“A role model:” 22-yr-old with down syndrome gets permanent job at UPS [Video]

• Jake Pratt, 22-year-old Alabama resident with down syndrome, is serving as “a role model to others.”
• He has been working hard to meet his dreams, and even landed a permanent job at UPS.
• His co-workers are amazed by his work ethic and “enigmatic personality,” which for his work buddy is even life changing.

Nothing can make a determined soul fail.

Jake Pratt, 22-year-old Alabama resident with down syndrome, is not letting any difficulty become a hindrance to achieve his dreams.

College was one of his biggest goals and “he worked so hard to make it come true.” He wanted to get his driver’s license, so now he has his permit. It’s “his dream to be able to live independently,” so he’s directing his efforts to achieve it. He has a plan of marrying his girlfriend Grace, so he’s been saving money for her ring and their future. He dreams to get his own house one day so he’s working extra hard now.

Last year, Jake landed a gig at the Birmingham, Alabama UPS facility, and was soon hired to join the team permanently as a part-time employee. That year, Jake became popular on social media after his sister Amy Hyde posted a photo of him on Twitter.

The proud sister shared that Jake runs packages for up to eight hours per day, right after his stint at a golf course from 6am to 10am. Amy said then how grateful she is to UPS “for giving my brother a chance & promoting inclusion in the workforce. Jake has Down Syndrome but that doesn’t stop him!”

“He has achieved so much, but none of it would be possible without people embracing him and giving him a chance,” she added at that time. “Jake is so worthy and capable, so it’s just awesome for others to be able to see that.”

According to a UPS spokesperson, Jake has even inspired the company to make a $25,000 donation to the nonprofit organization Down Syndrome of Alabama. The team admires the 22-year-old’s work ethic and “enigmatic personality.”

Richard Wilson, UPS driver who worked alongside Jake, said Jake “changed his life” and “can motivate me any day.” Steve Young, the building manager at UPS Birmingham, added: “He fit in from day one. He’s done everything we’ve asked and he’s a very capable individual and we are impressed with what he’s done so far.”

“There simply aren’t words to adequately express the emotions that come with this achievement,” Jake’s proud sister said. “We are so proud of Jake and the way he serves as a role model to others.”

Source: PEOPLE.com