Matthew

Matthew Schwab, 22, is a public speaker from the Raleigh, North Carolina area. His recent achievements include a speaking engagement at TED Talks, as well as an internship in Representative John Bradford’s (R-Cornelius) office at the North Carolina General Assembly, and work for the Department of Health and Human Services.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Matthew also works part time at Chick-fil-A, a movie theater, at 321 Coffee as a barista, and as an assistant volleyball coach. He serves as volunteer and co-president of the youth advisory board at Gigi’s Playhouse Raleigh, one of many community centers nationwide for individuals with Down Syndrome. Matthew's hobbies have included taekwondo, horseback riding, theater, gym training, singing, watching Star Wars, and reading. A little known fact about Matthew is that he's a big American and British theater history buff. His favorite musicals are Sweeney Todd, Cats, and Oklahoma, as well as Phantom of the Opera, in which he was part of the technical crew. His hard work ethic has translated in his professional life as well. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
"I have a genuine interest in politics. I want to know how it runs," Matthew said about his internship with Representative Bradford. He learned about bill-drafting and helped file four pieces of legislation in the house created to benefit the differently-abled, and was able to serve as co-deputy campaign manager alongside another young man with Down Syndrome. Matthew's ambition is as inspiring as his confidence. He says that his goal is to spread his message of "acceptance, inclusion, leadership, advocacy.”

We think you've done this remarkably, Matthew!

Of the young lady in the first image, he says, “We love each other truly and dearly. Our relationship is healthy; we're committed. I love her; she’s just outgoing, she’s sweet, she’s wonderful. She’s very kind. We’re just meant for each other."
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Matthew and his girlfriend Lucia, 23, have been together for four years. Lucia likes dancing, cheerleading, and listening to her favorites, Maroon 5, Big Time Rush, and Bruno Mars. Of his and Lucia's first meeting, Matthew said, "We initially met way back in late 1997 when I was a baby and she was a toddler. And then she had a fifteen year-long crush on me which I did not know."
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Today, Lucia and Matthew like to go out to eat, walk around the mall—where they had their first date—and attend formals for people with disabilities. They're interested in taking ballroom classes to prepare for their first dance at their wedding someday. Matthew says, "She and I have interest in getting married, but we’re not there yet. Just in the committed boyfriend and girlfriend stage.” Matthew and Lucia are just one of many couples with Down Syndrome enjoying healthy, happy relationships together!