I caught up with Dylan Kuehl recently and asked him how everything was going for him at The Evergreen State College where, through a lot of hard work and self-advocating, Dylan has become the first person with Down syndrome to attend The Evergreen State College.  He is officially the first person in Washington State with Down syndrome to attend a 4-year college and he has begun his dream of attending TESC. Dylan has earned college credit and continues to work toward becoming a full-time student. Here’s what he has to say:

What are my favorite things about College? I have three favorites:

One:  love being a student. That means the more I learn, the more I see the world more differently. That’s why dreams and success cannot be done by overnight.

Two: I love having summer and winter breaks off.  It means it’s not that easy being a College student when I’m so busy all the time.  I’m a kid at heart, but when I do go back to College, I need to buckle down my childish ways and learn with all of my might.

Three: I personally take a huge pride of being the son of an alumni graduate.  It’s very important to make myself clear.  I have been dedicating all of my College success to my TESC alumni mother, Terri Rose.  I want her to have the memories of my success so she can have the courage to say “that’s my son” at graduation ceremonies.

New friends you ask? During my second year in College I have grown so much.  I have become a better person.  I’m starting to open up to new people.  That’s the best part in this College, make new friends and keep the old.

How College is helping me? It has been helping me a lot.  I know that College has a tendency to change me but I’m not afraid.  Evergreen has taught me to take risks, take on challenges and I’m no stranger to be a better friend to anyone. What classes are you currently taking in College? I’m taking Introduction to Electronic Music and I just completed fall quarter and received 4 credits.  I am now in Winter Quarter for another set of 4 credits. I’m also going forward to Spring Quarter. My mom is making a film documentary about me and my life. My tutor is teaching me how to do film animation for my mom’s film.  Keep posted.

Oh, don’t you worry…we will stay posted, Dylan!! Keep on rockin’ it!!