Nick
Nick, 18 and a native of Greensboro, North Carolina, is an athlete, aspiring hip hop dance instructor, and member of his high school’s JROTC. The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps is sponsored by the U.S. Armed Forces, and aims to develop teamwork skills, leadership skills, and self-discipline in young people. Nick’s mother Shannon, a Down Syndrome Network of Greater Greensboro board member, says, “It gives him a sense of independence and helps him reinforce respect for people. He likes the uniform, the rules, and the standards.” Nick enjoyed wearing his dress blues every Wednesday to class, which unfortunately was brought to a halt due to Covid.
In the meantime, Nick has been doing his schoolwork—within his school’s life skills classroom—and other activities virtually. He continues to participate in Challenger Basketball, learning game strategies and drills via video call. He’s big fan of professional player Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Previous favorite activities included basketball, Special Olympics swimming, baseball, and dancing. When not practicing basketball, Nick has been working with job coaches to practice interviews, write a resume, and begin job searching in the community. He previously worked as a host at Mission Pizza, and hopes to find more roles that allow him to interact with customers. Nick has a speech therapist and a peer helper that also work with him on related goals.
One dream of Nick’s is to attend Clemson University’s ClemsonLIFE program, a post-secondary education program that provides life skills training to individuals with intellectual disabilities. He’s already been steadily building his purple-and-orange collection of Clemson garb, consistently “asking for Clemson things for Christmas.” The program has been life-changing for many young people in the Down syndrome community, and one that we hope to see imitated across the globe in the years and decades to come.
This young man has big dreams, a kind heart, and a love for service. We can't wait to see what you do with these amazing gifts of yours, Nick!
