community and strength in connecting with others who were seen as “different” – whether through student government, athletic teams, or subcultures like computer science or anime. These connections, he shares, are vital for self-esteem and personal growth.
He urges for societal change, stating, “We don’t build enough communities based on shared vulnerabilities. And this is a massive societal problem”.
Key Takeaways for Students, Educators, and Institutions
Develop Organizational Skills Early: Planners and strong study routines should be embedded in high school curricula for all students, but especially for those with learning differences.
Look Beyond Disability-Only Colleges: Focus on finding institutions that prioritize nurturing, support, and engaged faculty.
Address Mental Health Proactively: Counseling must go beyond “crisis control;” peer groups and community-building around shared experiences are crucial.
Fight Stigma, Build Community: Fostering an open dialogue about vulnerability, especially for men, can combat isolation and empower students to reach their potential.
