Seeing their children fulfill their dreams and achieve great things is something every parent wishes for, and one proud dad isn’t afraid to show the whole world just how happy his girl’s accomplishments made him.
Rachel is a young lady with Down Syndrome who never let anything stand on her way of getting a degree. Just recently, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography & Media from California Institute of the Arts.
#CalArts junior #RachelHandlin working on her mid-residency project.#Paris #filmphotography #Downsyndrome #nolimits pic.twitter.com/pCSClW1BXg
— Jay Handlin (@jayhandlin) August 12, 2017
If you think this isn’t anything special, just think again. According to the Pediatric Therapy Network, only one person with Down Syndrome in a million completes a higher education program, and Rachel is that one person in a million and that makes her very special.
#Photographer #RachelHandlin’s exhibition “Jumping Off Le Pont Neuf” at @CalArts Mint Gallery-reception TONITE. #Downsyndrome #blackandwhite pic.twitter.com/e5hMPa8n5E
— Jay Handlin (@jayhandlin) November 2, 2017
Her dad, Jay Handlin, was devastated that his girl won’t be attending a graduation party because of the pandemic and all the restrictions the governments imposed, and that is why he decided to share the news of Rachel’s triumph on his Tweeter account. Jay wrote: “I am officially the proudest father on the planet,” and we say that’s beyond cute.
His post was retweeted 19,000 times and received over 200,000 likes. What’s most, many commented how he deserves the Father of the Year award.
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
“The first time we took her to Musée d’Orsay, Laura was carrying Rachel when we entered the Van Gogh gallery and it was like an electric charge went through Rachel’s body. She had an instant, strong, positive physical reaction to the art,” dad Jay told People.
We are very proud of Rachel too and we know she will accomplish even greater things in life. She has her parents who support her by her side so the sky is the limit for this young lady.