Janai Santiago – Virginia Commonwealth University ACE-IT

Janai Santiago is a two-time Rockin’ Recipient who will begin her second year in the ACE-IT program at Virginia Commonwealth University. She loved every minute of her first year at VCU, where she made lots of new friends and passed both semesters with all As, even as she got involved with several social, fitness and volunteerism groups on campus. She is taking courses in early childhood education and the performing arts and also works as a teacher’s aide at the campus preschool.

Janai’s advice for other people with Down syndrome who dream of going to college is “never to give up. To work hard, set goals, and always keep focused of your future to go to college. To be determined, and use your voice. Keep your head up. You can do all things that matter to you, and pursue your dreams. You’ve got this!” She also says, “Being in college is epic.” We believe in you, Janai — keep on rockin’ it at VCU!