Caryn is an Special Olympics Athlete, teaches swimming lessons for young kids, works in an elementary school and aspires to be a tutor. She has already made a huge impact by being a literacy teacher at GiGi’s Playhouse and is continuing her education at Raritan Community College so she can learn more ASL (American Sign Language) to be able to teach it to more children with Down syndrome. She sent me a quick update:

I am now in my 2nd year at Raritan Valley Community College.  I am proud to say that I have a B average. This semester I am taking ASL 2 and Career Development 1.  I can now sign well enough to have short conversations, and I am able to communicate with others who can only sign. I even use some signing at public speaking engagements. I hope to use ASL in an internship at a preschool next fall.  Career Development has taught me the skills I need to look for a job, such as how to prepare for job interviews, and also to advocate for myself in the community.  Being in fully inclusive classes such as ASL requires a lot of work, but it has also allowed other college students to realize that I am a typical college student, just like them. I have joined study groups, talk with my classmates during breaks or in the cafeteria, helped other classmates practice for mid-terms and finals, and have helped new students find their way around campus.

Going to college has made me more confident and independent. I have more classes I want to take, like computers and public speaking. College is helping make my dream of working with young children with disabilities and teaching children how to sign come true!  Thank you Ruby’s Rainbow!

Keep on rockin’ it Caryn!! We are so proud of you!!!