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This Dad Couldn’t Be Prouder Of His Daughter With Down Syndrome Who Just Graduated From College
There’s nothing more rewarding for a parent than seeing their child doing great things in life, such as achieving their academic goals. Even though many official graduation ceremonies this year have been canceled due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, it could not prevent parents from celebrating their kids’ success. Some congratulate the graduates via Zoom chat, others replicate graduation ceremonies at home. And let’s not forget those who take to social media to acknowledge their kids’ achievements—some even go viral for it.
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Jay Handlin recently became one such proud parent. His daughter Rachel has just earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography & Media from California Institute of the Arts.
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To commemorate the moment, he announced the news on his Twitter account. “I am officially the proudest father on the planet,” he said. The tweet has since gained over 220k likes and 19k retweets.
Image credits: jayhandlin
Jay has a lot to be proud of, as Rachel’s achievement is not an ordinary one. The young woman has Down syndrome and in spite of it, she has achieved her goals.
Image credits: jayhandlin
According to the Pediatric Therapy Network, out of the Down syndrome population, only one person in a million successfully completes a higher degree program.
Image credits: jayhandlin
Her father, who calls himself a fierce father and a disability/inclusion zealot, has been sharing her uni progress with snippets of Rachel’s photography to showcase her talent.
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Here’s how people reacted
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What do you think ?
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 4 years ago
What an amazing young woman and story of perseverance- wait to go, Rachel!
Kimlan Lau 4 years ago
Congratulations Rachel Handlin! Well done! All the best in your future endeavours! And Congrats to the proud Dad- Jay Handlin, who let the world know how awesome his daughter is,! You guys are the best!
Keira Russell-Smith 4 years ago
As a former middle school art teacher I'd just like to throw this out, my extra chromosome students were some of my favorites. They showed such love for watercolor. When their teacher asked hesitantly if they could take the class a second time, I told them they could take it a third if they wished! Take a small watercolor and frame it, hang it in the hall, watch the sun from their face beam! The memories are giving me a tear in my eye. You go girl!!!!
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 4 years ago
What an amazing young woman and story of perseverance- wait to go, Rachel!
Kimlan Lau 4 years ago
Congratulations Rachel Handlin! Well done! All the best in your future endeavours! And Congrats to the proud Dad- Jay Handlin, who let the world know how awesome his daughter is,! You guys are the best!
Keira Russell-Smith 4 years ago
As a former middle school art teacher I'd just like to throw this out, my extra chromosome students were some of my favorites. They showed such love for watercolor. When their teacher asked hesitantly if they could take the class a second time, I told them they could take it a third if they wished! Take a small watercolor and frame it, hang it in the hall, watch the sun from their face beam! The memories are giving me a tear in my eye. You go girl!!!!
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