I want other people to know that young men with Down Syndrome are just like other guys. We have the same kind of hopes and dreams.
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I am really excited to be going to college. I can’t wait to be a college student. I was so happy when I got my acceptance letter saying I was going to be part of the class of 2018. I am really excited to one day be able to say I graduated from The College of New Jersey just like my mom.
I will live in an off-campus house with two other students and a house mentor in the Career and Community Studies program. My house is one block from college, so I will walk to class each day. I met my two roommates the other week. They were both really nice. My one roommate likes music and plays the piano. My other roommate was a basketball manager for his high school team just like me. I think we will all get along because we have a lot in common.
I am looking forward to making new friends, getting to meet the players on the basketball team and maybe even helping the team as a manager. I can’t wait to go to the college football and basketball games and attend the college concerts and other activities.
I am least excited about leaving my family. I will miss my family, friends and relatives, but I know I can talk to them or Skype them if I really miss them.
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Even though I have Down Syndrome I never really felt different than other people. I have a lot of friends and know a lot of people. People are always nice to meet and treat me the same as everyone else. I think that learning things is sometimes hard for me. I work really hard and have to study a lot to learn and remember new things. But because I work hard I do learn a lot of new things.
A lot of people have been supportive and helpful to me. My teachers, coaches and Boy Scouts have all helped me prepare for college. My Mom and Dad have been the most supportive of me and have always tried to help me do my best. My parents have tried to teach me the things I will need to know to be successful in college like cooking food, making my bed, cleaning my room and doing my laundry.
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I want other people to know that young men with Down Syndrome are just like other guys. We have the same kind of hopes and dreams. We want to go to college, get a great education and get a good job. We want to have lots of friends to hang out with, we want to have girlfriends, get engaged and maybe even someday get married.
I would tell other young men to always just be yourself. Be a good friend because friendships are important and always be kind to others. Try to do your best and practice what you don’t know so you can get better at it. Nothing is impossible, and you should always try to make your dreams come true.
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Congratulations David! What an amazing accomplishment. You have a wonderful outlook & I am sure that this will serve you well throughout your life. Enjoy the college experience. Thank you for helping to pave the way for my son.
David,
Congratulations on your college acceptance. I have no doubt that you will be able to do whatever you set your mind to. Go show them what you are made of which is awesomeness.
I did not go to TCNJ but I’m a big fan of the school and New Jersey native. It’s a really good one David. Good luck and keep us posted on your journey!
Thank you for sharing this. I am a 1990 graduate of TCNJ (back when it was still TSC). I am also the parent of a son with Down syndrome. I love hearing about TCNJ’s involvement with the special needs community and considering my son’s future academic possibilities. Go David!
Hello David,
I really love to read you post. For me as a father of a lovely son with ds it is so good to hear that you’re making your way. Really appreciate that. Keep a stiff upper lip!
All the best from germany,
Alex
Best of luck David!! I graduated TCNJ Class of 2011 and it’s a great school.
Way to go David!!! Very proud of you!!
I am the guardian for my aunt, who is a special needs adult. I also sell assistive technology for different learning styles. This resonates deeply with me and I thank you for posting it.
John,
Thank you for reading. David is a former student of mine, which makes this even closer to my heart. Also, thank you for what you do in care of your aunt.
Regards,
Scott Heydt
Senior Editor- Guyhood