Jared was born with Down Syndrome but does not let that stop him from achieving his goals. He has had a loving childhood and family, participated in various sports in high school and Special Olympics, and now attends college where he is learning important life skills. Jared has interned in housekeeping and as a public speaker. He hopes to someday get his own apartment, a good job, marry his girlfriend, and become a father by adopting a baby.

1. My Story
Hi my name is Jared Okun
I was born with Down Syndrome but
that doesn’t stop me from achieving my
goals

2. • My childhood was really awesome because I
have a loving family. It was not easy because I
faced a lot of challenges, but I did it.
• My teen years were amazing because I love
my life and the people in it
• My adult life has been outstanding because
the possibilities are endless and I can do
anything I set my mind and heart to

3. • As a child, my experience was really awesome.
I have a wonderful family and good friends,
they inspire me to be who I am on the
outside and in the inside.

4. • As a teen I participated in Special Olympics for
track and field, basketball, baseball and botchy
• I went to Fayetteville Manlius high school
• I attended special education classes, and some
inclusion classes. I would have liked to attend
more inclusion classes other than gym class and
other electives.
• I had dreams to become a college student
• If I could be a high school student again, I would
love to be more involved with wrestling and
public speaking

5. • As an adult I feel like I’m always ready to move on
to the next chapter in my life
• I attend Otsego Academy for a college program
where I learn about math skills, how to deal with
respecting others, and acceptance
• These things are important to me as an adult
• My friends, teachers and family influence my
decisions, they support my choices and what I
want out of life

6. What I’m working on Now
• I have internships, for example, housekeeping at
Pathfinder Village. I also speak at Bassett Healthcare. For
housekeeping I clean and stay organized and I speak about
diversity at Bassett. I love having the opportunity to have
internships.
• I love college and being social with my peers
• I am eager to learn new things and have the ability to
process these skills. For instance, being on time for class,
team building, fitting in with my peers, those with or
without down syndrome. I also have learned about time
and money management and multitasking.

7. Things I’ve achieved
• I got second place for 100 meter in the special
Olympics.
• In high school I got most sportsmanship award and the
most inspirational award
• I;m an active volunteer and even advocated for myself
to work in housekeeping at Pathfinder Village.
• I want to acknowledge my parents and my brothers for
helping me succeed through support. We are really
close, and they are important to me. My girlfriend also
helps me to be more open and creative.

8. Future plans and goals
My future plans are to get an apartment, get a
decent job that pays good, marry my girlfriend and
possibly adopt a baby. I cannot wait to be a dad
someday, I would love that a lot.