I got to sit and have dinner with one of our Rockin’ Recipients Jared Okun last month and chat with him about life after graduation from Otsego Academy, a 2 year program in Edmeston, New York.  He has been very driven and motivated since graduation to live on his own, find a job and get back to the community where he attended college. One big motivation is his girlfriend of 2 years, Laura, who is living there still attending Otsego.

Their dream is to someday get married, but for now he is getting geared up to move into his first apartment near his old campus with two roommates the first week of January! He is so excited!! I asked him if he would do a series of blog posts for me to chronicle his experience, emotions, and the ups and downs of living on his own so we can get an insider view into what it is like for him.  He just sent me his first post and we are so proud of him and all he has accomplished…AND for him moving toward a life of independence and following his dreams.

First I asked him a few questions about the upcoming move:

Are you nervous at all leaving your home and moving out on your own? If so, what are you nervous about?

I am nervous about leaving home because I will miss my parents and brothers.

How do you think going to college has prepared you for living independently? 

Going to college has taught me to be focused on my responsibilities and then i can have my down time.

What do you look forward to most about living in your own apartment?

What I look forward in to doing when I am living in my own place is that it gives me more independence and goals that I can achieve.

What will you miss most about living at home? 

I will miss my family but I know they are proud of me to be independent. 

 

 

Before The Move- by Jared Okun

 

I am looking forward to moving out and being independent. This will be good for me. I will be living with two other housemates. I am going to be very busy with finding a full time job somewhere in Pathfinder Village, where the people are very nice and supportive. I am going to live at Butler house in Pathfinder Village. I will be volunteering on campus. I even have my own business which is working as a counselor for parents that have young individuals with Down syndrome, so that the parents know what they can expect when they have a child with Down syndrome. I am also an Ambassador for Ruby’s Rainbow and the National Down Syndrome Society, so this will keep me busy. This means I will be doing some work from my new apartment.

I will also be involved in several activities on campus such as art, karaoke, board games, card games, playing basketball, sports, working out and playing Wii sports. I have been working out since being back at home this summer on the treadmill and walking and have lost 30 lbs.!  I plan to continue staying in shape and eating healthy once I move out on my own.  

I will do part time work like housekeeping, helping out in the art room, green house, the Pathfinder Village Bakery and the produce market. I have been thinking on what I want to do for a full time job. These are some ideas: Working at a local Brewery in Cooperstown New York or Fly Creek Cider Mill. I feel like I am ready to move out. This will be a big step, but I am ready for this.

 

Jared!! You ARE ready for this!! And we know you are gonna ROCK it!!!  We cannot wait to hear more about your new apartment and your road to independence once you get all moved in and settled!