Emmy-Award winning TV Show, Born This Way, has been taking over cable network A&E by storm. Personally, it has taken over my heart as well. The show follows the lives of a handful of young adults affected by Down syndrome. However, their disability does not hold them back from their amazing aspirations in life.
Long ago, having a child with Down syndrome was seen as an embarrassment. They were often locked away in rooms during important events or sent away to avoid the family from being seen as an embarrassment. Of course, this was neither the family's fault nor the child's fault. Down syndrome is genetic disease caused by an extra chromosome in the body. Down syndrome is actually the most common genetic disease in the United States with 6,000 babies being born with Down syndrome every year. But what some forget to understand is that being diagnosed with a genetic disease does not make you any less of a person. I have family members with Down syndrome and to me they are not just another number to add onto a generic study. They are a loving and caring human being with likes, dislikes, goals, and mind full of thoughts and questions just like anybody else.
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The negative perspective of Down syndrome has come a long way all over the world as seen in Born This Way. Each of these individuals are no different than us. One of the most inspiring members of the show is named Megan. While the show takes place in Los Angeles, Megan is originally from Colorado and has recently made the move to California to pursue her dreams surrounded by her wonderful and supportive new friends who share the same disability as her. What is most impressive is that Megan has her own fashion line called "Megology" where she makes all types of clothing items with a twist of her own tie-dye creations. She also recently scored a job with Best Buddies and has spoken in front of international audiences about her disability and how she does not let that get in her way. "Don't limit us," she says, which is a strong phrase that has inspired many people affected by Down syndrome all around the world.
Another member of the group is John who aspires to become a rapper. Many people have underestimated him but he has so much talent and is ready to keep pursuing his dreams. On the bright side, he actually had the opportunity to fly to Atlanta and record his first song with the studio that has worked with artists such as Drake and 2 Chainz.
Then you have Cristina whose goal is to become a dancer and eventually become a competitor on Dancing With the Stars. She may obstacles coming at her left and right but she will do whatever it takes to be swirling in a dress across the stage and showing that someone with a disability can achieve so much.
All of these young adults may have a disability, but their abilities have proven to be out of this world. So don't forget to set your DVR's to A&E on Tuesdays and catch the next episode of Born This Way. I promise you won't be disappointed.
