He is the pioneer, but he most certainly will not be the last one.
The graduating class of Dylan Keuhl has many reasons to rejoice, one of which is the college’s achievement of a significant institutional achievement.
This graduation was a celebration of academic excellence, but it was also a celebration of diversity and inclusiveness in its broader sense.
Kuehl was diagnosed with Down syndrome.
Because he lives his life in a manner that is distinct from that of most people, he hears, all too frequently, that he won’t get very far in life. Today, however, he marches with pride while decked out in his toga and sash.
In the college’s entire 51-year history, Kuehl is the first student ever diagnosed with Down syndrome to graduate from the institution.
Kuehl expressed his gratitude to everyone who has helped him along the way in a speech that was recorded and played back later.
He expressed gratitude to the people who “gave him the tools” to be successful in pursuing his dreams and thanked his parents for their unwavering support throughout the process.
He related how many people had told him that they did not believe he was prepared for college. He felt disheartened by the statements.
However, he is currently fabricating a different version of events.
The graduate, who is now 38 years old, was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree “with an emphasis” on writing. Painting and dancing were two of his most cherished forms of expression, as he was a man of the arts.
1 out of 900.
He was one of the three students out of the nearly 900 students who put their names in for the opportunity to give a presentation.
“Wow, I never thought I would make it this far,” Kuehl said. “I have to say, ‘Wow, I never thought I would make it this far.'” “I have the honor of being the very first person in the entire state of Washington to graduate with a bachelor’s degree despite having Down syndrome. I am about to embark on an exciting new adventure.”
During the recorded speech, they also displayed several photographs of Keuhl. The photographs featured various scenes from his time spent at the university.
He also revealed that the way he overcame the discouraging effects of other people’s doubts was to surround himself with people who supported him. He referred to this collection of people as his “Yes Team.”
He once again emphasized the importance that Evergreen State College played in his development as a person.
“Acceptance is the cornerstone of Evergreen.” In the video, he is heard saying. “Just like me, there are probably a lot of other students who have a right to be included. We all benefit from a more complete and satisfying community when diversity and inclusion are prioritized.
His graduation is not only evidence of what people like Keuhl are capable of accomplishing, but it also serves as a reminder that a community can empower each of its members by cultivating an environment of mutual respect and support, inclusivity, and optimism.
Kuehl unequivocally disproved the claims of his detractors.
Kuehl has high hopes that he will be able to motivate other people to persevere in the pursuit of their goals thanks to his success.
If life hands you lemons, make lemonade out of them, as the saying goes. When Kuehl was describing the wild ride of events that led him to be where he is right now, he referred to an old proverb and echoed its sentiments.
He needed to convey a message to someone.
And while he was thanking the people around him, he wanted something else to be crystal clear.
He stated that although he may have been surrounded by other students, tutors, teachers, and parents who were supportive of him, the degree that he obtained was awarded to him as a result of his own hard work and determination.
“Celebrate your abilities. “Yes, I am the very first person to graduate from here, but I’m not going to be the last person,” Kuehl said to the other students, “Live your life with ambition and pride.”
Watch the video that follows to get more information about how Kuehl broke boundaries with his graduation.
