He came to Thames during Covid, when we were all trying to make sense of our surroundings, our lives. Shy and unassuming, this 19-year-old from East Haven was determined to acclimate himself to his new environment and to get a college education.
With a mask on, and only his eyes visible, Harold walked the hallways of Thames and Mitchell with his chin up and his shoulders back, looking self-assured. Looking like he wasn’t worried about any roadblocks ahead. Roadblocks that might slow him down, but that weren’t going to stop him.
Harold recalls his years at Thames as fun but challenging at first because of the demands due to Covid, and the academic and social standards of the program.
“In high school, they held my hand,” Harold said. “At Thames, they will help you, but they will not hold your hand.”
“It’s like learning to ride a bike,” he explained. “In high school, they hold onto you the whole time when you are riding. In college they are there by your side but not holding on.”
Harold’s favorite part of Thames was socializing with the other students and making friends. Socially, Thames brought Harold out of his comfort zone and saw him exploring his surroundings more. When he was at Thames and Mitchell, Harold went to the movies, dinner, and Comicon with his friends. He is still in touch with his college friends. They have a game night once a week.
Tasha Suwarrow, Harold’s mom, said, “Harold was very happy at Thames. He thrived there. It was his village.”
After spending two years at Thames, Harold moved to Mitchell, where he earned an associate’s of arts degree in communications. He also became an RA and received the Mitchell College Outstanding Resident Hall Assistant Award.
The faculty and staff knew him as a person, Mom said. Harold wasn’t just a number. Tasha said she is grateful to the East Haven School District, which assisted with Harold’s tuition and made college a reality for him. “They believed in him,” she said.
Following Mitchell, Harold interned at Disney. When he returned last May, Harold wanted to pursue a bachelor’s degree in communications. He enrolled at Southern Connecticut State University and lives at home. He plans to graduate in spring 2027. This past semester at Southern, Harold made the Dean’s List and President’s List. He also earned his driver’s license and got a car.
Tasha said she can’t even put into words how proud she is of Harold. “I didn’t know,” she said. “With him having the diagnosis of autism, I didn’t know what his future would look like.”
The thing about Harold is that “he’s going to see things through,” she added. “He’s not going to quit.”
“I’m just waiting for the next chapter,” Mom said. “Like what’s next.”
Thames at Mitchell Blog 