My cousin Jacob was born five years ago with Down syndrome. I'll admit at first I was a little nervous, not really knowing what to expect having a cousin with a disability in the family, but it all came naturally and now I couldn't imagine my life if he wasn't in it. I'm a proud cousin who came up with his beloved nickname of J-Dawg, which started off as a simple joke but stuck. Jacob has a special place in my heart and our relationship is one others don't understand. Without Jacob in my life I would probably still be searching for a profession to pursue, being a freshman in college I am now currently a biology major to pursue a career in helping children like Jacob one day. Jacob had many surgeries as a baby and it was a scary time for our whole family and going through this made me realize I want to help those families, I want to be able to help their children get better and live a long healthy life that they deserve. I'd like to think without Jacob in my life I would not realize my true calling. Jacob has taught me many other things in his five years in my life. Nobody is perfect but you need to be willing to see past all the imperfections and see him for the truly remarkable and special person he is. Jacob is my little Dawg and has taught me things nobody else could.