Who are these pioneers in particular? By definition, pioneers are those who forge new paths for others to

follow, raise the bar with their achievements, and challenge the status quo in search of a better future.

They might be physically fit athletes who shatter records, intellectually interested academics who come up

with ground-breaking new theories, or medical specialists who perform never-before-seen surgeries.

But if they just go after their dreams and do what they love, even common folks could surprise themselves and become trailblazers.

Dylan Kuehl, a 38-year-old man from Olympia, Washington, had a simple objective: he wanted to finish college.

Kuehl, though, wasn’t your ordinary college student. He has Down syndrome, a genetic disorder that impairs one’s intelligence and cognitive functioning.

But the persistent Kuehl used his inner drive and resolve to push himself further than he had ever before, and as a result, he is now able to claim his graduation from The Evergreen State College.

However, Kuehl was not your typical college student. He has Down syndrome, a genetic condition that hampers cognition and IQ.

However, the tenacious Kuehl used his internal motivation and perseverance to push himself further

than he had ever before, and as a result, he is now able to claim his graduation from The Evergreen State College.

In a graduation video that was posted on June 9, 2022, Kuehl said, ‘Instead of giving up, I formed a network of people who would say yes…

who believed in me and helped me achieve my objectives by providing me with the resources I needed.

Out of about 900 candidates, he was one of just three chosen to deliver a speech during the graduation.

Kuehl, who likes to dance and paint, just graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a writing specialization.

And by accepting his graduation, Kuehl, the first person with Down syndrome to graduate from The Evergreen State College

in its 51-year existence, has set the bar high and won victories for inclusivity and diversity.

Kuehl was eager in his speech to express his gratitude to those who had helped him along the way.

He gave credit to his family, friends, classmates, and teachers for motivating him to stick to the course he had chosen.

According to Kuehl, ‘all of our hard work, dedication, and determination to never give up has brought us to this precise moment.’

He also took the time to thank his alma college, Evergreen, saying that ‘Evergreen is founded on inclusion where many other students who are in the same position as I am may have the right to be included.’

When variety and inclusion are valued, the community as a whole becomes richer and more enjoyable.

Kuehl wants to encourage others to follow in his footsteps and have even bigger dreams now that he has his certificate in hand:

‘I want a greater number of students to have access to new opportunities as a result of my academic and innovative successes.’

‘Take pride in the abilities you have. Kuehl told the other students, ‘Live your life with ambition and pride. Yes, I am the first person to graduate from here, but I won’t be the last.’