Dad Could Not Be Happier After Daughter With Down Syndrome Graduates From College

• Rachel Handlin has Down syndrome but that didn’t stop her from chasing her dreams.
• She finished her undergraduate degree this year at the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, and her dad could not be more proud of her.
• Her dad posted about her graduation on social media to tell the world that he’s “the proudest father on the planet.”

The commencement ceremonies for the graduates this year are either canceled or postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak. This somehow takes away the happiness and pride this occasion brings. Jay Handlin is one of these parents who wanted to tell the world about their kids and what they had accomplished.

This is my daughter, Rachel Handlin. Tonight, she earned her full Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography & Media from the prestigious California Institute of the Arts, @CalArts⁩. Rachel has #Downsyndrome.

I am officially the proudest father on the planet.

Fight me. pic.twitter.com/t39gY58Gqf

— Jay Handlin (@jayhandlin) May 16, 2020

Rachel finished her undergraduate degree this year. She took up Bachelor of Fine Arts, majored in Photography and Media from the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia. She happens to have Down syndrome.

This is Rachel. As I said, she has #downsyndrome. She’s a college senior. In May she’ll earn her BFA in Photography from prestigious @CalArts. Her murals in the photos concern 2 other college grads w/DS.

This #WDSD2020 let’s protect everybody w/DS.

Let’s protect everybody. 5/5 pic.twitter.com/nDLwyoNcCW

— Jay Handlin (@jayhandlin) March 21, 2020

“This is my daughter, Rachel Handlin,” her dad tweeted. “Tonight, she earned her full Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. … I am officially the proudest father on the planet. Fight me.”

There is a picture of the photography displays in Rachel’s art show attached to the tweet. The exhibit was entitled Jumping Off Le Pont Neuf, featuring pictures that are both fascinating and complex. Surely, she is on her way to becoming a professional photographer. No wonder Jay is so proud of his daughter!

To all who said #CongratulationsRachel:
*Thx for asking to see #RachelHandlin‘s art! Her Instagram is handlinrachel.
*When her website launches I’ll post about it.
*”Fight me”=a common, humorous Twitter expression meaning “I dare you to say I’m wrong.” I don’t wanna fight anyone. pic.twitter.com/EVlrOPBoRx

— Jay Handlin (@jayhandlin) May 24, 2020

The tweet touched the hearts of many. Her story is an inspiration for everyone. This made people share just how much this story inspires them, how it gives them hope.

The Pediatric Therapy Network sent their congratulations to the fresh graduate. “In the global Down syndrome population, college degree recipients are one in a million,” the letter reads. “We couldn’t be more proud of her!” Rachel once received treatment from the institution.

Congratulations, Rachel, and thank you for sharing this, Jay! What an inspiration and proof that our kids have SO MUCH to offer this world. So happy for you both ???????? (shameless pic of my handsome boy – WNHS class of 2021????) pic.twitter.com/eckwDIVwMv

— Holly Besaw (@holly_besaw) May 17, 2020

The online post inspired other people, mostly parents, to share stories that made them proud. Nobody could resist the opportunity to talk about the different ways their loved ones made them proud, especially parents. Who could blame them?

Congratulations are in order. This milestone calls for a celebration, just keep in mind safety guidelines. Rachel, we are rooting for you as you pursue your dreams!

Source: Inspire More