Megan Morhbutter – I was raised to be an advocate for myself
If you ask class of 2009 graduate Megan Morhbutter what life lesson she learned at Caldwell College her answer is quick and definitive. "That I could accomplish it." And what an accomplishment. Morhbutter has Spina Bifida and has had 49 surgeries in her 23 years of life. "The doctor told my parents I would not live past the age of 5. Every year on my birthday, I say ‘Hey Mom, can I call that doctor up'?"
Abbe Benowitz, Director of Caldwell College's Disability Services says Megan has an incredible sense of humor and "is honest to a fault," and "she tells it like it is and does not hold back." She is truly an inspiration to the College community. "She has been put to the test more times than any one person should ever be tested and each time she comes back stronger and more determined to succeed. I think what I like most about Megan is that it only takes meeting her one time before you see HER and not just her disability. This is because Megan's personality, her motivation, her desire to succeed shine through so evidently."
Morhbutter received a B.A. in Communication Arts on May 17. She has enjoyed her academic major because of the "creativity" and the "hands-on" experiences it has offered. She lives at Cheshire home in Morris County and has commuted to campus by getting rides in the home's van or by using Access Link, which is a New Jersey Transit service.
During her college career she married. She cared for her husband who was sick up until the time he passed away. It is her husband's encouragement, she says, that still motivates her to keep going. He told her not to stay home, but to continue on with her life. After his passing, Megan had to take a semester off for medical reasons. It was then that she started volunteering at a nursing home and, she continues that volunteer work today. She reads mail to the elderly, plays bingo with them, gives the ladies manicures, and just plain keeps them company. "I actually love it," she said. She also goes to grammar schools and speaks to children to educate them about disabilities.
Benowitz said Megan was one of the first students she met when she started working at the College. "I was new here and wanted to be sure we could accommodate Megan. I wanted her experience here to be a positive one. It wasn't long before we were all learning from her and realized just how independent and self-sufficient Megan truly is." To Megan, that self sufficiency is just something that is part and parcel of her life. "My mother raised me to be independent. I was raised to be an advocate for myself. That is how I have always been." During her college career, she said, "I had very open communication with everyone on campus. I told them what I needed." She encourages other friends with disabilities to advocate for themselves and try to be self-sufficient.
"She is a true warrior, in my opinion, and will continue to be successful in all she does." I am so proud of her and her accomplishments. I will truly miss her!" Benowitz said.