Since 2005, NDSS has provided financial assistance to young adults with Down syndrome who choose to take classes or enroll in postsecondary educational programs, through the O'Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund. Congratulations to this year's O'Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund recipients! Eleven outstanding students who have Down syndrome were awarded scholarships to help cover the cost of their postsecondary or enrichment courses, including Ishan Munshi of Chapel Hill, NC. Here's what Ishan had to say about how why he wanted to pursue postsecondary education.
I had a dream of going to college since I was a kid. Listening to my older cousins and friends about their college plans and experiences inspired me to attend college one day. I attended Hatboro Horsham High School in Ambler, PA and graduated with a certificate in 2010 when I was 18. Beaming with joy, I walked in the graduation ceremony along with the rest of the class 2010 and received the certificate. In January 2011, my parents had to move to Chapel Hill, NC and I joined East Chapel Hill High to continue the Occupational Course of Study requirements for receiving my high school diploma. It was hard to leave my friends in Horsham High and make new friends at East High. I missed my teachers and friends but I worked hard and tried to stay positive. On June 9, 2012, I walked in the graduation ceremony one more time to receive a diploma this time.
I will be attending University of North Carolina Greensboro’s Beyond Academics program this fall to fulfill my dream. I think it will help me become more independent and possibly get a paid job. I’ll be staying on campus with other roommates. I know it is going to be challenging but I’ll work very hard and with the help of my parents and support staff I should be able to finish my course at UNCG. I would like to take a class in Healthful Living, Adjusting to College Life, Social Communication and maybe a computer class if possible.
My other interests are making new friends, keeping in touch with old friends, playing Suzuki guitar, basketball, track and field, softball, swimming, golf, biking, dancing, music and movies. I am so excited that I will be able to go to college this fall. Thank you!