This Guy Is The First Person With Down Syndrome To Graduate From College With A Major Diploma In Europe

Aug 08, 2019 by apost team

Many foreign film aficionados are familiar with Pablo Pineda, a renowned Spanish actor who was recognized at the San Sebastián International Film Festival in 2009 and received the Silver Shell award for his role in Yo También (Me Too).

The 43-year-old is also the first European with Down Syndrome to ever obtain a Major degree. He currently holds a BA in Educational Psychology and a diploma in Teaching. 

Pineda was born into a middle-class family in Málaga, Spain in 1974. In an interview with the University of Barcelona, he revealed that he attributes much of his success to his parents. 

"I was the youngest of a family of four brothers and my parents had me as one more. In this sense, they weren’t visionary. They were not influenced by opinions from others or were not affected by prejudices. My brothers played a role too, they were my teachers”.

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Today, Pineda gives lectures at schools and companies and is now internationally recognized for his work. He has also given numerous TED talks on his life experiences and accomplishments. He told the university that he urges parents with children with the syndrome to treat them just as they would any other kid. He now works with the Adecco Foundation, an initiative that strives to create social inclusion of people with various disabilities.

In an interview with disabilityworld.org, he stated that he wants to be proof that one's disability should not keep them back from pursuing their dreams. 

"I would like to become an example. I want to demonstrate that if one puts into work whatever one is able, you can do what you want. But beside what I was able to achieve, I also expect society to do its part. I do not want this to be a one way effort. This is a start of success and shows people that we are as competent as the rest. If you are the one who is setting up the barriers, you are then destroying possibilities for others. And, on the other hand it is essential for society to understand all of these things. "

Pablo is truly an inspiration. Do you know anybody as inspiring as him? Have you ever met anybody who made their dreams come true despite the odds? Let us know in the comments - and make sure you pass this along to your friends and family!