Going to school can be a demanding obstacle for many, but some people are more than up for the challenge. For Dylan Kuehl, being a student has been a challenging joy. The 38-year-old has had a passion for studying, and believes that the more he learns, the more he learns to see the world differently. This open-minded approach and enthusiastic mindset is all the more inspiring as Kuehl has Down Syndrome (唐氏综合症). He knows the struggle of breaking new ground from a lifetime of experience of being different. He has sustained his ability to shine as a unique individual by graduating from The Evergreen State College in Washington state. Kuehl is the first person with Down syndrome in the college's 51-year history to earn a four-year degree. Not only that, but this also makes him the first person with Down syndrome in Washington state to achieve this remarkable milestone.
Kuehl's passion for creativity led him to study for a Bachelor of Arts degree. He enjoyed classes inpainting and dance as part of his curriculum (课程), but his primary focus was writing. Out of 900 graduates, he was one of three to be selected to give an address at the graduation ceremony.
"Celebrate your abilities," Kuehl tells his fellow students in his speech. "Live your life with ambition and pride." We can all take a leaf out of this inspiring man's book which is bound, it seems, by enthusiasm, positivity, determination, and a whole lot of motivating hard work.
Aside from graduating college, Kuehl is also an entrepreneur(企业家). He started his own visual and performing arts company called DK Arts in 2005, where he sells his own artwork and glass jewelry. He plays the drums in a band called Living the Dream, advocating for inclusion through his music.
