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 Megan Cloyes of Princeton Junction, NJ. Here is what Megan had to say about going to college.
“I have always talked about going to college. Then last year, I went around with my brother Kevin when he was looking at colleges and it was so exciting. I wanted to go to college too. When I went to hear about The College of New Jersey, I loved what I heard. I knew it was what I wanted to do. I worked very hard on the application and then had to go for an interview. They asked a lot of questions, but I think I did well. It was hard waiting to hear, my brother heard from his college before I did. I was nervous. The day my mother told me I was accepted at The College of New Jersey I screamed out loud. I am so excited to go to The College of New Jersey and meet new friends and take classes. I am going to live off campus with three of my classmates in a house. We will have a mentor. I am not nervous. I want to learn new things. I do not know what I want to major in yet, but I will figure it out. I will work hard at college. I want to join clubs and see if they have a Pep Band.”